In which scenario is passive voice most appropriate?

• A. Blaming someone for a mistake.
• B. Emphasizing processes or maintaining objectivity in safety standards.
• C. Making the sentence more active.
• D. Expressing personal opinions.

Answer: (B)

Passive voice is most appropriate when the emphasis should be on the action, the process, or the outcome rather than on who performed it. In safety standards and technical writing, the goal is often to present procedures and results in a neutral, objective way. Saying “The procedure was followed” or “The standard was met” keeps the focus on what happened and how it was achieved, which supports consistency and impartiality.

This fits scenarios where maintaining objectivity matters more than assigning credit or blame. It’s less suitable for situations that require direct blame or personal emphasis, such as blaming someone for a mistake, expressing personal opinions, or making the sentence more active. Those contexts naturally call for more direct, actor-focused language.