How does the use of passive voice affect English writing?.

The use of passive voice in English writing can obscure clarity by shifting focus from the subject to the action. In contrast to active voice, where the subject performs the action, passive voice emphasizes the action itself or the recipient, which may lead to confusion or vagueness.

Key Facts

• Passive voice construction uses a form of 'to be' plus a past participle (e.g., 'The ball was thrown').
• Overuse of passive voice can make sentences longer and less engaging.
• Studies indicate that active voice generally enhances reader comprehension by up to 30%.
• In formal writing, such as academic papers, passive voice can sometimes be preferred for objectivity.

Examples or Use Cases

• Active Voice: "The researcher conducted the experiment."
• Passive Voice: "The experiment was conducted by the researcher."
• In journalism, active voice is favored for clarity, while in scientific writing, passive may be used to emphasize results.

Common Mistakes / FAQs

• Is passive voice always bad? Not necessarily; it depends on context. Sometimes it is used for emphasis or to maintain a formal tone.
• How can I identify passive voice? Look for a form of 'to be' followed by a past participle. If the doer is omitted, it’s likely passive.