What is a common misconception about the use of active voice in technical writing?

In technical writing, a common misconception is that using active voice is less clear than passive voice. This idea stems from a misunderstanding of how active and passive constructions function in communication. Active voice typically presents information in a straightforward manner, by making the subject of the sentence clear and positioning it prominently. This enhances clarity because readers can easily identify who is performing the action without ambiguity.

In contrast, passive voice can sometimes dilute the subject's role, making sentences longer and more complicated. Therefore, while some may perceive active voice as less formal or too direct, it is actually preferred in many technical contexts for its clarity and conciseness. This perception that active voice might be less clear is what leads to the misconception highlighted in the question.