PEOPLES’ DEMOCTRATIC REPUBLIC OF ALGERIA
MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
University of Relizane
Faculty of Science and technology
Department of Process Engineering
Instructor: Miss Amina Chaima Aroussi
Lesson 05: Introduction to Passive Voice in Technical Writing:
Objectives:
To introduce and practice the use of passive voice in written and spoken
communication related to process engineering.
To enhance students' ability to write technical documents and reports using
passive voice effectively.
Concept of Passive Voice:
In English grammar, voice refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a
sentence. The two primary voices are active and passive.
Active Voice:
The subject performs the action expressed by the verb.
Example: "The engineer designs the process."
Passive Voice:
The subject receives the action expressed by the verb. The focus is on what is done rather than
who is doing it.
Example: "The process is designed by the engineer."
Relevance in Technical Writing:
In technical writing, such as process engineering documentation, reports, and manuals, the
choice between active and passive voice significantly impacts communication. Understanding
when to use passive voice is crucial for conveying information accurately and maintaining a
professional tone.
When to Use Passive Voice in Process Engineering Communication:
Emphasizing the Action or Process:
Passive voice is often used when the emphasis is on the action or process rather than the
person performing the action.
Example: "The reactor was carefully monitored during the experiment."
Objective and Formal Tone:
Passive voice helps maintain a formal and objective tone in technical writing.
Example: "The data were collected and analyzed."
Focus on Results:
Passive voice is suitable when the focus is on the results or outcomes of a process.
Example: "The final product was successfully tested for quality."
Uncertainty or Lack of Specificity:
Passive voice can be used when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or purposely
omitted.
Example: "Mistakes were made during the initial phase."
Avoiding Blame:
In situations where assigning blame is not necessary or not desired, passive voice is preferred.
Example: "An error was detected and corrected."
Sequential Processes:
Passive voice can be useful when describing a series of steps or processes in a sequential
manner.
Example: "The solution was mixed, and then it was heated to 70°C."
Professional Documentation:
In technical documents, especially reports and manuals, passive voice is commonly used for
clarity and precision.
Example: "The equipment should be calibrated annually."
Homework: transform each sentence from active voice to passive voice. Pay attention to the
structure and meaning of the sentences in the transformation process.
The team conducted experiments to optimize the production process.
The engineers are developing a new control system for the machinery.
The company implemented safety protocols to prevent accidents.
The researchers will present their findings at the upcoming conference.
The operators have calibrated the instruments for accurate measurements.
The technicians regularly maintain the equipment to ensure reliability.
The project manager assigns tasks to each member of the team.
