Passive voice shifts the responsibility and can sound impersonal. The active voice puts the person back into the writing and makes the reader feel included. It is action-oriented. When writing emails or correspondence, active voice is usually the better choice.
However, here are some examples of passive voice used appropriately.
Please find attached the report following our mission to … from …
Attached to the report are the results produced by the teams.
They will be delivered to the people requesting this information.
In the following examples, active voice would be more appropriate. Find the subject and use the active verb. Make your workplace sound like it’s composed of human beings.
Task: Change the following sentences to the active voice.
- A consultant is needed for a period of three months.
- Your letter of 16 January has been received.
- Reference is made to our discussion today.
Answer key
- We will need a consultant for a period of three months.
- We received your letter of 16 January.
- I refer to our discussion today.
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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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Carol’s memoir of her times at the United Nations, Behind the Flags, is available on Amazon and lulu.com
ISBN 9783952632703 Behind the Flags Amazon
9783952632710 Behind the Flags Black and White Version Amazon (Australia and Japan)
9783952632727 Behind the Flags lulu.com