COMPUTER SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Elements of Technical Writing
2005-2006

  • Use the active voice rather than the passive voice
    1. In sentences using the active voice, the action is expressed directly; the subject is doing the acting
    2. Whenever possible use the active voice. Your writing style will be more direct; your sentences more concise. 
       Passive: Dolphins were taught by researchers in Hawaii to learn new behaviors.

 Active: Researchers in Hawaii taught dolphins to learn new behaviors


 Passive: Control of the furnace is provided by a thermostat.

 Active: A thermostat controls the furnace.