Why might a writer use passive voice?

Answer 1

Passive is used when the doer of the verb is not important or not known.

Passive is often used when writing about a process such as the production of tea:

Tea is grown in large plantations. It is pickedand is taken to drying sheds. The tea is dried and then it is packed into large boxes for export. - passive verbs are in bold.

Or if the doer of the verb is not important:

The Mona Lisa was painted in the 16th century.

If you want to say who or what does the action of the verb you add - by + noun phrase. This is called the agent.

The Mona Lisa was painted in the 16th century by Leonardo da vinci.

The passive is not grammatically wrong

Answer 2

A writer might use passive voice to shift the focus away from the doer of the action or to create a more formal tone in their writing. Passive voice can also be used when the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant.

Answer 3

When somebody wished to defer responsibility.

'Thing were done to the refugees.'