Passive Voice

The passive voice (where the subject has the action done to it rather than doing the action) is useful in many circumstances – such as when one is trying to be calm or subtle – but it does not make the text sound very authoritative. If you are writing an argumentative essay, it is best to use the more assertive active voice.

Ice caused the water pump to shatter. (active)

The water pump was shattered by ice. (passive)

Pass the thread through the eye of the needle. (active)

The thread is passed through the eye of the needle. (passive)