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

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

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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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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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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