Why Do We Use Passive Voice?

1. The product or result is more important than the agent/doer

All of the jewelry was stolen by the thieves.

(The focus is the stolen jewelry.)

2. For technical and scientific writing

The computer is protected from most viruses.

3. We don’t know who performed the action

All of the doors were locked.

The bike was stolen.

4. The agent/doer is obvious(not necessary to add)

Wheat is grown in the mid-west.

• We all know that the farmers plant and grow the wheat.

5. To hide something/ Avoid blame

The CEO was shot.

The juice was spilled.

6. To describe materials

What’s that desk made of?

It’s made of wood.

How was that picture painted?

It was painted with oil paints.

Your shirt is so soft. What’s it made of?

It’s made of 100% silk.