Mastering Active and Passive Voice Usage in Research Papers

Mastering Active and Passive Voice Usage in Research Papers

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Difference Between Active and Passive Voice
3. When to Use the Active Voice 3.1. Emphasizing the Agent of the Action 3.2. Making the Sentence Livelier 3.3. Clarity and Directness
4. When to Use the Passive Voice 4.1. When the Agent of the Action is Unimportant 4.2. When the Object or Action is More Important 4.3. When the Recipient of the Action is the Topic
5. Combining Active and Passive Voice for Cohesion
6. Conclusion

The Use of Active and Passive Voice in Writing

When it comes to writing, one of the decisions that often perplexes researchers is whether to use the active or passive voice. In school, most of us were taught to always use the active voice as it connects the subject and object more directly, giving more agency to the subject and making the sentence livelier. However, in research writing, the rule of using the active voice is not always as straightforward. In fact, there is a difference in application, which is why it is common to see many journal articles using the passive voice. This article will delve into the nuances of active and passive voice, explaining when to use each and how to combine them effectively for a cohesive and readable scientific manuscript.

1. Introduction

Writing in the active or passive voice is a decision that writers often struggle with, particularly when it comes to research writing. While the active voice is typically preferred for its clarity and directness, the passive voice has its own merits, especially in certain circumstances. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the active and passive voice, exploring when and how to use them effectively in scientific writing.

2. The Difference Between Active and Passive Voice

The active voice emphasizes the agent of the action, such as the person, animal, or object performing the action. For example, "We arranged the sample groups" clearly highlights the subject pronoun "we" as the performer of the action. On the other hand, the passive voice emphasizes the person or object receiving the action. In the passive construction, "Sample groups were arranged by us," the focus is on the object "sample groups."

3. When to Use the Active Voice

3.1 Emphasizing the Agent of the Action

The active voice is particularly useful when the agent of the action is essential to the meaning or understanding of the sentence. By placing the agent as the subject, the sentence becomes clearer and more direct. Using the active voice can also make the writing livelier and engage the reader.

3.2 Making the Sentence Livelier

Using the active voice allows for a more dynamic and engaging writing style. It brings the subject to the forefront, making the sentence more lively and compelling. When the goal is to persuade or captivate the reader, the active voice is generally the preferred choice.

3.3 Clarity and Directness

In scientific and clinical writing, clarity and directness are of utmost importance. The active voice is often stronger, clearer, and more concise than its passive voice counterparts. Most style manuals advise scientific and clinical writers to use the active voice whenever possible to enhance readability and comprehension.

4. When to Use the Passive Voice

4.1 When the Agent of the Action is Unimportant

There are instances when the agent of the action is unimportant, unknown, or obvious to the readers. In such cases, using the passive voice can be a good decision. For example, "Over 20,000 patients are diagnosed with diabetes each year in the United States" does not require specifying who performs the diagnoses, as it is commonly understood that doctors are responsible.

4.2 When the Object or Action is More Important

In research writing, there are situations where the object of the action or the action itself takes precedence over the agent performing the action. The study being conducted is often of greater importance than who conducted it. Therefore, the passive voice is often used to shift the focus onto the object or action, creating a more balanced and informative sentence.

4.3 When the Recipient of the Action is the Topic

Sometimes, it becomes necessary to use the passive voice to place the recipient of the action as the topic of the sentence. By starting with the important information, the reader is immediately informed of the central aspect of the sentence. This allows for effective communication and emphasizes the importance of the recipient.

5. Combining Active and Passive Voice for Cohesion

In scientific writing, it is possible to combine the active and passive voices to establish a cohesive structure and guide the reader through the text seamlessly. By connecting backwards and linking the final statement of a paragraph or sequence with the purpose stated in the first sentence, the writer can create a natural flow that enhances readability. This mix of active and passive constructions creates variation and maintains focus on the primary purpose of the content.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between using the active or passive voice depends on the specific context and purpose of the writing. The active voice is generally preferred for its clarity and directness, while the passive voice is beneficial in certain circumstances, such as when the agent is unimportant, when the object or action is more significant, or when the recipient of the action is the topic. By understanding the strengths of each voice and combining them effectively, researchers can create well-written and engaging scientific manuscripts.

Highlights:

• Understanding the differences between active and passive voice
• When to use the active voice in research writing
• When to use the passive voice for clarity and emphasis
• Combining active and passive voice for cohesion in scientific writing

FAQ:

Q: Which voice should I use in my research paper? A: The choice between active and passive voice depends on the specific context. Generally, the active voice is preferred for its clarity and directness, but there are instances where the passive voice can be effective, such as when the object or action is more important.

Q: Does using the passive voice make my paper more difficult to read? A: Not necessarily. While the active voice is often clearer and more concise, the passive voice can be used strategically to vary sentence structure and emphasize certain elements. When used appropriately, the passive voice can enhance the readability of a paper.

Q: How can I combine active and passive voice in my writing? A: To create a cohesive structure, you can use a sequence of sentences that connect backwards, with the final statement explaining the purpose stated in the first sentence. This combination of active and passive constructions can guide the reader and make your paper more comprehensible.