November 5, 2009: Issue 313
Last week we defended negative constructions. This week, with apologies to composition teachers everywhere, we’re going to take a stand in favor of the passive voice.
Active voice is usually the better choice. But sometimes what happened is more important than who made it happen.
acceptable: Builders constructed the house in 1908.
preferred: The house was built in 1908.
acceptable: Researchers discovered insulin in 1921.
preferred: Insulin was discovered in 1921.
Acknowledgment: Our thanks are extended to reader Talley Sue Hohlfeld, by whom it was suggested that this topic be addressed.