Is the passive voice typically more forceful and direct than the active voice?

The passive voice is generally seen as less direct and forceful compared to the active voice. In active voice construction, the subject of the sentence performs the action, which usually results in a clearer and more engaging statement for the reader. For example, "The manager approved the project" is straightforward and direct, effectively highlighting who did the action.

In contrast, the passive voice focuses on the action or the recipient of the action rather than who is performing it. For instance, "The project was approved by the manager" shifts emphasis away from the subject and can sometimes create vagueness or ambiguity regarding responsibility. This stylistic difference can impact the strength of communication, making active voice more suitable for persuasive or assertive writing.

Thus, stating that passive voice is typically more forceful and direct is not accurate. The directness and clarity of the active voice usually makes it the preferred choice for most technical communications.