Use of passive voice with ser + participle

Question

I've been taught that this usage of the passive voice is discouraged in English, especially in formal writing, and especially when the active voice is easily possible. Is the same true in Spanish? Thank you!

Answer

Hola Mary Jane
My understanding is that the passive voice is not discouraged in English, on the contrary, it is often used. In Spanish though we tend to use it in more formal sentences. We prefer to use a more "relaxed" passive which is the "passive se" form. Here is a lesson in case you haven't come across it yet:
passive se 
Saludos
Inma

Answer

Inma, thank you for your response regarding passive voice in Spanish. As for its use in English, you're right, it's often used, at least in the United States where I live. It's not considered good usage, though, when the active voice would be stronger and/or clearer. Good writers in English avoid it when possible.