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Post by limebirdwriters on Dec 5, 2011 9:53:41 GMT
When I'm writing something, Microsoft word always tells me off for writing 'passive voice'. By this I mean - “(noun) (verb phrase) by (noun)” eg - 'We were invited by Sarah to go to the cinema' and grammar is telling me that it should be - ' Sarah invited us to go to the cinema'.
Now, normally I'm a stickler for grammar rules, but sometimes I think that passive voice just fits. What does everyone else think?
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Post by ottabelle on Dec 6, 2011 0:48:26 GMT
Passive voice is fine sometimes. I think it's set up mainly for academic MLA papers, which doesn't like the use of passive voice. I could be wrong. In fiction writing and papers, both in my opinion, I think passive voice is fine. In a paper, you need to be sparing. You probably should in your novel as well, because they say it makes the novel harder/boring to read. I can't say if that's true or not. I never notice a passive sentence unless I'm looking for it.
Maybe it's subconscious? I'm not sure. I would say go with your gut. I know for a fact that spell check get's grammar wrong constantly. Especially in the Word that I use. Which strikes me as odd because its 2011. It also doesn't tell you when you use passive voice.
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Post by 4amWriter on Dec 7, 2011 2:37:11 GMT
Hi Beth,
I'll chime in here. As a rule, active voice gets an enthusiastic thumbs up in fiction. The passive voice is frowned upon. Of course there are exceptions to the rule (like anything), but in general you want to use active voice. It is more direct, fewer words (which aids in that pesky word count you're going to have to worry about), and faster paced.
I will throw a wrench into that theory by saying you don't want to mess with your style or voice. If you used active voice for every sentence it would sound mechanical and stodgy. You want your words to flow, so there will be times that passive voice will work.
Just be careful with the kind of scene you're writing. You sure don't want to use the passive voice during a car chase, for instance! limebirdkate
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Post by limebirdwriters on Dec 7, 2011 9:28:23 GMT
I think my difficulty is that I seem to naturally slip into passive voice without realising!
However, thank you for the tip and I'll be sure to keep this in mind when I'm editing my NaNo novel! I have a few scenes which are more active, so I'll try and get rid of any pesky passive voice!
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Post by 4amWriter on Dec 7, 2011 10:39:39 GMT
It's definitely a job you have to pay attention to. Good luck!
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Post by yrdeni on Oct 4, 2012 22:04:28 GMT
I had a similar problem with Microsoft Word recently (see this post: english.stackexchange.com/questions/84610/whats-wrong-with-this-sentence). Turns out Word isn't so hot on grammar... I know language evolves, but not that much... From now on, until I get my completed draft novel to a proofreader (haha...), I'm going to write however I please and turn off grammar checking
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Post by ottabelle on Oct 5, 2012 17:21:14 GMT
Either or, you're the writer. I love fiction because the rules can be thrown out the window as you choose. Ignore word.
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Post by limebirdwriters on Oct 5, 2012 17:47:40 GMT
I agree about Word! Sometimes it JUST isn't right! Bloomin thing!
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Post by limebirdlau on Oct 25, 2012 13:01:16 GMT
Saw this, and thought perfect timing. I've been teaching the passive voice this week. I would agree with most of what's already been said. You know when you're reading a report, a CV, a piece of research and your brain keeps wandering off because nothing happens? That's what happens with overuse of the passive voice in fiction. Readers need some action at some point.
Saying that, it does have its uses: as the result of the action has prominence in the passive it can be used effectively when that's what you want to focus on, or in a 'who dunnit' situation. E.g. "Robert opened the door slowly and stepped into the room. Silence and darkness all around him. As he heard a breath behind him he turned and was hit violently around the head. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was a pair of red shoes right next to his face." The passive has its use here, as the result of Robert being hit is more interesting and as we don't know who hit him, it keeps the mystery going.
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Post by yrdeni on Oct 25, 2012 15:59:46 GMT
Saw this, and thought perfect timing. I've been teaching the passive voice this week. I would agree with most of what's already been said. You know when you're reading a report, a CV, a piece of research and your brain keeps wandering off because nothing happens? That's what happens with overuse of the passive voice in fiction. Readers need some action at some point. Saying that, it does have its uses: as the result of the action has prominence in the passive it can be used effectively when that's what you want to focus on, or in a 'who dunnit' situation. E.g. "Robert opened the door slowly and stepped into the room. Silence and darkness all around him. As he heard a breath behind him he turned and was hit violently around the head. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was a pair of red shoes right next to his face." The passive has its use here, as the result of Robert being hit is more interesting and as we don't know who hit him, it keeps the mystery going. Politicians also use it all the time: "It was discovered that there was corruption..." It allows the author or speaker to provide information in a non-specific, non-committal way - perfect for those moments when you don't want your listener or reader to know the names or faces of anyone involved I like your example, Lau.
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Post by limebirdwriters on Oct 26, 2012 8:45:26 GMT
Saw this, and thought perfect timing. I've been teaching the passive voice this week. I would agree with most of what's already been said. You know when you're reading a report, a CV, a piece of research and your brain keeps wandering off because nothing happens? That's what happens with overuse of the passive voice in fiction. Readers need some action at some point. Saying that, it does have its uses: as the result of the action has prominence in the passive it can be used effectively when that's what you want to focus on, or in a 'who dunnit' situation. E.g. "Robert opened the door slowly and stepped into the room. Silence and darkness all around him. As he heard a breath behind him he turned and was hit violently around the head. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was a pair of red shoes right next to his face." The passive has its use here, as the result of Robert being hit is more interesting and as we don't know who hit him, it keeps the mystery going. I think I mentioned earlier, that I always get told off for excessive use of the passive voice. I really like your example! I need to make sure I keep an eye on how much I use it when doing my NaNo novel!
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