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The Mayfield Handbook of Technical & Scientific Writing
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Section 6.15.4

Inappropriate Shifts in Voice

Be consistent in your choice of voice. A shift in voice without reason will confuse your reader. For example, do not combine a passive voice clause with an active voice clause in the same sentence. See also Lack of Parallelism.


Weak

The researchers will drill a succession of holes in the seafloor and thin pipes will be extended through which the researchers will lower equipment for sending sound waves through the rock and hydrate deposits.

Improved

The researchers will drill a succession of holes in the seafloor and they will extend thin pipes through which they will lower equipment for sending sound waves through the rock and hydrate deposits.

--David Graham, "Harvesting Natural Gas from the Ocean Floor," Technology Review


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## Inappropriate Shifts in Voice ##
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