Writing in the Sciences: Use the Active Voice

Summary

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Q & A

What are the three key principles of effective writing discussed in the script?

The three key principles of effective writing discussed are: cutting all the clutter (unnecessary words and phrases), using the active voice, and writing with strong verbs while avoiding turning verbs into nouns and keeping the main verb near the subject.

What is the active voice and why is it recommended for effective writing?

The active voice follows the format 'subject-verb-object' and is the way we normally talk and write. It is recommended because it is more direct, clear, and easier to read than the passive voice.

How does the passive voice structure differ from the active voice?

The passive voice inverts the structure to 'object-verb-subject' or sometimes just 'object-verb', often removing the subject from the sentence, which can make it sound awkward and less direct.

What is a common issue with using the passive voice in academic or scientific writing?

The passive voice can make writing awkward and less direct. It can also be used to avoid taking responsibility or to obscure the agent performing the action.

How can you recognize a passive voice sentence?

You can recognize a passive voice sentence by looking for a passive verb, which consists of a form of 'to be' (is, are, was, were, be, been, am) followed by a past tense transitive verb, or by the structure 'object-verb-subject' or just 'object-verb'.

What is the mantra suggested to keep in mind while writing to encourage the use of the active voice?

The suggested mantra is 'subject-verb-object, subject-verb-object, subject-verb-object' to reinforce the natural order of the active voice.

Can you provide an example of turning a passive voice sentence into the active voice?

Sure, the sentence 'The ball was thrown by her' in passive voice can be turned into 'She throws the ball' in active voice.

What is the significance of the sentence 'Mistakes were made' in the context of passive voice?

The sentence 'Mistakes were made' is a classic example of passive voice because it lacks a subject, thus obscuring responsibility for the mistakes.

How does the active voice help in making sentences more readable and concise?

The active voice helps in making sentences more readable and concise by being more direct, requiring fewer words, and clearly identifying the subject performing the action.

What is the book recommended for further reading on writing style in the script?

The book recommended for further reading is 'The Elements of Style' by Strunk and White.

How does using the active voice affect the clarity and responsibility in scientific writing?

Using the active voice in scientific writing increases clarity by directly stating who performed the action and what was done. It also promotes accountability by clearly identifying the responsible party.