PASSIVE VOICE AND ACTIVE VOICE
suara pasif
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62145/ces.v2i2.52Keywords:
Keywords: Active voice, Passive Voice, Academic writing, English as a Foreign Language (EFL)Abstract
Background: Expert guidelines recommend using active over passive voice to improve clarity in English
academic writing. However, few systematic reviews synthesize research on reader outcomes from texts written
in the passive versus active voice. This paper reviewed experimental studies comparing the effects of active and
passive voice on reader comprehension in English academic writing. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines,
database searches identified quantitative studies manipulating voice in academic texts and measuring
differential impacts on reader understanding. 9 eligible studies were analyzed narratively. Results: Studies
consistently demonstrated reduced readability, slower processing, and lower comprehension scores for passive
versus active voice texts across reader groups and disciplines.
On coherence ratings, grammatical errors, and comprehension questions, passive voice performed significantly
worse.
Conclusions: Strong evidence confirms active voice improves reader comprehension over passive in academic
writing. However, strategic passive usage may still benefit writing on a situational basis. More research is
needed on providing effective instruction to EFL students on selectively deploying active/passive principles.
Originality: This systematic review is the first to synthesize major studies comparing active and passive voice
impacts on reader outcomes in academic writing. The consistent experimental results provide an empirical basis
for style guidelines favoring active voice for clarity.
References
Charles, M. (2013). Active and Passive Voice in Research Articles: An Interdisciplinary Study. International Journal of
Corpus Linguistics, 18(3), 279-318.
Chen, L. (2020). Active and Passive Voice Use in Academic Writing by Chinese EFL Learners. Journal of Second Language
Writing 51, 100846.
Gressang, J. (2021). Voice and Readability in Scientific Writing. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication 51(1), 94-
Hyland, K. (2008). Disciplinary Voices: Interactions in Research Writing. English Text Construction 1(1), 5-22.
Jalilifar, A., & Shooshtari, Z. G. (2011). Active or Passive: That is the Question. BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial
Intelligence and Neuroscience, 2(4), 29-38.
Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement. PLoS Med 6(7): e1000097. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed1000097
Oshima, A., & Hogue, A. (2007). Introduction to Academic Writing (3rd ed.). Pearson Longman.
Peters, P. (2019). Active versus Passive Voice: The Shift Forward. The Writing Center Journal 37(1), 89-113.
Saeidi, M., & Sahebkheir, F. (2011). The Application of Passive Voice in the Iranian EFL Learners' Writings. English Language
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Categories
- Pendidikan Agama Islam
- Arabic education
- Education Administration and Management
- Sports and Health Education
- Indonesian Language Education
- Primary and Early Childhood Education
- Mathematics Education
- Biology Education
- Physics Education
- English Education
- Social Science Education
- Civic Education
- Informatics Technology Education
- Counseling and Extension Guidance
- Communication and Islamic Da'wah
- Economics and Business
- Information Technology
- Humanities and Law
- Islamic Studies
- Psychology
- Agribusiness
- Accounting
- ART
- Math
- Community Service
- Library Science