Podcast
Questions and Answers
In the sentence 'The survey instrument was administered by the school administrators,' what voice is being used?
In the sentence 'The survey instrument was administered by the school administrators,' what voice is being used?
Which of the following correctly describes the structure of a sentence in active voice?
Which of the following correctly describes the structure of a sentence in active voice?
Which of the following sentences is in passive voice?
Which of the following sentences is in passive voice?
Active voice is preferred in scholarly writing for its:
Active voice is preferred in scholarly writing for its:
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Which of the following sentences correctly uses the passive voice?
Which of the following sentences correctly uses the passive voice?
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What is a reason for using passive voice, as mentioned in the text?
What is a reason for using passive voice, as mentioned in the text?
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What can overuse of passive voice lead to in writing?
What can overuse of passive voice lead to in writing?
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What is a common error in passive voice mentioned in the text?
What is a common error in passive voice mentioned in the text?
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Study Notes
Active and Passive Voice: A Closer Look
In writing, the choice between active and passive voice is critical for clarity, precision, and readability. Active voice is generally preferred in scholarly writing for its directness and clarity. However, passive voice is also used strategically to emphasize certain aspects of a sentence or to create a specific tone.
Formation
Active voice is constructed with the subject, verb, and object in that order:
- Subject: The research team
- Verb: synthesized
- Object: Colloidal CdSe-Au NRs
Passive voice uses a form of the verb "to be" followed by the past participle of the main verb and the preposition "by," which can indicate an action performed on the subject:
- Subject: Colloidal CdSe-Au NRs
- Verb: were synthesized
- Preposition: by
- Subject: the research team
Examples
Active Voice
- I conducted a study of elementary school teachers.
- Teachers presented their findings at the conference.
- The participants were incentivized with a $5 coffee gift card upon completion of their interview.
Passive Voice
- A study was conducted by the research team.
- Findings were distributed among the participants.
- The survey instrument was administered by the school administrators.
Strategic Usage
While active voice is generally preferred, passive voice can be used for specific purposes.
- To emphasize the action rather than the actor: After long debate, the proposal was endorsed by the long-range planning committee.
- To keep the subject and focus consistent throughout a passage.
- To be tactful by not naming the actor: The procedures were somehow misinterpreted.
- To describe a condition in which the actor is unknown or unimportant: Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed as having cancer.
- To create an authoritative tone: Visitors are not allowed after 9:00 p.m.
Common Errors
In passive voice, watch out for these common problems:
- Overuse of passive voice, which can make writing less direct and more wordy.
- Omitting the subject after a form of "to be" and the past participle, which can result in confusion about who performed the action.
Conclusion
Active and passive voice are two fundamental aspects of sentence construction, each with their own uses and benefits. By understanding their formation and application, writers can create clear, concise, and engaging prose.
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Description
Learn about the differences between active and passive voice in writing, and how to use each effectively for clarity and emphasis. Explore examples, formation rules, strategic usages, common errors, and the benefits of understanding active and passive voice in sentence construction.
