Question

1. Review the information in your text about using the passive voice as a technique for cushioning bad news when composing certain types of negative business messages.

2. Revise the following refusals so that they use passive-voice instead of active-voice verbs.

16 We do not allow used merchandise to be returned or exchanged.

17. Managers may not advertise any job openings until those positions have first been posted internally.

18. Your car rental insurance does not cover large SUVs.

19. We cannot meet the sales income projected for the fourth quarter.

20. Titan Insurance Company will not process any claim not accompanied by documented proof showing that a physician treated the injuries.

Answer 1

16. We do not allow used merchandise to be returned or exchanged.

• Used merchandise is not allowed to be returned or exchanged.

Use passive-voice instead of active-voice verbs.

17. Managers may not advertise any job openings until those positions have first been posted internally.

• Any job openings advertised by managers must first be posted internally.

18: Your car rental insurance does not cover large SUVs.

• Large SUVs are not covered by your car rental insurance.

19: We cannot meet the sales income projected for the fourth quarter.

• The fourth quarter projected sales income cannot be met

20: Titan Insurance Company will not process any claim not accompanied by documented proof showing that a physician treated the injuries.

• Documented proof showing that a physician treated the injuries must accompany any claim processed by Titan Insurance Company