The difference between the passive voice and the active voice is subtle in grammar, but profound in impact in speech.

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The exchange also demonstrates the passive voice, the form of speech in which the doer of the action is not stated.

FORBES: From Bogart to Gingrich

In his use of the passive voice, Mr. Gingrich shifted the responsibility for his inappropriate things his extramarital affairs away from himself and to his work.

FORBES: From Bogart to Gingrich

When referring to the causes of our economic meltdown, he often reverts to passive voice (something "was done") or to nameless, faceless, impersonal forces ("corporate greed").

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Mr. Reagan, Mr. Clinton, Mr. Gonzales, Mr. Gingrich, and generations of politicians before and after them use the passive voice to protect their associates, their constituencies, and themselves.

FORBES: From Bogart to Gingrich

And by putting the gravest threat the US presently faces from the Middle East in the passive voice, he made clear that actually, the US isn't going to do anything about it.

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As Carr observes in a sentence in which the passive voice is used, "a question has been raised whether the news media have done their job in keeping the American public informed" about the drone program.

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The president speaks in the passive voice.

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For such an outspoken voice for reform of corporate governance, Buffett was curiously passive about using his personal power to affect change.

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The reality is that small touchscreen devices and voice recognition are better suited for searching, and due to the passive nature of TV viewing, I think people want to browse first and search second.

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