Question

If it is assumed that the bases only occur in the structure in the most plausible tautomeric forms (that is, with the keto rather than the enol configurations) it is found that only specific pairs of bases can bond together.

It has been found experimentally that the ratio of the amounts of adenine to thymine, and the ratio of guanine to cytosine, are always very close to unity for deoxyribose nucleic acid.

—"A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid,”
J.D. Watson and F.H.C. Crick

Which verb voice does this passage use?


Why is the verb voice appropriate for this passage?

Answer 1

The passage uses passive voice (specifically impersonal/passive constructions: "it is assumed…" and "it has been found experimentally…").

Why that is appropriate
- Passive/impersonal phrasing shifts focus from investigators to the facts or observations themselves, which creates an objective, impersonal tone valued in scientific writing.
- It hedges claims and emphasizes that the statements are based on experiment or consensus rather than the authors’ personal opinion ("it has been found…" points to experimental evidence).
- It makes the findings sound general and reproducible rather than tied to a particular agent or study.

(Active alternatives for contrast: "Researchers assume that the bases…" and "Experimenters have found that the ratio… is always very close to unity.")