Question

When should you prefer the passive voice?

1) When discussing a past due bill with a customer
2) To report bad news
3) When discussing a past due bill with a customer and when it isn't important for the audience to know the agent (subject)
4) To request an action from the reader

Answer 1

The passive voice is typically preferred when discussing a past due bill with a customer, reporting bad news, when discussing a past due bill with a customer and when it isn't important for the audience to know the agent (subject), and to request an action from the reader.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passive voice is typically preferred in the following situations:

1. When discussing a past due bill with a customer.
2. To report bad news.
3. When discussing a past due bill with a customer and when it isn't important for the audience to know the agent (subject).
4. To request an action from the reader.

The passive voice is often used in these situations to maintain objectivity, neutrality, and to avoid explicitly naming the agent. It is important to note that while occasional use of the passive voice is acceptable, using active voice usually strengthens your writing by focusing on how the subject performs an action.