Thank you Meghan Balderston.

1. Why Do We Use Passive
Voice?

2. 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.)

3. 2. For technical and scientific
writing
The computer is protected from most
viruses.

4. 3. We don’t know who performed
the action
All of the doors were locked.
The bike was stolen.

5. 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.

6. 5. To hide something/
Avoid blame
The CEO was shot.
The juice was spilled.

7. 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.