7 Writing Style

Verb Choice and Form

Use active verbs wherever it’s appropriate—they help maintain the preferred subject-verb-object sentence order, use fewer words, and avoid weak auxiliary verb forms.

Example
The presentation was made by the President. (passive)
The presentation was made. (passive without a subject)
The President made the presentation. (active but with the weak verb “made”)
The President presented the results of the study. (active and strong)

Most good writers will naturally use a mix of active and passive verbs, but prefer active verbs. Passive verbs can be useful, as in the following sentence, which skillfully avoids naming the person responsible.

Example
A serious accounting error was made.

Strong Verbs

Use direct, active verbs. Avoid combining weak, vague verbs such as “be” and “do” with the noun form of a verb.

Example
Our research could be of help to you in making a decision. (weak)
Our research could help you make a decision. (strong)
We did a calculation of the total. (weak)
We calculated the total. (strong)