Open Writing Lab Passive vs Active Voice 13

Open Writing Lab Passive vs Active Voice 13. 05. 2011 CGB

We wish to suggest a structure for the salt of deoxyribose nucleic acid (D. N. A. ). Watson JD, Crick FHC. Molecular structure of nucleic acids. Nature. 1953; 171: 737 -738

Use active voice whenever possible Quotes from journal style guides: Nature: "Nature journals like authors to write in the active voice ('we performed the experiment. . . ') as experience has shown that readers find concepts and results to be conveyed more clearly if written directly. " Science: "Use active voice when suitable, particularly when necessary for correct syntax (e. g. , 'To address this possibility, we constructed a l. Zap library. . . , ' not 'To address this possibility, a l. Zap library was constructed. . . '). " **check with the journal’s author’s guide

Use the passive when … • The performer is unknown, irrelevant, or obvious • The performer is less important than the action • The recipient is the main topic

Examples of good practise: "Twenty cc of acid is/was poured into the beaker. " NOT "I poured 20 cc of acid into the beaker. " Process details >> person doing process: "The first coat of primer paint is applied immediately after the acid rinse. " Changing focus: In active voice, “green plants” are the focus: “Green plants produce carbohydrates in the presence of light and chlorophyll. ” In passive voice "carbohydrates" are the focus: “Carbohydrates are produced by green plants in the presence of light and chlorophyll. ”

More … http: //folk. uib. no/gmset/writing/practical_tips/passive_vs_active. html