Choosing the Correct Passive Voice: When and Why to Use It

In the phrase 'The correct passive voice for the active sentence is ...', the answer often depends on the context and the emphasis you wish to impart. Understanding when and how to use the passive voice can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Let's explore the nuances and discuss how the passive voice can be used appropriately.

When the Passive Voice Is Appropriate

The passive voice is not an option to avoid at all costs. There are times when using passive voice can be beneficial, especially if you want to:

Place emphasis on the action, not the subject Avoid using the subject as the actor of the sentence Make the sentence more objective Create a more formal tone in writing

For example, if you want to focus on the action rather than the doer, you might say, 'The food can be cooked quickly,' rather than 'Mother can cook the food quickly.' The passive voice highlights the action of cooking.

The Active and Passive Versions Explained

Consider the sentence 'They are both correct and both passive.' This statement tells us that both versions of the sentence are correct, regardless of whether they include the prepositional phrase 'by mother' or not. Let's look at the examples in detail:

'Food can be cooked by mother very quickly.' 'Food can be cooked very quickly.'

Both sentences are grammatically correct. The first one specifies who performs the action (mother), while the second omits this detail. The prepositional phrase 'by mother' is optional and is used when you want to explicitly state the actor. For example, if you are emphasizing that your mother is the one who cooks quickly, you might use the first sentence.

Comparing Sentences and Context

To illustrate further, let's break down the given sentences:

'Food can be cooked by mother very quickly.' 'Food can be cooked very quickly.'

Both sentences are correct, but they differ in their emphasis:

'Food can be cooked by mother very quickly.' - This sentence emphasizes the speed and the doer (your mother). 'Food can be cooked very quickly.' - This sentence is more concise, focusing solely on the action and speed, without mentioning the actor.

Both versions are grammatically sound, but the context of the writing or your intended point might dictate which one to use.

Best Practices in Writing

While the passive voice has its uses, it's generally advisable to write in the active voice. Active voice tends to be more direct, engaging, and easier to read. It also allows for a more balanced and fair representation of actions and responsibilities.

Yet, there are moments where the passive voice is a better choice. For example:

When you want to de-emphasize the actor and let the action take center stage. When the actor is unknown, obvious, or irrelevant. When you want to make your writing more formal or impersonal.

Consider this sentence: 'Food can be cooked very quickly.' Using the passive voice here makes the sentence more impersonal and focuses on the action, leaving the subject as unimportant or unknown.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of active and passive voice can greatly enhance your writing skills. Both voice types have their strengths, and the choice often comes down to the context and the intended emphasis. While it's generally more engaging to write in the active voice, there are instances where the passive voice serves a specific purpose.

Remember, the key is to remain consistent in your style and use the passive voice effectively, without overusing it. By doing so, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and impactful.

Related Keywords

active voice, passive voice, sentence structure, writing style, grammar rules