Construction where the actor is de-emphasized. Sometimes right for focus, often flattens urgency.

Subject receives action. Sometimes right for focus, often flattens urgency. Prose craft operates at the sentence. Rhythm, image, and distance shape feel on every page.

As a technique, it is a deliberate move. Judge it by effect in context, not by blanket ban.

In revision, ask whether the move earns its place in this scene. Techniques work when they change reader understanding or feeling.

Why it matters

Passive voice belongs to line-level craft. Manuscript Health Check and line edits often flag related patterns.

Common pitfalls

Banning passive voice entirely instead of judging effect.
Using passive voice as a label without checking whether the page actually performs the job.
Letting passive voice crowd out scene goal, conflict, or change at the end of the unit.

Example only

Instead of naming the move, dramatize it: show the choice that makes passive voice visible on the page.

← Back to glossary

Passive voice

Also called

passive construction

BeginnerTone & prose styleReference

Construction where the actor is de-emphasized. Sometimes right for focus, often flattens urgency.

Subject receives action. Sometimes right for focus, often flattens urgency. Prose craft operates at the sentence. Rhythm, image, and distance shape feel on every page.

As a technique, it is a deliberate move. Judge it by effect in context, not by blanket ban.

In revision, ask whether the move earns its place in this scene. Techniques work when they change reader understanding or feeling.

Why it matters

Passive voice belongs to line-level craft. Manuscript Health Check and line edits often flag related patterns.

Common pitfalls

Banning passive voice entirely instead of judging effect.
Using passive voice as a label without checking whether the page actually performs the job.
Letting passive voice crowd out scene goal, conflict, or change at the end of the unit.

Example only

Instead of naming the move, dramatize it: show the choice that makes passive voice visible on the page.