Passive Voice

Definition

Passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of the sentence is acted upon rather than performing the action. This shifts the focus from the doer to the receiver of the action, which can create a different tone or emphasis in writing. It is often used in action lines to convey a sense of detachment or to highlight the actions occurring rather than who is performing them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In passive voice, the object of an action becomes the subject of the sentence, often leading to less clarity about who is responsible for the action.
2. Using passive voice can create a sense of mystery or suspense, as it can obscure who is acting and shift focus to the action itself.
3. It's generally advised to use active voice for clarity and brevity, but passive voice can be effective in specific contexts, like screenwriting.
4. In screenwriting, action lines often benefit from passive constructions when emphasizing actions over characters, creating a cinematic quality.
5. Overusing passive voice can make writing feel flat and impersonal; balance between active and passive constructions is crucial for engaging storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does using passive voice in action lines affect the reader's perception of characters and events?
  • Using passive voice in action lines tends to shift attention from characters to the actions themselves. This can create an air of mystery or drama, as it obscures who is doing what, prompting readers to focus more on the unfolding events rather than individual character motivations. When characters are not clearly identified as doers, it can lead to a more objective view of the storyline, which may enhance tension or intrigue in certain scenes.
• Discuss how passive voice can be effectively utilized in screenwriting while avoiding common pitfalls.
  • Passive voice can be effectively utilized in screenwriting to draw attention away from characters and emphasize the actions or events taking place. For example, saying 'The door was slammed' shifts focus from who slammed it to the act itself. However, it's important to avoid excessive use that could lead to confusion or dullness in dialogue. A careful balance between active and passive voice maintains clarity while still allowing for dramatic effect.
• Evaluate the implications of choosing passive voice over active voice in terms of narrative engagement and style.
  • Choosing passive voice over active voice can significantly alter narrative engagement and style. While active voice tends to create immediacy and energy by emphasizing who is doing the action, passive voice can evoke a sense of distance or reflection, which may suit certain themes or moments in a story. This choice can impact how readers connect with characters—using passive constructions might suggest an overarching force acting upon characters, while active constructions ground them in their agency and decisions. Ultimately, understanding when to employ each form allows writers to craft more nuanced and compelling narratives.

Related terms

Active Voice: A grammatical construction where the subject performs the action of the verb, making sentences more direct and vigorous.

Subject: The part of a sentence that indicates who or what is performing the action or being described.

Verb Tense: The form a verb takes to indicate the time at which an action takes place, affecting how passive or active a sentence feels.