So, which one is better? Should you always use active voice, or is there a place for passive voice in scientific writing? In this blog, we’ll explore:
✅ The difference between active and passive voice
✅ Examples of how each affects scientific writing
✅ Guidelines on when to use each style
✅ What top journals prefer
✅ How to find the right balance
Let’s dive in!
What is Active Voice?
Example of Active Voice in Scientific Writing:
✔️ “The researchers conducted the experiment.”
📌 (Subject: “The researchers” → Action: “conducted” → Object: “the experiment”)
Active voice immediately tells the reader who is responsible for the action. This is crucial when describing findings, drawing conclusions, or making arguments.
Why Active Voice is Effective in Scientific Writing:
✅ Conciseness: Active voice removes extra words, making writing more efficient.
✅ Directness: The reader instantly understands the subject’s role.
✔️ “We found that temperature affects enzyme activity.”
🚫 “It was found that temperature affects enzyme activity.” (Who found it? The active voice makes this clearer!)
What is Passive Voice?
Example of Passive Voice in Scientific Writing:
✔️ “The experiment was conducted by the researchers.”
📌 (Object: “The experiment” → Action: “was conducted” → Subject: “by the researchers”)
Why Passive Voice is Common in Scientific Writing:
✅ Maintains an objective and impersonal tone
✅ Commonly used in methodology sections
💡 Example – Methods Section:
✔️ “Blood samples were analyzed using spectrophotometry.”
🚫 “We analyzed blood samples using spectrophotometry.” (If journal guidelines require an impersonal tone, passive might be preferred.)
When to Use Active Voice in Scientific Writing
Abstract & Introduction
Clearly state your research question and objectives.
✔️ “We investigated the role of antioxidants in reducing oxidative stress.“
Results & Discussion
Present findings directly and logically.
✔️ “Our analysis showed a significant increase in cell proliferation.“
Conclusion
Summarize key points with impact.
✔️ “Our findings suggest that genetic mutations play a critical role in cancer development.“
📌 Avoid passive constructions that make your conclusions weak, such as:
🚫 “It is suggested that genetic mutations play a critical role in cancer development.” (Who suggests this? Be clear!)
When to Use Passive Voice in Scientific Writing
Emphasizing the Research Over the Researcher
Clearly state your research question and objectives.
✔️ “We investigated the role of antioxidants in reducing oxidative stress.“
Writing the Methods Section (if required by the journal)
✔️ “Samples were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours.”
(This shifts focus to the procedure rather than the researchers.)
Describing Established Knowledge or General Truths
✔️ “DNA was first discovered in 1869 by Friedrich Miescher.”
(Historical facts or widely accepted knowledge are often written in passive voice.)
📌 Avoid excessive passive voice that makes writing vague:
🚫 “It was observed that temperature influences enzyme activity.” (Who observed this? Be specific!)
What Do Top Scientific Journals Prefer?
Journal Guidelines on Active vs. Passive Voice:
📌 APA (American Psychological Association): Prefers active voice to improve clarity.
📌 Nature & Science: Recommend active voice in most sections for readability.
📌 IEEE & Chemistry Journals: Often accept passive voice in methods but prefer active for results and discussion.
📢 Pro Tip: Always check your target journal’s author guidelines to see their preference!
How to Balance Active and Passive Voice in Your Paper
📌 Use Active Voice For:
✔️ Abstract
✔️ Introduction
✔️ Results
✔️ Discussion
✔️ Conclusion
📌 Use Passive Voice For:
✔️ Methods Section (if required)
✔️ When emphasizing results rather than the researcher
✔️ When discussing well-known scientific facts✔️ Abstract
✔️ Introduction
✔️ Results
✔️ Discussion
✔️ Conclusion
📢 Example – A Balanced Approach:
✔️ “We collected data from 200 patients and analyzed the results.” (Active)
✔️ “Samples were stored at -80°C before processing.” (Passive)
Final Verdict: Active Voice is Better, But Passive Has Its Place
🔎 Use active voice whenever possible—it makes your research clearer and more engaging.
📌 Use passive voice selectively, especially when the focus is on results or procedures rather than the researcher.
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