An opinion exists that overusing of the passive voice can make writing harder for reading and understanding. Is it true for all kinds of writing? How to follow this advice without overemphasizing it?
Is there ever a good time to use passive voice?
Answer
Mark the passive use in your text. Read them aloud. Change the sentences to active. Read them aloud. What sounds better?
With the passive form it is harder to visualize your story to your reader - less "action". "Philip was killed by Martin." sounds less dramatic than "Martin killed Philip". What picture do you want to create in the head of the reader? Answer that question and you can decide for each passive use, if it is appropriate or not.
With active voice you can drive a story. Passive voice often sounds like you are just a bystander, watching something what you're not involved to.
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