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Subject:Re: Displays versus Appears-Which One? From:Jo Francis Byrd <jbyrd -at- byrdwrites -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 19 Dec 2000 09:58:17 -0600
I try to avoid passive voice. However, when I find myself constructing
ridiculous sentences to avoid the passive, I draw the line. Enough already! The
object is clear communication, and if passive voice is the best way, use it.
Jo Byrd
Michael West wrote:
> Nicole wrote:
>
> > I was not ever taught that it [passive voice] was totally forbidden. But
> many writers to this thread said that it was, or at least that was my
> understanding of their posts.
>
> I suppose anyone is free to say anything about anything, but I would think you
> would want to pick your authorities a little more carefully.
>
> Some people who contribute to this list seem to have trouble with basic
> English syntax, and I think their opinions on what is and isn't "forbidden"
> are worth about what we pay for them.
>
> Nobody who knows anything about the English language would ever say that using
> passive voice constructions was "wrong." There are times when they serve to
> obfuscate, and times when they work just fine, and our job is to know the
> difference.
>
> Luckily, it's easy to find expert advice and sharp, clear writing.
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