Introduction to Passive Voice
In English grammar, the passive voice is a form used to emphasize the action of the sentence and the recipient of the action rather than the doer. Unlike the active voice, where the subject performs the action, in the passive voice, the subject is acted upon by the verb. This voice is particularly useful in academic and formal writing, where the focus is on the action or result rather than on the actor.
Structure of Passive Voice
The structure of a sentence in the passive voice generally follows this pattern: Object + Auxiliary Verb (be) + Past Participle + by + Subject
Example:
- The ball (object) was kicked (auxiliary verb ‘be’ + past participle) by John (subject).
In this example, the focus shifts from “John” to “the ball.” The ball, which receives the action, becomes the subject of the sentence.
Advantages of Using Passive Voice
- Emphasis on the action or result: When the result of the action is more important than who or what performed it, the passive voice is appropriate. It highlights the importance of the action itself.
- Objectivity: In scientific writing or other formal texts, the passive voice helps maintain a tone of objectivity, focusing on the process or findings rather than on the researcher.
- Unknown or irrelevant actors: When the doer of the action is unknown, irrelevant, or obvious from the context, the passive voice is particularly useful.
- Politeness and formality: The passive construction can be used to avoid directly naming the doer of the action, which can be seen as more polite or formal.
When to Use Passive Voice
- Formal or academic writing: When writing academic papers, reports, or formal documents where the focus is on the action or result.
- When the doer is unknown or unimportant: For example, in a sentence like “Mistakes were made,” the doer is not specified because it is not necessary for the meaning intended.
- To emphasize the action over the actor: In cases where the action is more significant than who performed it, such as in process descriptions or instructions.
Examples of Passive Voice
- The meal was prepared by the chef.
- The book was written by the author.
- The project will be completed by the team.
- The law was enacted by the legislature.
Each example focuses more on the action and its recipient than on the performer of the action.
Conversion from Active to Passive Voice
To convert a sentence from active to passive voice, you need to make the object of the active sentence into the subject of the passive sentence. Then, use the appropriate form of the verb “to be” followed by the past participle of the main verb. If necessary, you can include the doer of the action introduced by the preposition “by.”
Active: The chef cooked the meal. Passive: The meal was cooked by the chef.
Here, “the meal” moves from the position of the object in the active sentence to the subject in the passive sentence. “The chef” is now introduced by “by” indicating who performed the action.
Conclusion
The passive voice is a powerful tool in English grammar that serves specific purposes, such as emphasizing the action or result over the actor, maintaining objectivity, or dealing with unknown, irrelevant, or implicit subjects. While it is often less direct than the active voice, it is indispensable in formal, academic, and scientific writing.
Understanding when and how to use the passive voice effectively can enhance the clarity and appropriateness of your communication. Remember, the choice between active and passive voice should always be guided by your communication goals and the context of your writing.