usage - Should we avoid a "double passive"?


Does it sound strange to say "An emergency meeting is expected to be held soon." or "The new highway is proposed to be built across the swamp." Should we avoid this type of construction ?



Answer



No, there is no reason to avoid those sentences.


It is often simpler and clearer to use the active voice than the passive voice. And the active voice is especially helpful when the agent of the action is important to the message. Otherwise, the passive voice is alive and well, and there is no reason to fear it blindly.


It's all about deciding what your message is and then finding a clear way to get it across. And in that quest it is important to consider your audience or readers. In some contexts they might well expect and appreciate the passive voice.


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