Choose active or passive voice

Voice shows the relationship between the verb and the noun phrase associated with it.

• Most disciplines prefer sentences in active voice. The subject performs an action and the writing is more direct.

            The students studied the exam timetable.

• In passive voice, the subject undergoes an action.

            The timetable was studied by the students.

• Overuse of the passive can make your writing cumbersome.
• Passive voice is often used in science.