Writing II tips: Passive voice, active

voice, for example, such as, and like

May 27, 2016
1. In many cases, the active voice () is better than the
passive voice (), especially when you know who or
what does the action.
Ex.:

Bad: I was told to sit down by my teacher.

- Here, we know who did the action (my teacher), so
theres no reason to use the passive voice. This is a
common problem in Japan because is
very commonbut its not the best way to say it in
English.
Good: My teacher told me to sit down.
Bad: Motivation is given to me by my grandmother.
- Here, too, is another common phrase, but
the passive voice makes it unnecessarily complicated in
English.
Good: My grandmother gives me motivation.

Sometimes, the passive voice is fine. If you dont know who or

what does the action, or if its not important, you can use the
passive voice.
Ex.:

OK: The Bible was written many centuries ago.

- Here, we dont know exactly who wrote the Bible (and
who wrote it probably isnt important), so you can make
The Bible the subject (S).
OK: Participants in the survey were asked about their
opinions on the Olympics.
- Here, too, theres nothing wrong with the passive voice
because who specifically asked the questions isnt
important.

Write better versions of these sentences or write No problem if

its already fine.
1. I was yelled at by my boss because I made a mistake.
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2. The new policy was approved by the committee last week.
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3. The problem was solved.
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4. The dog was abandoned by its owner.
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5. When I met John, my life was transformed.
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2. For example needs an S and a V. In some cases, such
as and like are better than For example.
Rules:
For example, S + V.
Ex.: Disneyland has so many great rides. For example, Big
Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain (s) are (V) so
exciting.
Plural noun (O) () + such as A (and B)
Ex.: Disneyland has so many great rides (O) (plural noun)
such as Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain.
Plural noun (O) () + like A (and B)
Ex.: Disneyland has so many great rides (O) (plural noun)
like Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain.

Whats the difference between such as and like?

Such as includes A and B: A B
Like does not necessarily include A and B: A B

You can also use such as and like after a plural

subject.
Ex.: Stations (S) such as Shinjuku and Ikebukuro are busy all
day long.
Ex.: Stations (S) like Shinjuku and Ikebukuro are busy all day
long.
* Make sure that the such as or like is immediately after
the plural noun you are giving examples of.
BGU has many features for students such as/like the Chat
Lounge and computer rooms.
* The Chat Lounge and computer rooms are
examples of features, not students, so they should
come after features.
BGU has many features such as/like the Chat Lounge and
computer rooms for students.
BGU has many features, such as/like the Chat Lounge and
computer rooms, for students.
- Here, BGU has many features for students (such as/like
the Chat Lounge and computer rooms) is a
sentence, so you should put the extra information
between commas.
Ex.:

Bad: When you get dressed, you should choose bright

colors. For example, yellow and red.
- The second sentence doesnt have a V.
Good: When you get dressed, you should choose bright
colors. For example, yellow and red are great options.
Good: When you get dressed, you should choose bright
colors such as yellow and red.
Good: When you get dressed, you should choose bright
colors like yellow and red.

Write original sentences using For example, such as, and

like.
1. For example:
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2. For example:
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3. such as (after the O):
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4. like (after the O):
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5. such as/like (after the S):
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