Why English Writers and Teachers Actually Embrace Passive Voice

When it comes to the debate surrounding the passive voice, many English teachers and the majority of English writers might seem to be on opposite sides. However, this perception is not entirely accurate. I, a commercially published thriller writer, can attest that my preference for the passive voice isn't due to any hatred for it, but rather a strategic decision based on the desired effect on the narrative and the message.

Understanding Active and Passive Voice

Before delving into the nuances of when and why to use the passive voice, it's important to understand what these terms mean. Active voice is when the subject of a sentence performs the action: "The dog chased the cat." In contrast, passive voice puts the object of the action in the subject position and uses a form of "to be" plus a past participle: "The cat was chased by the dog."

The Common Perceptions

Many English teachers and writing guides often advise against passive voice because it can make sentences longer, harder to understand, or less direct. This is certainly true in certain contexts. However, such blanket advice often overlooks the strategic use of passive voice for specific goals. English writers, while not as universally opposed, might sometimes shy away from it due to a misunderstanding of its potential benefits.

Why English Writers Use Passive Voice

One of the primary reasons writers, including commercial thriller authors like myself, use passive voice is to establish a mood or atmosphere. For example, in a thriller, a passive sentence might slow down the narrative and create suspense. Take the sentence 'The safe was cracked by the thief' and compare it to 'The thief cracked the safe.' The former could imply a more deliberate and clandestine act, with the focus on the theft rather than the thief.

Strategic Narrative Pacing

Another reason passive voice is favored is its ability to control the pacing of the narrative. In my thriller novels, I use passive voice to deliberately slow down certain parts of the story. By reversing the subject and the action, the sentence naturally elongates, which can draw out tension or convey a sense of inevitability. For instance, 'The key to the safe was found on the body of the previous owner' creates a pause and a deliberate reveal, allowing the reader to absorb the significance of the discovery more thoroughly.

Creating Irony and Humor

Passive voice can also be highly effective in creating irony or humor. By focusing on the action and removing the active subject, the sentence can shift emphasis and tone. Consider the following: 'The documents were verified to be authentic,' as opposed to 'The experts verified the documents to be authentic.' The former sentence places the emphasis on the doubts surrounding the authenticity, adding a layer of irony or skepticism.

Conclusion: The Versatility of Passive Voice

To summarize, while the active voice is certainly more direct and economical, the passive voice offers unique benefits in terms of narrative pacing, mood, and thematic elements. English writers and teachers should embrace the passive voice for its strategic value, rather than viewing it as a tool to be avoided. The key is to use it judiciously, understanding the impact it can have on the narrative and the message you wish to convey.