VERB VOICE

• Article graphics | The University of Arizona Writing CenterOpens in new window

When Passive Voice Is Preffered Over the Active Voice

The active voiceOpens in new window is often preferred when it comes to spoken or written English because it makes our constructions direct, clearer and easily understood. However, there are some situations where the passive voice may suitably fit best.

In this lesson, we'll take a close look at certain contexts where the passive voice may be preferred.

1. We may use the passive voice when we don’t know the active subject (doer) of the action:

   Passive Voice	Someone stole the watch. (No one knows who stole it.)

We may use passive voice when the active subject (doer of the action) is not important, and we want to focus attention on the active object (receiver of the action):

Passive Voice	Workers were paid. (It isn't important to know who paid them.)

2. We may use the passive voice when it becomes obvious who the active subject is:

   Passive Voice	The thief was arrested.

3. We may use passive voice when we want to focus attention on the action of the sentence rather than the doer of the action:

   Passive Voice	Scores of people were injured in the fire mishap.

4. In standard practice, the passive voice is often used to describe scientific or mechanical processes by avoiding the personal pronounOpens in new window or to focus attention on the research rather than the researcher.

   For example:	The gas flaring alternative solution is being conducted presently.

The passive voice is widely used in news reports:

For example:	The public's grievances have been channeled to the proper authority.

In certain contexts, the sentence in the active voice may sound awkward. Hence, we prefer to use the passive voice when speaking or writing. Compare the following:

Active Voice	His mother bore him in Louisiana in 1976. (sounds awkward)
Passive Voice	He was born in Louisiana in 1976. (sounds good)

5. Sometimes, we make use of the passive voice when we want to make our statements more formal and polite. Compare the following:

   Active Voice	You have not submitted the implementation plan. (less polite)
   Passive Voice	The implementation plan has not been submitted. (more polite)

6. Sometimes we do find ourselves shifting away responsibility; passive voice is preferred in such occasion. Compare the following:

   Active Voice	We made a mistake
   Passive Voice	A mistake was made.