How To Use The Passive Voice Effectively
Most teachers and writing instructors will advice you to steer clear of the passive voice. For good reason too, since it does make for some boring flow of words. While we do recommend that you follow that as much as possible, there are situations where the passive voice can prove more appropriate.
Write With Ambiguity
Sometimes, we want to write with intentional ambiguity. In such an instance, the passive voice can be a godsend. Of course, it doesn’t help the reader understand things more clearly, but it does give the writer an out to potentially awkward situations.
Wait..Wait..Wait
I know. You’re confused. Aren’t we supposed to compose text with as much clarity as possible? Sure, even the most trusted writing software will say so. When you’re producing documents for the real world, though, things are rarely as black-and-white.
Situations Where Ambiguity Is Necessary
Listen to politicians speak. Notice how they avoid tackling controversial issues by the use of passive verbs. You should do the same thing when writing clearly can get you in trouble.
When asked to write a business memo where you’re supposed to detail what went down in a company disaster, for instance, it isn’t too far out to come across information that can ruffle some feathers. If you want to lay the blame in a cordial, diplomatic manner, using the active voice can prove too bold, showing how someone erred in a manner that is too descriptive for comfort. The passive voice, with its natural tact and diplomacy, should make for a better alternative.