Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Why doesn't it sound as clever when I say it?

A quotation of Cabin Pressure:

Martin: It seems the cargo hold heating may not have been turned on.
Douglas: Masterly use of the passive voice.

Now, when the passive voice comes up in class, first I have to explain what the passive voice is (as grammar isn't taught anymore, apparently), next I explain why it is often not a good idea to use it, and finally (not being an 18th century prescriptivist) I explain that there are sometimes very good reasons to use the passive voice.

By the time I try to explain these good reasons, my class is asleep.

Perhaps I could just play them the radio episode?

"But writing-powers-that-be, playing this show for them is TOTALLY justified. Not only did they learn about the passive voice, they heard references to Moby Dick...and learned how airplanes fly right side up!"