Technical writing is a style of writing that aims to convey information about a specific subject in a clear and concise manner. Technical writing is used in a variety of settings, including academic writing, business communication, and professional documentation. One important aspect of technical writing is the use of the active voice. In this article, we will explore why using the active voice is essential in technical writing.
Active Voice vs. Passive Voice
Before we delve into the benefits of using the active voice in technical writing, let us understand the difference between active voice and passive voice. In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, while in passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action.
For example, consider the following two sentences:
Active Voice: Sarah solved the problem.
Passive Voice: The problem was solved by Sarah.
In the first sentence, the subject (Sarah) performs the action (solved the problem), making it active voice. In the second sentence, the subject (the problem) receives the action (was solved by Sarah), making it passive voice.
Benefits of Using Active Voice in Technical Writing
1. Clarity and Conciseness
The active voice is essential in technical writing as it is clear and concise. Using active voice sentences conveys information straightforwardly, making the text easier to read and understand. Conversely, passive voice can make the text unclear and obscure information. Adding extra words like “by” and “was” in passive voice sentences might create unnecessary complexity in the text. For example:
Passive Voice: The data was analyzed by the computer.
Active Voice: The computer analyzed the data.
In the above example, the active voice sentence conveys the same information as the passive voice sentence but with fewer words.
2. Empowering Writing
In technical writing, using the active voice makes the writing seem more confident and empowering. It highlights the person or object responsible for an action or task, making it seem more active and effective. This conveys the writer’s stance that their content is valuable, important, and meant for use by readers.
3. Objective Writing
Active voice is integral in expressing objectivity in technical writing. Passive voice sentences can obscure the person or people responsible for a particular action or task. In contrast, sentences written in active voice specifies accountability better. Consequently, readers can identify intention and meaning within a text more easily.
Conclusion
Using active voice in technical writing plays a crucial role in making the text clear, concise, and engaging. It empowers the writer and enhances objectivity while connecting positively to the intended audience. To provide the best technical work possible, always use active voice sentences to add clarity and effectiveness to the writing. Avoiding passive voice can also help writers make their works more data-driven and less prone to uncertainty. Ultimately, always aim to add value to the text and provide accessible, functional information to the reader.
