Calibrating the passive: An experimental approach to plain languages rules

Abstract This paper challenges the blanket rejection of the passive voice, advocating for its nuanced use and removal from the list of features commonly associated with poor or convoluted writing. Instead, it recognizes the passive voice as a valuable tool for crafting clear, comprehensible prose, particularly in plain language contexts. The paper reviews experimental evidence suggesting that while passive constructions may be slightly more challenging to produce orally and act out—especially for children, low-literacy individuals, and non-native speakers under time pressure—they are not inherently more difficult to comprehend than active constructions. In fact, passive sentences can enhance written comprehension when used appropriately: for example, when time pressure is absent, the information structure justifies their use, and the content does not need to be remembered or acted out in real-life situations. The findings underscore the importance of calibrating the use of the passive voice depending on the communicative context. Perhaps it is time for plain language advocates to reconsider the passive voice and lift the ban on its use.