NCO Primary Leadership Subjects
Rule 2: Write in the Active Voice, Continued
Changing
Recast the sentence to change the main verb.
passive to
active,
Example:
continued
ACTIVE: He must attend.
You may find the passive voice useful if:
When to use
passive
sentences
The doer is unknown or unimportant.
You want to emphasize the receiver of the action.
Examples:
The meeting was held at Fort Sill.
The parade was called off.
This example uses the passive voice. Highlight or underline passive sentences.
Example:
Passive voice
1. Enclosure 1 is forwarded for review and comments as to concurrence or
nonconcurrence with the recommendations of the Command Inspection
conducted on i May. Only those recommendations requiring headquarters
action are forwarded. Comments are requested by 7 June in order that approval
and implementing action can be taken. Recommendations will stand as written
if nonconcurrence is not provided by the above date.
2. Status reports or comments concerning actions completed or in progress are
not to be submitted at this time. Guidance on status reporting will be provided
at a later date.
See how the active voice states the same information much more effectively.
Example:
Active voice
1. Enclosure 1 presents recommendations from our Command Inspection of 1
May.
2. Tell us of any disagreements by 7 June, or the recommendations will stand.
3. Don't send status reports yet. We'll provide guidance later.
Writing Mechanics and Composition
3-11
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