Is passive voice construction incorrect?
Although passive voice construction is grammatically correct, it often results in indirect, wordy, and sometimes vague sentences. Should you totally avoid using it? Do use occasional passive voice construction to add fluency and balance to your writing; however, aim for writing in the active voice about 80 percent of the time. Note that most scientific, technical, or legal writing is passive because the purpose is to emphasize a process or principle instead of the “actor.” Focus on identifying your passive sentences when you are proofreading your document instead of when you are drafting it. The grammar check tool will help you find them. Then you can decide which ones should be converted to the active voice and which ones serve a better purpose by remaining passive.
