Although writers are frequently advised to avoid the passive voice, it can sometimes be perfectly appropriate to use it. For example, it has a ceremonial use in meetings.
It is also appropriate to use it in the following instances:
- when the subject is a real subject and not an impersonal one such as “it”
- when the subject is unknown, general or unimportant
- in more academic contexts such as when naming the authors of books, or attributing an artist to a painting
- in the methodology part of an article, study or proposal.
“Real” versus “impersonal” subject
– Writers are advised to avoid the active voice.
– It is recommended that writers avoid the passive voice.
Subject unknown, general or unimportant
– Several hundred people were arrested during the demonstrations.
– The village was invaded and many villagers were attacked with machetes.
Academic use and referencing
– The Mona Lisa was painted by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci.
– The data was collected via in-depth interviews. Or: The data were collected via in-depth interviews.
Official use
– The meeting was opened by Secretary-General António Guterres.
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Author: Carol Waites
Presentation/editing by Christina O’Shaughnessy
https://worldwidewriting.org/
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Carol Waites (PhD)
Email: carolswritingtips@gmail.com
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