Mastering Passive Voice in English Writing

Understanding Passive Voice in English

Passive voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action, rather than the doer. This often results in a more formal tone and is frequently used in academic or professional writing.

Examples of Passive Voice

Incorrect: I ran the obstacle course in record time

Correct: The obstacle course was run by me in record time

Why Use Passive Voice?

Passive voice can be used to emphasize the action or focus on the receiver of the action rather than the doer. It is also useful when the doer is unknown or irrelevant to the sentence.

Common Mistakes with Passive Voice

One common mistake is overusing passive voice, which can lead to unclear or convoluted writing. It's important to strike a balance and use passive voice judiciously.

Practice Makes Perfect

By practicing and incorporating passive voice into your writing, you can improve the sophistication and variety of your sentences. Remember to revise and edit your work to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Question:

What is an example of passive voice?

The obstacle course was run by me in record time

← Why does good scientific knowledge not last forever Brainstorming a creative and less stressful method for generating ideas →