When is it appropriate to use the passive voice?
1. When the person or thing performing the action is a proper noun
2. It is never appropriate to use the passive voice
3. When the person or thing performing the action is unimportant or unknown
4. When the person or thing performing the action comes before the verb
3. When the person or thing performing the action is unimportant or unknown
This is the most common use of the passive voice.
The appropriate use of the passive voice depends on the context and intended emphasis in your sentence. Here are some situations when it is generally appropriate to use the passive voice:
1. When the person or thing performing the action is a proper noun: Using the passive voice can help focus on the action being done rather than the person or thing doing it. For example, "The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci."
2. When the person or thing performing the action is unimportant or unknown: If the focus is on the action rather than the agent, the passive voice can be used. For example, "The suspect was arrested."
Note: While the passive voice is sometimes discouraged in certain contexts, it is not inherently inappropriate to use. However, it's generally recommended to use the active voice whenever possible, as it usually results in clearer and more concise sentences.
The appropriate use of passive voice depends on the context and what you want to emphasize in your sentence. Here's an explanation of the options you've listed:
1. When the person or thing performing the action is a proper noun: This is one scenario where it may be appropriate to use passive voice. For example: "The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci." Here, the focus is on the painting rather than Leonardo da Vinci.
2. It is never appropriate to use the passive voice: This statement is not correct. While active voice is generally preferred for its directness, there are situations where passive voice can be useful or necessary. So, it is not accurate to say that it is never appropriate to use passive voice.
3. When the person or thing performing the action is unimportant or unknown: This is another scenario where using passive voice can be appropriate. For instance: "The mistake was made." In this case, the emphasis is on the mistake itself rather than the specific person who made it.
4. When the person or thing performing the action comes before the verb: This statement is not accurate. In active voice, the subject (person or thing performing the action) usually comes before the verb. However, in passive voice, the subject often comes after the verb or may be omitted altogether. For example: "The book was written by John." Here, the subject (book) comes after the verb (written) in passive voice.
In conclusion, the appropriate use of passive voice depends on the context and what you want to emphasize in your sentence.