When to use the passive? (2)
3. In factual, scientific or formal writing:
The chemical is placed in a test tube and the data entered into the computer.
The brochure will be finished next month.
4. In order to put the new information at the end of the sentence to improve style:
Three books are used regularly in the class. The books were written by Dr. Bell.
('Dr. Bell wrote the books' sound clumsy)
5. When the subject is very long:
I was surprised by how well the students did in the test.
(More natural than: 'how well the students did in the test surprised me')