Passive Voice

 The passive voice is used to emphasize the action rather than the doer (subject). Instead of focusing on who performs the action, the passive voice highlights what happens to the object. It is commonly used in formal writing, scientific reports, and when the doer is unknown or unimportant.

Uses of the Passive Voice

1. When the doer (agent) is unknown or unimportant

   • "A valuable painting was stolen last night." (We don’t know who stole it.)
   • "The bridge was repaired last week." (It doesn’t matter who repaired it.)

2. When the focus is on the action or result rather than the person doing it

   • "A new law has been passed." (The focus is on the law, not who passed it.)
   • "The homework must be submitted by Friday." (The deadline is more important than the person submitting it.)

3. In scientific, academic, or technical writing

   • "The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment."
   • "The results were analyzed carefully."

4. To sound more objective and formal

   • "Mistakes were made." (Avoids blaming someone directly.)
   • "A decision has been taken." (Sounds more formal than "We have taken a decision.")

5. In news reports and announcements

• "A new hospital will be built in the city."
• "The suspect has been arrested."

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