Allowing Passive Voice in Writing

Sheryl prefers passive voice for some of her writing (such as business documents and correspondence), rather than active voice. The grammar checker on Word always marks instances of passive voice. Sheryl would like to turn off the portion of the grammar checker that checks for passive voice so that it is not marked as an error.

Word allows you to choose which grammar checking rules it follows and which it doesn't. To change this particular setting (the one for passive voice), follow these steps if you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007:

1. Choose Options from the Tools menu. Word displays the Options dialog box.
2. Make sure the Spelling & Grammar tab is displayed. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Click on the Settings button near the bottom of the dialog box. Word displays the Grammar Settings dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
4. In the list of Style options, make sure there is no check mark next to the Passive Sentences option. Clearing the check box ensures that Word won't enforce that grammar rule during its checking of your document.
5. Click on OK to close the Grammar Settings dialog box.
6. Click on OK to close the Options dialog box.

If you are using Word 2007 then the process is different. Follow these steps:

1. Click the Office button and then click Word Options. Word displays the Word Options dialog box.
2. Click the Proofing option at the left side of the dialog box.
3. Click the Settings button. Word displays the Grammar Settings dialog box.
4. Make sure there is no check mark next to the Passive Sentences option.
5. Click on OK to close the Grammar Settings dialog box.
6. Click on OK to close the Word Options dialog box.