How are verbs used most effectively?

Verbs are vigorous, direct communicators. Use the active rather than the passive voice, and select tense or mood carefully.

• Preferred:
  We conducted the survey in a controlled setting.
• Nonpreferred:
  The survey was conducted in a controlled setting.

• Preferred:
  Simpson (2001) designed the experiment.
• Nonpreferred:
  The experiment was designed by Simpson (2001).

• Preferred:
  Participants sat in comfortable chairs equipped with speakers that delivered the tone stimuli.
• Nonpreferred:
  The participants were seated in comfortable chairs equipped with speakers that delivered the tone stimuli.

(adapted from the sixth edition of the APA Publication Manual, © 2010)