When is it appropriate to use the passive voice?(1 point)
The passive voice is appropriate to use in certain situations when the focus is on the action being done to the subject, rather than on the subject itself. Here are a few scenarios where the passive voice can be used:
1. When the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant: If the focus is on the action rather than the person or thing performing the action, the passive voice can be used. For example: "The window was broken", where the emphasis is on the fact that the window is broken, rather than who broke it.
2. When the subject is more important than the doer of the action: Sometimes, the passive voice is used to shift the focus onto the subject of the sentence. For instance, "The Mona Lisa was painted in the 16th century" puts emphasis on the artwork rather than who actually painted it.
3. When discussing general truths or principles: In some cases, the passive voice is used to state general facts or principles. An example is, "Smoking is prohibited in this area." Here, the central point is the prohibition, not the agent enforcing it.
It is important to note that the passive voice should be used sparingly and in appropriate contexts. In most cases, it is recommended to use the active voice, where the subject performs the action, as it is generally clearer and more direct.