The seventh chapter of Constance Hale’s “Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch” defines how the handling of Verbs could be better. Passive Restraint provides a four-way split on how to treat verbs. First to acknowledge, is that passive-versus-active argument is counterproductive, but worth the Vex (Hale 152, 154). In fact, today more than ever, not only us the passive necessary, it’s normal because we need it for announcements, lengthy empathy, or illustrating a lack of action. What makes the passive verb a literary sin is the ambiguity it is often used for: filler, also to be known as the Hex (165). In some ways, this is an effective way of distancing the self from the action, which can be a problem because it stands aside from the action—and limits dependability on the facts. The best way to solve the latter is to Smash, a simpler way of saying Don’t Do It. The passive voice “avoids responsibility” (166) and is the go-to method of anyone in the public eye or who simply feels vulnerable. Its overuse requires an overhaul, a Smooch, and in doing so we must actively use it in good taste. The true Passive Verb is a melody, it sooths the paragraph and strengthens the message. In other words: Passive Verb is a style, not an excuse (170). With the author’s use of pop icons, historic classics, and prompts, Hale gives an applicable mindset to the land of verb usage. Some of Hale’s examples are memorable enough to remember. More importantly, many of them are witty enough to keep this book in mind when I’m in doubt.
Works Cited
Hale, Constance. Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch: Let Verbs Power Your Writing. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2012. Print.
