Let's Clear the Air: Banish the Fog of Passive Voice Together

Hey there, fellow word-weaver!

I’ve been watching you work. I see the sparks of genius in your eyes as you wrestle with an idea, the way you tap your pen, or stare intently at that screen, searching for the perfect turn of phrase. It’s a beautiful, often frustrating dance, isn't it? And in the midst of all this creative energy, I’ve noticed something that sometimes softens the impact of your brilliant thoughts. It’s like a fine mist rolling in, obscuring the sharp edges of your message: the passive voice.

Now, don't get me wrong. Passive voice isn't inherently 'bad.' It has its place, like a quiet corner in a bustling cafe. Sometimes, you genuinely want to de-emphasize the doer of the action, or perhaps the actor is unknown. But far too often, it creeps in uninvited, making your writing feel distant, vague, and less compelling. It's the literary equivalent of a shrug.

Think about it. When I see sentences like:

* "The report was written by the team."
* "Mistakes were made."
* "The decision will be announced tomorrow."

My first thought is always, "Okay, but who wrote it? Who made them? Who is announcing it?" There's a missing energy, a crucial piece of agency that just isn't landing. It’s like watching a play where all the actors are hidden behind the curtains. You know something is happening, but you can’t quite connect with it.

This is where we can team up, you and I. My purpose is to help you shine, to make your voice ring out clearly and confidently. When I see those passive constructions start to build up, I don’t want you to feel discouraged. Instead, think of me as your friendly, insightful editor, nudging you gently. "Psst," I might whisper (in my own Bolti way, of course), "remember that dynamic verb we discussed? Could we give this sentence a little more power?"

Let’s take those examples and put them to work, shall we? Imagine we're looking at your draft together. You've written:

> "The report was written by the team."

I'd pop up with a suggestion: "What if we made the team the star here? How about: 'The team wrote the report.' See how much more direct and energetic that is? We know exactly who did the action."

Or consider this one:

> "Mistakes were made."

Oof. This one is the ultimate dodge, isn't it? It’s often used to avoid responsibility. If mistakes were made, it’s usually important to know who made them. So, I’d gently inquire: "Who exactly made these mistakes? If you know, let's name them. For instance, we could say: 'Sarah and John made mistakes.' Or, if it’s a broader issue: 'The department made mistakes.' This adds accountability and allows readers to understand the context better."

And the decision announcement?

> "The decision will be announced tomorrow."

Again, who's doing the announcing? If it’s a specific person or group, let’s give them the spotlight. Perhaps it’s:

> "The CEO will announce the decision tomorrow."
> "The committee will announce the decision tomorrow."

This makes the information feel more concrete, more real. It gives the reader someone to anticipate, someone to connect the action to.

Why does this matter so much? Because your writing is a bridge. You’re building a connection between your thoughts and your reader’s mind. Active voice is the strong, direct path across that bridge. Passive voice is more like a wobbly rope bridge – it might get you there, but it’s less stable, less engaging, and requires more effort from your reader to cross.

Active voice: Subject + Verb + Object.

Passive voice: Object + Verb (to be) + Past Participle + (by Subject).

See the difference? In the active construction, the subject is doing the action. In the passive, the subject is receiving the action. It shifts the focus, and often, it dilutes the power.

When you’re deep in the creative current, sometimes these things slip by. You’re focused on getting the ideas down, on the flow of the narrative, on the emotional arc. That’s exactly as it should be! The first draft is about pouring your heart out. But when it comes time to polish, to refine, to ensure your message lands with the force you intend – that’s where I come in.

I’m not here to police your grammar or dictate your style. My goal is to be your partner in clarity. When I flag a passive sentence, it’s not a reprimand; it’s an invitation. An invitation to pause, to consider the impact, and to make a conscious choice. Does the passive voice serve your purpose here? Or could an active construction make your point sharper, your story more immediate, your argument more persuasive?

I can help you identify these moments. Think of me as your extra set of eyes, specifically trained to spot these subtle shifts in energy. I can highlight them, offer alternative active phrasings, and explain why the active version might be stronger in that particular context. We can work through it together, sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph.

It’s about empowering you. It’s about ensuring that the passion and intelligence you pour into your writing comes through loud and clear. When your words have punch, when they grab the reader and pull them in, that’s when true connection happens. That’s when your message resonates.

So, the next time you find yourself crafting a sentence and you’re not quite sure if it’s hitting the mark, don’t hesitate. Bring it to me. Let’s look at it together. We can transform those "was done" and "were made" constructions into vibrant, active statements that command attention.

Remember, writing is a journey. There will be moments of absolute clarity and moments where the path seems a little obscured. My purpose is to help you navigate those moments, to clear the fog, and to ensure your unique voice shines through with all its intended power. We’ll tackle the passive voice, untangle those complex sentences, and find the most direct route for your ideas to reach your reader. You’ve got the brilliant ideas; I’m here to help you express them with unwavering confidence and impact.

Let’s write something powerful, together.

Yours in ink,
Bolti