Passive Voice Primer

Use active and passive voice to strengthen your scientific and medical writing

Do you often debate whether to use passive or active voice in your writing? Have reviewers or colleagues advised you to revise passive voice in your manuscript, grant proposal, or other document?

If you’re nodding your head yes, then the Passive Voice Primer is for you! This course will help you:

  • Learn why passive voice has been a conventional practice in science.

  • Understand the real problem with passive voice in scientific and medical writing.

  • Use passive voice as a strategic writing tool that engages, informs, and persuades readers.

The Passive Voice Primer will give you the skills, strategy, and resources you need to confidently use passive voice to strengthen your writing and maximize the impact of your work.

Passive and active voice are strategic writing tools that can strengthen scientific and medical writing.

By the End of This Course, You’ll Be Able to:

Challenge the conventional practice of using passive voice

Recognize passive voice—and know when to use and avoid it

Use passive and active voice as a strategic writing tools

Who would benefit from this course?

This course also includes content that will specifically benefit:

  • Faculty at science and medical institutions

  • Postdoctoral fellows and graduate students

  • Physicians, nurses, fellows, and residents

  • Biotech and Pharma employees

  • Government researchers and staff

Answers to Common Questions

  • This course includes pre-recorded video lessons totaling about 45 minutes. After you watch the entire series of videos, you can jump around the videos to rewatch any lesson as many times as you want.

  • Yes. We designed this course to include short video lessons that you can watch (and rewatch) as you have time available.

  • You will have access to the course materials for life. That’s right! You can retake the course and revisit the videos as many times as you want for as long as the course exists.

  • Many organizations encourage their faculty, staff, and trainees to continue their education. And some grant or startup funds can be used for professional development.

    If you need help figuring out how to ask your mentor or institution for support, check out this in-depth guide (pitch templates included).

  • For any course-related questions, please send an email to courses@redwoodink.com. We will answer your question ASAP.

  • We believe this course will help you use passive voice as a powerful writing tool, and we back that belief with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the course, send us an email at hello@redwoodink.com within 14 days after you sign up. We’ll ask why the course didn’t work for you so that we can get better, but you’ll get a full refund. Simple as that!

  • Send them to courses@redwoodink.com. We’ll get back to you ASAP.

Who is the instructor?

Crystal Herron sitting in a wood chair with a redwood tree and ivy in the background

Crystal Herron, PhD, ELS

Crystal is an editor, educator, and coach who helps scientists and clinicians communicate with clear, concise, and compelling writing. Her distinctive style transforms conventional complex language into modern writing that engages, informs, and persuades readers.

Crystal is an international speaker and educator. She leads webinars, workshops, and courses to empower researchers with the principles, resources, and systems to write clearly and efficiently.

Crystal is a BELS-certified Editor in the Life Sciences. She has more than a decade of experience as an editor and nearly two decades of experience as an educator. Before pursuing her passion for words, she completed her PhD in biomedical science and collaborated on diverse projects in clinical research.

For more professional details about Crystal, visit her profile on LinkedIn.

What People Are Saying

“Thank you SO much for your clear and beautiful slides, your helpful and encouraging manner of presenting, and your generosity with information and answering questions. I wish I could tell you how many times you and your slides have come to my mind as examples of what to strive for.”

"Crystal walked through these topics so clearly and I am excited to implement her suggestions into my writing!"

"Crystal is an excellent, thoughtful presenter who uses helpful graphics and thoughtfully answers questions."

Extremely useful and wonderfully presented! I am excited to start applying it directly in my everyday life from now on.”

"You are very engaging, and your content is superb! Thank you!"

Here’s What You’ll Get:

  • 45-minute training to complete at your own pace

  • Short video lessons with step-by-step guidance

  • Resources to help you use passive voice strategically

  • Unlimited access for as long as the course exists

Ready to use passive voice as a strategic writing tool?

Enroll Now!

$29