Our English teachers always tell us that you're not supposed to use passive voice. "Always write in active voice," they say.
Passive: The cookie was eaten.
Active: I ate the cookie.
As I drove home today, I heard a perfect example of when you should use passive voice. You should use it when you're a government official, who's trying to deflect blame. In an interview on NPR, Scott McClellan was asked by Renee Montagne of "Fresh Air" if he had any regrets about his role in the Bush administration's misleading of the country.
McClellan replied that he "was caught up in" the standard operating procedure of the Bush administration. Rather than admitting his own autonomy in the situation, he speaks as though he had no choice. A force more powerful than he forced him to go along for the ride.
What a load.
What a brilliant use of the passive voice.
Getting physical
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Training sessions have been going really well these past few weeks. I
swim, lift, and run on my own (or with the masters swim team) during the
week, and o...
12 years ago
3 comments:
Scott McClellan could have resigned his position. Instead he remained "passive" until now. He has a right to be bitter about the way he was lied to during the CIA fiasco. Apparently, the lesson of how it feels to be lied to did not kick in right away. Now he is making money off his book. Revenge must be sweet.
Passive or active, now the guy stands to make a fortune off of easily duped Americans excited about old news.
Ellen
You two crack me up. I love your punny-ness.
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