Module 1 — Effective
writing: Strategies
and principles
| Course Guide | Module 1 | Module 2a | Module 2b |
Activity 18: Identifying passive verbs
Decide if each sentence would be improved by writing in the active voice. If so, rewrite the sentence.
Sentence 1 |
The results of Mr Tong's examination will be reviewed by us Friday next at the latest. |
Your sentence: |
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Mr Tong's application will be reviewed by us Friday next at the latest. We will review Mr Tong's application by Friday. |
Sentence 2 |
The submission was agreed to by the Director General. |
Your sentence: |
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The submission was agreed to by the Director General. The Director General agreed to the submission. |
Sentence 3 |
After an assessment of the most recent budget overruns, the decision has been made to cancel the renovation of the third floor of this building. |
Your sentence: |
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After an assessment of the most recent budget overruns, the decision has been made to cancel the renovation of the third floor of this building. After assessing the most recent budget overruns, we have decided to cancel the renovation of the third floor. |
Sentence 4 |
These indicators can be used by health personnel to assess the quality of care and services provided by them. |
Your sentence: |
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These indicators can be used by health personnel to assess the quality of care and services provided by them. Health personnel can use these indicators to assess the quality of care they provide. Note that in this sentence you could build a case for leaving the passive construction to place emphasis on indicators. |
Sentence 5 |
Overall, a more critical evaluation with regards to the success (or failure) of specific aspects of a project needs to be made by us. |
Your sentence: |
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Overall, a more critical evaluation with regards to the success (or failure) of specific aspects of a project needs to be made by us. Overall, we must evaluate specific aspects of projects more critically. |