How NOT To Write: passive constructions

Why are they called "constructions"?

Because a sentence is something you build, right?  You assemble it with words.  And those words can be active or passive.  But they should be active.  What's the difference?  This:

PASSIVE:  Mistakes were made by me.

vs.

ACTIVE:  I made mistakes.

PASSIVE:  A good time was had by all.

vs.

ACTIVE:  We all had a good time.

So.  Active sentences are SHORTER and use fewer syllables.  But that's not all they have going for them.  They are DIRECT. They are simple...