Overusing passive voice in academic writing can be a common issue because it can lead to vague, confusing, or less engaging writing. Passive voice can make sentences longer and harder to follow, affecting the clarity of the message being conveyed. It can also obscure the subject of the sentence, making it less clear who is performing the action.

To strike a balance between active and passive structures in academic writing, consider the following strategies:

1. Be intentional: Use passive voice when the focus should be on the action or the object rather than the subject. However, aim to use active voice for clarity and directness when the subject is important or when you want to emphasize agency.

2. Identify passive constructions: Pay attention to “to be” verbs (e.g., is, are, was, were, been) in your writing, as they often signal passive voice. Consider revising these sentences to make them active.

3. Focus on clarity: Always prioritize clarity and coherence in your writing. Ensure that your writing is easy to follow and that your arguments are presented logically.

4. Vary sentence structure: Mix active and passive constructions to maintain reader interest and engagement. This variety can also enhance the flow of your writing.

Balancing active and passive voice enhances clarity by making the subject and action of each sentence more apparent. It strengthens arguments by clearly attributing actions to specific actors, which can help to persuade readers. Moreover, a balanced use of active and passive voice can improve readability