WHEN TO USE PASSIVE VOICE

WHEN TO USE PASSIVE VOICE

1) Use passive voice when the doer of the action (the subject) is unknown or when mentioning a specific subject is not desirable.

Examples:

• The window was broken during the night.
• The store was robbed.
• The wealthy oil man was kidnapped.
• A pie was thrown at the speaker.
  

2) The passive voice is necessary when the doer of the action (the subject) is less important than the action itself or the result of the action. 

     Examples:

• The lost dog was returned by her neighbor.
• The Klee painting was stolen by the vandals.
• The Stanley Cup was presented by the commissioner. 
• The annual report was presented by the group leader.

• 3) Use the passive voice to soften the effect of a complaint. 

       Example: 

• My letter was torn by the letter carrier. Instead of The letter carrier tore my letter.

For more information:

http://gato-docs.its.txstate.edu/slac/Subject/Writing/Grammer/Recognizing-Passive-Voice/Recognizing%20Passive%20Voice.pdf