• Linguistics and Language -> Grammar and Syntax

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Is passive voice a hindrance or a help to clear communication, and why?

Hana Livock

Passive voice, eh? Well, let me tell you, my dear friend, whether it's a help or a hindrance to clear communication is a question that's been debated more than whether pineapple belongs on pizza. But, unlike the latter, I'll give you a straight answer.

First things first, let's define what passive voice is. Essentially, it's when the subject of a sentence isn't doing the action, but rather receiving it. For example, "The ball was kicked by the boy" instead of "The boy kicked the ball".

Now, some people will tell you that passive voice is the devil incarnate, a tool of the weak and the clumsy. They'll say that it makes writing convoluted, confusing and less engaging. And you know what? They're not entirely wrong. Using passive voice improperly, especially in business writing, can make your message sound inauthentic, boring and even evasive.

But, and this is important, passive voice isn't inherently evil. In fact, when used correctly, it can be a great tool for clarity and emphasis. When you want to emphasize the action over the subject, passive voice can help you do so. For example, "The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci" puts the focus on the painting, rather than the artist. Similarly, when you don't know who the subject is or want to hide it, passive voice can be your best friend. "Mistakes were made" is a classic example of this, although we all know it's just a fancy way of saying "we messed up, but we won't say who did it".

In fact, in academic writing, passive voice is often preferred because it creates a more objective tone. By removing the subject, the writer can distance themselves from the argument and focus solely on the information. This is why you might see a lot of "this study found" or "it has been shown" in scientific papers.

So, to sum it up, passive voice can be a hindrance or a help to clear communication depending on the context and the writer's intent. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a tool to be used wisely. The next time you're writing, take a moment to consider whether passive voice is the best way to convey your message. And if you're still not sure, just remember: when in doubt, active voice is always a safe bet.