一般來說，人們寫作時只是出於文體或上下文一致的原因，才使用被動語態。及物動詞既可能是主動的，又可能是被動的。如果是主語發出的'動作，謂語應用主語語態;反之，如果主語是動作施加的對象，謂語則應用被動語態。但事實上，人們更偏愛主動語態，因爲它顯得突出而直截了當。若謂語採用較弱的被動語態，行爲者往往被隱去大名，或顯得好像並不重要。然而，當不知道行爲者是誰，或者作者想把重點放到動作承受方而不是動作方時，動作本身比採取動作的人更重要，這時就有必要用被動語態了。
Weak Passive: Hell need to be looked after.
Strong Active: Hell need looking after.
Weak Passive: Youre going to be covered favorably by the press.
Strong Active: Youre going to get fabulous press.
Weak Passive: Do you remember when Nelson Mandela of South Africa was freed?
Strong Active: Do you remember when Nelson Mandela of South Africa walked free?
Weak Passive: Rumors of a broader deal between DailmerChrysler and Nissan Motor Co. have been spread far and wide.
Strong Active: Rumors of a broader deal between DailmerChrysler and Nissan Motor Co. have gained currency.
Weak Passive: His language was too bad to be repeated.
