Passive form...why everybody hates it?

[blacbird]

Originally Posted by ChristineR

The examples people give to show why the passive is supposed to be bad are so moronic that no one would ever use them.

Well, you might like to think that. But I guarantee you I've seen as bad (and even worse) in many many many manuscripts I've reviewed.

caw

[EyeSeaAll]

Originally Posted by maestrowork

Advice #1: ignore anyone who tells you "you must NEVER do <something>."

Advice #2: learn why so many people say <something> is bad or weak or whatever. Understand the concept behind it. Apply it.

Advice #3: first and foremost, write a good story. These "rules" are tools -- tried and true -- to tell good stories. There is a reason why fiction encourages the active voice (while technical/business writing encourages passive voice). These advices are supposed to make the particular writing better. But there is no absolute.

This should be at the top of the page instead of the cornucopia.