Some of the worst writing around suffers from inert verbs…
“Some of the worst writing around suffers from inert verbs and the unintended use of the passive voice. Yet the passive voice remains an important arrow in the rhetorical quiver. After all, it exists for a reason.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Styling Sentences, 2006
The quote notes that bad writing often uses weak verbs and passive voice, yet passive voice can be useful when applied deliberately.
In simple terms: Bad writing uses weak verbs; passive voice can be useful.
Key Takeaway
Use strong verbs, employ passive voice intentionally.
Themes
writing
grammar
style
Mood
analytical
instructional
Type
educational
technical
When to use this quote
- editing
- creative writing
- academic papers
Key Concepts
rhetoric
voice
clarity
Questions to Reflect On
- When should passive voice be used?
- How can verbs be strengthened?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on passive can obscure agency.