How to Turn on Passive Voice Monitor in Microsoft Word 2007

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By kellykellykelly
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Microsoft Word 2007 - Passive Voice Monitor

All writers are guilty of using passive voice at some time or another. However, if you want to speak directly to your readers, using passive voice will only serve to distance them from your writer. Fortunately, if you use Microsoft Word, you can turn on the passive voice monitor that will let you know when you’re using passive voice so you can correct the problem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer
Microsoft Word 2007

Step 1

Navigate to the Office Button in the top left hand corner of the Microsoft Word screen.
Step 2

Choose

Choose “Word Options” from bottom of the pull down menu.
Step 3

Proofing

Click “Proofing” on the left hand side of the “Word Options” menu.
Step 4

Grammar & Style

Choose “Grammar & Style” from the pull down menu under “When correcting spelling and Grammar in Word.”
Step 5

Click the “Settings” button next to the pull down menu beside “Writing Style.”
Step 6

Make sure “Grammar & Style” is selected from the pull down menu at the top of the grammar settings window.
Step 7

Scroll down to the style heading and check “passive sentences.”
Step 8

Click OK.

Tips & Warnings

Though they are few, there will be sometimes it will be clunky to avoid a passive sentence. When you find yourself bending over backwards to accommodate active voice, this may be one of those few times.
For more information on passive sentences and grammar, check out one of the books in the resource section. Strunk and White’s Elements of Style is a must have.

Resources