Page 146 - English for Writing Research Papers

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7.4 Use the active form when the passive might

be ambiguous
No research has shown that using the passive form leads to clearer sentences for the
reader. Despite this, some conservative editors insist that an impersonal form is
inherently more scientific and logical – such editors claim that the facts should be

able to speak for themselves. Yet no studies, as far as I know, have proved that an
impersonal form aids reader comprehension, and in any case the facts will “speak”
and the results will be valid (or invalid) whether in an active or passive form. Other
editors claim that the passive encourages precision, though I don’t believe this has
ever been scientifically demonstrated. Others again say it encourages probity, i.e. the

quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency – but how can this
possibly be proved?

However, lot of research has shown that the passive form is heavier than the active
(see reference to John Kirkman in 4.1 ), and most importantly can lead to ambiguity,.

Look at S1 and S2 below, is it clear who is the subject of the verbs in italics?

S1. [In the Conclusions of a paper] This is a limitation of our data assimilation system, which
should be changed in the near future.
S2. The same lack of regard for others was present amongst subjects who used their mobile
phone while driving their car, in agreement with the higher values of selfi sh behavior
observed in cigarette smokers [17].

In S1 is the author suggesting that other researchers in the community should make
these changes, or is the author going to do it herself?

In S2 who made the observation, the author of the paper or the author of reference 17?

If the author is the subject of the verbs, then S1 and S2 could be rewritten, using the
active form, as follows:

S3. This is a limitation of our data assimilation system, which we plan to change in the near
future.
S4. The same lack of regard for others was present amongst subjects who used their mobile
phone while driving their car, in agreement with the higher values of selfish behavior that

we observed in cigarette smokers and which has also been found by other authors [17].
If the author is not the subject of the verbs, then S1 and S2 could be rewritten as
follows:

S5. This is a limitation of our data assimilation system, and we invite others in the community
to suggest possible remedies .
S6. The same lack of regard for others was present amongst subjects who used their mobile

phone while driving their car, in agreement with the higher values of selfish behavior that
have been found by other authors [17].