Is it better to write 'The experiment was completed' or 'We completed the experiment' in a report?
I'm editing a formal lab report and keep coming across sentences like, "The experiment was completed in two days." I'm not sure if I should leave it in the passive voice or change it to something like, "We completed the experiment in two days."
I've heard that passive voice is sometimes better in scientific or academic writing, but I'm not sure when to use it. Are there certain sections or cases where passive voice is preferred? I'd appreciate any advice or examples on which style sounds more professional or correct in this context.
Context:
Writing for university-level science reports in North America.
What to Know
| Question You Likely Still Have | Direct Answer | How To Apply It |
|---|---|---|
| What is the core rule for better write experiment completed? | Patterns to Consider: Use passive voice when emphasizing the method or results: "The solution was heated to 80°C." "Data were collected over three weeks." Use active voice when cl… | The passive voice ('The experiment was completed') emphasizes the process or result, while the active voice ('We completed the experiment') highlights the researchers' role. |
| How do I apply better write experiment completed in a sentence like mine? | The passive voice ('The experiment was completed') emphasizes the process or result, while the active voice ('We completed the experiment') highlights the researchers' role. | In formal lab reports, passive voice is traditionally preferred for methods but active voice is appropriate, especially when the guidelines or journal permit it and clarity improv… |
| What mistakes should I avoid with better write experiment completed? | In formal lab reports, passive voice is traditionally preferred for methods but active voice is appropriate, especially when the guidelines or journal permit it and clarity improv… | In scientific writing, the choice between passive and active voice usually depends on where you want to place focus: the action or the actor. |
3 Answers
In scientific writing, the choice between passive and active voice usually depends on where you want to place focus: the action or the actor. The passive voice ('The experiment was completed') emphasizes the process or result, while the active voice ('We completed the experiment') highlights the researchers' role.
Patterns to Consider:
- Use passive voice when emphasizing the method or results:
- "The solution was heated to 80°C."
- "Data were collected over three weeks."
- Use active voice when clarity about the actor matters or when describing actions you directly performed:
- "We observed an increase in temperature."
- "We calibrated the instrument daily."
Practice:
Take a draft sentence like, "Results were analyzed using software." Recast it in active voice: "We analyzed the results using software." Consider which version better fits your report's focus.
Self-Check:
Ask: Does my sentence need to stress what was done (passive) or who did it (active)? In formal lab reports, passive voice is traditionally preferred for methods but active voice is appropriate, especially when the guidelines or journal permit it and clarity improves.
Choosing between passive and active voice affects both focus and conciseness in your scientific writing. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
Purpose Passive Example Active Example Describing Method "Samples were weighed." "We weighed the samples." Reporting Results "A significant change was observed." "We observed a significant change."General Rule: Employ passive voice when the actor is less important, especially in standardized procedures. Use active voice for clarity or when highlighting the researcher's actions adds value.
Quick Practice: Convert these sentences, switching voice:
- "The apparatus was assembled." → "We assembled the apparatus."
- Try reversing one of your own report sentences and observe which sounds clearer in context.
Editing Tip: Scan your draft for rigid passive voice. Ask if the agent ('we') adds clarity, then revise as needed.
Whether you use passive or active voice can depend on the specific part of your report:
- Methods/Procedures: Passive voice is often used to keep the focus on what was done, rather than who did it. Example: "A titration was performed to determine concentration."
- Discussion/Interpretation: Active voice is more common when expressing your analysis or viewpoint. Example: "We determined that the solution was oversaturated."
Guided Contrast:
- Methods (passive): "Measurements were recorded every hour."
- Discussion (active): "We interpret these fluctuations as evidence of instability."
Practice Activity: Review one paragraph from your methods and discussion sections. Identify whether the voice you’re using matches the preferred style for that section and adjust at least one sentence.
Correction Tip: If your writing sounds vague or repetitive, try shifting some sentences to active voice for variety and clarity.
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