Passive Voice Isn’t the Villain You Think It Is
Experienced writers will say you should never use passive voice.
Is that true?
I’m here to argue it’s not. Passive voice is an important part of the English language for a reason. Here’s why.
What is passive voice?
As a reminder, passive voice = [subject] + [to be verb + past participle] + [by object].
Example: The product was updated by the development team.
Something is being done to someone or something else rather than someone doing the action. Passive-voice sentences are typically longer and weaker than active-voice sentences. Just consider these examples:
Passive: Virtual reality is being used by companies to solve real-world problems.
Active: Companies are using virtual reality to solve real-world problems.
Passive: The surveys were filled out by disgruntled employees.
Active: Disgruntled employees filled out the surveys.
Note: Active voice also opens the door to different verbs; so for example: Disgruntled employees sunk their teeth into the anonymous surveys. Disgruntled employees let their emotions bleed in the anonymous surveys.
BUT, even with all that said, there are still times when passive voice is pretty useful. Here’s three.
Reason #1: Something (the subject) is more important than whoever is performing the action.
One instance when it makes sense to use passive voice is when the subject is more important than whoever/whatever is performing the action.
Examples:
The case was solved. (Versus the active version: Leonard solved the case. Usually we care more that the case was solved than who solved it.)
The disease was cured. (The disease being cured is much more important than the sole company or person responsible.)
The bank was robbed. (The bank being robbed is usually more interesting than the perpetrator, unless it’s someone you know or live next to.)
Reason #2: Condensing information
Passive voice can be great for shortening sentences, especially in user experience writing.
Examples:
You sent a message > Message sent (Message [was] sent [by you])
You saved a draft > Draft saved
You completed your quest > Quest completed
Reason #3: Adding detachment/anonymity
Want to convey some kind of feeling but don't want to make it personal? Passive voice can make you, well, more passive!
Examples:
You'll be missed (instead of I’ll miss you)
You are loved (instead of I love you)
Your work is appreciated (instead of I appreciate your work)
Reason #4: You just want to use different verbs/sentence structure
Maybe you just want to change things up. Passive voice can still be evocative and open the door to different verbs.
Examples:
Passive: The river was flanked by two impossibly tall mountains. The imposing rock walls had been weathered by years of rain and wind.
Active: Two impossibly tall mountains flanked the river. Years of rain and wind had flattened the rock walls to a line.
The verdict
Active voice is usually stronger than passive voice, but passive voice can be used strategically (see what I did there?).
Use passive voice sparingly. But when you do, revel in it because you know what you’re doing.