Transcript The Passive Engineer

“The Passive Engineer”
Posted by Professional Training Company
Presented by:
Benjamin D’Alessio
Introduction
What is the passive voice?
When is it appropriate to use the passive
voice?
When is it not appropriate to use the
passive voice?
What are the bad reasons for using the
passive voice?
The Passive Voice: What is it?
Many English verbs have two forms: the
active and passive.
Use of passive verb construction puts
importance on what happened and not
necessarily who was responsible.
Example:
– Active: I repaired the computer.
– Passive: The computer was repaired by me.
Why use the passive voice?
When who preformed the action doesn’t
matter
– Example: The assay was incubated.
Emphasize results and accomplishments,
but shouldn’t impede meaning.
– Active: We recommended the product to our
customers.
– Passive: Our customers followed our product
recommendations.
When should the passive voice not
be used?
Subject of sentence is ‘it’
– Passive: It is suggested that we implement this policy
immediately.
– Active: We suggest implementing this plan
immediately.
Writing instructions: emphasis should be
directed at the person performing the action
– Passive: After using the beaker, it should be cleaned
thoroughly.
– Active: Clean the beaker thoroughly after use.
Unsound reasons for
using passive voice
Using pronouns sounds unprofessional
– Why unsound: Avoids taking responsibility,
encourages wordy writing.
Being objective avoids presentation of
data to be tainted by personal opinions
– Why unsound: Objectivity comes from quality
of work, not how it is presented.
Conclusions
Use of passive voice depends on what
part of sentence needs emphasis.
Active form can sometimes make meaning
clearer.
Passive voice should not be used when
giving instructions or when subject is
vague.
Questions and Comments?