Expertlatin
- When should we use the passive?
- Why is passive voice not recommended?
- How is passive voice used in history?
- What type of texts are passives most frequently used in?
When should we use the passive?
We use the passive voice to change the focus of the sentence. We often use the passive: when we prefer not to mention who or what does the action (for example, it's not known, it's obvious or we don't want to say) so that we can start a sentence with the most important or most logical information.
Why is passive voice not recommended?
Reasons to Avoid Passive Voice
Sometimes the use of passive voice can create awkward sentences, as in the last example above. Also, overuse of passive voice throughout an essay can cause your prose to seem flat and uninteresting.
How is passive voice used in history?
What is passive voice? In historical writing, authors often use passive voice. Passive voice is when the object of the sentence holds the place that traditionally belongs to the subject. Because of this structure, the verb happens to the object.
What type of texts are passives most frequently used in?
The passive voice is often used in formal texts. Switching to the active voice will make your writing clearer and easier to read.
