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<h1 align=center>ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE</h1>

<p>If you write, <i>The robot was taken apart</i>, you are using
the <b><i>passive voice</i></b>. If, on the other hand, you write,
<i>We</i><i> took the robot apart</i>, you are using the <b><i>active
voice</i></b>. The first emphasizes the action taken; the second places
the emphasis on the one taking the action. The voice you choose
depends on the style of your report, and, sometimes, on your audience.</p>

<p>Most good writers primarily use the active voice. It makes for more
interesting work. However, technical writing is different. Emphasizing
the one doing the action often necessitates using we or I. Many technical
organizations think that this reduces a report's objectivity. Avoiding
first person pronouns, especially I, is common in technical report writing.
However, the American Chemical Society Style Guide says:</p>

<blockquote>
<p><i>Use the active voice when it is less wordy and more direct than the passive:</i></br>

<i><b><u>Poor:</u></b></i><br>
<i>"The fact that such processes are under strict control is demonstrated by our work
in this area."</i><br>
<i><b><u>Better:</u></b></i><br>
<i>"Our work in this area demonstrates that such processes are under strict control."</i></p>
</blockquote>

<p>More and more, scientific writing allows for the use of the active voice,
and sometimes for first person pronouns. The ACS Style Guide continues by
allowing for the use of the first person when it helps to clarify meaning
or when you are relating a purpose or decision:</p>

<blockquote>
<p><i>Jones reported xyz, but I (or we) found [...]</i><br>

<i>My (or Our) recent work demonstrated [...]</i><br>
<i>To determine the effects of structure on photophysics, I (or we) [...]</i></p>
</blockquote>

<p>Be careful when using first person pronouns not to use phrases like <i>we
believe</i> or <i>we feel</i>. These are not objective phrases and
are never acceptable in technical writing.</p>

<p>In EG, you must use the passive voice, <i>The</i><i> robot was taken apart</i>,
and not the active voice, <i>We took the robot apart</i>. This is still the most
common style chosen by engineers, so use the passive voice. You are also
discouraged from using personal pronouns like <i>I </i>and <i>we</i>. Using the
passive voice will sometimes cause awkward constructions — you must be careful
to avoid these by rephrasing sentences whose syntax is too complicated. Later in
the semester, your writing consultant will give you opportunities to write
technical reports using the active voice.</p>


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