What is the primary function of the passive voice in writing?

The primary function of the passive voice in writing is to emphasize the action itself rather than the doer of the action. By focusing on the action, writers can shift attention from who is performing the action to the action's effects or results. This can be particularly useful in situations where the doer is either unknown, unimportant, or when the writer wants to create a sense of objectivity or impartiality.

For example, in scientific writing, the passive voice is often employed to present findings in a way that highlights the results of experiments rather than the researchers who conducted them. This can make the text feel more formal and can focus the reader's attention on the process and outcome rather than on the individual performing the action.

Using the passive voice opens up a variety of stylistic and rhetorical options, making it an effective tool for writers who wish to convey information in a specific light.