GRAMMAR: PASSIVE VOICE

Why Is the Passive Voice So Common in Business English?

If you’ve ever read a news article, a business report, or a company email, you’ve probably noticed that the Passive Voice appears everywhere. That’s because, in professional communication, the action is often more important than the person performing it.

For example, companies usually say “The product was launched yesterday” instead of “Our team launched the product yesterday.” This shifts the focus to the product rather than the people behind it.

The Passive Voice also sounds more formal, objective, and diplomatic. It is commonly used in meetings, reports, presentations, emails, scientific writing, and journalism. Learning to use it correctly will make your English sound much more natural in professional environments.

Think About It

Why do you think companies often focus on the action instead of the person responsible for it? Discuss your ideas with a partner.

Examples

Active Voice	Passive Voice
Nathalie approved the campaign.	The campaign was approved by Nathalie.
The design team created the new logo.	The new logo was created by the design team.
Our company launches new products every year.	New products are launched every year.
The client rejected our first proposal.	Our first proposal was rejected by the client.
The agency has redesigned the packaging.	The packaging has been redesigned.
André will present the strategy tomorrow.	The strategy will be presented tomorrow.
The marketing team is preparing the final pitch.	The final pitch is being prepared by the marketing team.
Customers buy this product worldwide.	This product is bought worldwide.
Someone stole the campaign idea.	The campaign idea was stolen.
The board should approve the proposal next week.	The proposal should be ap

ACTIVITY