In this post, we’ll learn a few ways to use the passive voice in our prose.
In fiction writing, an active voice sentence is usually preferable to the passive because the active voice is stronger.
Active Voice
The kitten (subject=doer of the action) scooted (active voice) up the tree (tree = object, the receiver of the action).
Passive Voice
The girl (receiver of the action) was hit (passive voice) by a tennis ball (subject=doer of the action).
How to Identify the Passive Voice
- The object of the action sits in the spot where the sentence’s subject normally goes.
- A linking verb joins the past tense of an action verb.
When to Write in the Passive Voice
Some writers believe we should always write in the active voice. However, cases do exist where the passive works better. Here are a few examples of that.
1. TO WITHHOLD INFORMATION FROM THE READER OR THE DOER IS UNKNOWN.
John was insulted in class.
The diamonds were stolen yesterday.
2. TO ADD VARIETY TO OUR PROSE.
Manuscripts whose sentences are all active move quickly and make for a fast read. This is particularly good to use in thrillers.
3. TO EMPHASIZE THE DIRECT OBJECT (THE RECEIVER) OF THE ACTION.
The puppy was bitten by the cat. (The puppy is emphasized.)
John was defeated by his younger brother in a track meet. (John is emphasized.)
Don’t discard the passive voice, but don’t overdo its use either. Instead, use it judiciously. About ninety percent of our writing should be active. However, as we saw in the above-mentioned examples, the passive voice does have a place in our prose.
The Author's Cove: John "Jack" Cunningham on Writing & History 
Good lesson, John. The basics of fiction!! Foundations the budding author must know how to implement for the best story telling. With practice the use of active or passive begins to come naturally. It becomes a gut feeling as you write.
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Thank you so much, Norma Jean. Writing is a balancing act, that’s for sure.
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