Dear all
I used the passive voice in scientific writing because I was taught to use a passive voice when I began studying scientific writing. However, lately, I have received some recommendations to use active voice in scientific writing.
The first source is Dunn, D. S. (2004). A short guide to writing about psychology. The book demonstrates that the passive voice seems ‘more scientific’, but it makes articles tedious. Additionally, it said that people use the passive voice because their psychology lecturers do not allow students to use personal pronouns.
The second source is a ‘Writing in the Sciences’ organised by Stanford University on Coursera. It suggests using active voice because it brings several advantages: One, it emphasises the author's responsibility. Two, it improves readability, and three, it reduces ambiguity.
I think these statements conflict with each other. Thus, I would like to know:
Can scientific articles of good quality be written in an active voice?
Can I use personal pronouns in scientific articles?
Thanks in advance.
Chen
Michael Uebel
Dear Dr Michael Uebel
Thanks for your answer. It is clear to me now. The passive voice seems to be about past trends. Thus, I am going to try to use the active voice in my writing.
Best regards
Chen
In scientific writing, please use the active, not the passive, voice. This is recommended by all peer-review Journals. When the active voice is the case, the text is more readable and parsimonous. To write in a clear and clean manner is the first rule of thumb of a scientific paper. Of, course, on some occasions you can use the passive voice. This is an exception not the rule.
Yes, you can use personal pronouns in scientific articles. To use we, instead of I is often the case. However, when you really believe in what you say, you can use the personal pronoun I. I have several published papers in prestigious journals where I use I, and other papers where I use we. Needless to say, when a coauthored paper is the case, it is mandatory to use "We".
Best regards,
Orlando
Orlando M Lourenço
Dear Professor Lourenço
Thanks for your answer. It is a very compelling argument that using active voice in scientific writing is recommended by all peer-review journals. I am not going to use passive voice anymore in scientific writing unless it is necessary. Additionally, thanks for your clarification on using personal pronouns. Indeed, I was confused about whether to use ‘we’ or ‘I’ as the subject. It is clear to me now.
Best regards
Chen
I was also taught to use the passive voice. Thanks for the question, I have learn something.
Bahtilla Marinette
Dear Bahtilla Marinette
I am glad that my question was helpful to someone else. I hope that you are enjoying your writing.
Best regards
Chen
Mohsin Abdullah Al-Shammari
Dear Dr Mohsin Abdullah Al-Shammari
Thanks for your answer.
Best regards
Chen
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