#AskDrEditor: Using the active voice strategically

My editing advice column, Ask Dr. Editor, is available through UniversityAffairs.ca. This Ask Dr. Editor piece explains the active voice, when to use it, and its application alongside passive voice: “Using the active voice strategically: How and where to edit for active voice constructions in your academic writing.” Have a question you want me to answer? Contact me!

Favour the active voice

Active voice sentences are shorter and clearer than passive voice ones. When you write in the passive voice, the person who is doing the action is removed from the story you’re telling. Think of the difference between these two (fictional) headlines: Funding for Scientific Research Cut (passive voice) Trudeau Cuts Scientific Research Funding (active voice)Continue reading “Favour the active voice”