Using Active and Passive Voice in a Scientific Paper
- June 8, 2024
- Posted by: Yury Subachev, PhD
- Categories: For young scientists, Paper writing, Scientific translation
Below you will find some tips for deciding between utilizing active and passive verb forms in academic writing.
The distinction between active and passive voice is oftentimes troublesome even for those proficient in English. Supposedly everyone has heard the recommendation to refrain from utilizing passive phrases based on the assumption that the latter are “weak”. At the same time, there is a great deal of subtle aspects in selecting the appropriate voice, complicating the writer’s task. There are instances when a passive form can be desirable or even preferred. It can depend upon the traditions of a specific publication or the branch of knowledge, and also on the ideas the writer intends to convey. In other cases, an active option can be preferred. It is acceptable to use both voices in one and the same work. The selection of the voice must rely on the corresponding context, as well as the specific paper subsection.
Active voice
Essentially, the active voice draws attention to the agent implementing something, i.e. the “actor”.
Passive voice
The passive voice brings into the spotlight the object receiving the specified action.
After shedding light on the fundamental difference between active and passive phrases, let us provide a few typical examples.
2. Six ways to determine a voice.
2.1. Focusing on the object
Passive: The laboratory experiment was carried out by the research team in three stages.
Active: The research team carried out the laboratory experiment in three stages.
The above phrases have the same meaning. Nevertheless, in the first variant, the focus of attention is the experiment, as well as the way of carrying it out. Consequently, the passive voice is applicable here, though the active option is not excluded.
Passive: The study design was authorized by the Department of Education.
Active: The Department of Education authorized the study design.
Here it is highlighted that the study was authorized, which is perhaps more meaningful than the authorizing organization. So, it is reasonable here to give preference to the passive version.
2.2. Avoidance of first and third person
Passive: Statistical tools were applied to analyze the measurement results.
Active 1: We applied statistical tools to analyze the measurement results.
Active 2: The research team applied statistical tools to analyze the measurement results.
There are a few reasons why the active variant can be not a preferred choice here. The first active phrase is all right in terms of grammar. Nevertheless, some writers, as well as publications, try not to utilize the first person in academic articles. So, a passive construction might be a reasonable option in this cumbersome situation. The second version, in which the third person is used (“research team”), although correct, seems somewhat inappropriate. Here also the authors pay attention to some specific features of the applied methodology, which includes using statistical tools. Therefore, the use of a passive version is reasonable here.
2.3. Passive and auxiliary verbs
The above passive phrases have something in common: they contain the verb “to be”, which is regarded as an auxiliary verb since it makes the phrase complete. In active grammatical structures, there is no need for such verbs. Therefore, it is commonly deemed that active phrases are somewhat “stronger”.
2.4. Cases when active voice is a better choice
Making the phrase more intelligible and concise
Active: The performed analysis of regulatory standards in different countries shows that they have something in common.
Passive: In the performed analysis of regulatory standards in different countries, it is shown that they have something in common.
Here, the first version is shorter, stronger, and clearer, so it is a preferred option, explicitly conveying what the results of the analysis are. By contrast, the passive option is exceedingly wordy and awkward.
Active: The cat pursued the mouse.
Passive: The mouse was pursued by the cat.
Evidently, active collateral is better in this uncomplicated example, since it makes the phrase shorter and more easily understandable, without unnecessary wordiness.
2.5. Exceptions
Although commonly active options are preferred, there are instances when the actor cannot be identified, in particular, when it is not known.
Passive: My house was robbed yesterday.
Here, it is unknown who robbed the house, so the use of a passive option is completely justified. An alternative option can sound like “Someone robbed my house yesterday”. However, here the interlocutor may desire to draw attention to the incident itself and not the one who committed it, conveying the idea that something unpleasant occurred.
2.6. Highlighting the subject
Active: Kondratiev proposed a theory of long cycles, according to which each economic cycle lasts about fifty years.
Passive: A theory of long cycles, according to which each economic cycle lasts about fifty years, was proposed by Kondratiev.
By contrast with the cases discussed above, in this phrase that could be part of a literature review one should opt for the active construction. The literature review subsection aims to list the most essential achievements in the considered area; therefore, the authors are essential here. The active option sounds much more natural and neater here.
Summarizing the above, the selection between the active or passive voice is to a certain degree determined by the subsection of the article where the sentence will be included. Various parts of the scientific paper have different aims and features, and the use of active and passive forms may vary according to these specifics. For instance, one can opt for using active phrases in the conclusion to draw attention to the findings and significant contributions of the study.
Conclusion
As can be seen from what has been said, both active and passive forms are admissible in scientific papers; the final choice is contingent on the specific situation. The choice is determined by what the author desires to stress in a certain phrase or part of the work. In many instances, the active voice is a better option; nevertheless, this is not necessarily so in all cases. If it is difficult to decide between two alternatives, it is advisable to rewrite the phrase in the active voice and check out if it makes the idea more intelligible. If you have any doubts regarding the use of the active or passive voice or other complications concerning grammar issues in scientific writing, perhaps the best option will be to apply for professional English proofreading and editing services.
