The Power and Purpose of the Passive Voice: Exploring the Sentence ‘What is Done Cannot be Undone’

The sentence “What is done cannot be undone” is a powerful statement often used to convey the irreversible nature of actions or decisions. In this sentence, the focus is on the action rather than the subject performing the action, which is a characteristic of the passive voice.

Passive vs. Active Voice

In English, the passive voice is formed using the verb 'to be' followed by the past participle of the main verb. The active voice, on the other hand, involves the subject performing the action. For our example, the passive form, “What is done cannot be undone,” emphasizes the action or the thing done, rather than the person responsible for it.

The Active Form: 'What One Does None Can Undo'

The active form of the statement is, “What one does none can undo.” While this is technically correct, it can sometimes sound awkward, especially when used in formal or professional contexts. In contrast, the passive voice “What is done cannot be undone” is often clearer and more concise, especially when the focus is on the action rather than the actor.

Understanding the Message

“You can’t undo what you have done” is a common active form of the phrase. However, the passive voice in “What is done cannot be undone” is often preferred because it emphasizes the action itself. The sentence serves as a cautionary reminder: before taking action, consider the irreversible consequences of your decision.

Shakespeare's Insight: "No One Can Undo What Is Done"

Another active form of the sentence is, “No one can undo what is done.” While this is grammatically correct, it can be seen as somewhat awkward. In some cases, the passive voice can be more effective, particularly when the emphasis is on the action rather than the person responsible for it.

Creative Examples of the Phrase

To further illustrate the impact of the sentence “What is done cannot be undone,” consider these creative examples:

You cannot unburst a burst bubble. You cannot put a broken egg back together again. You cannot stuff all the feathers back into a pillow after you scatter them from the top of the Empire State Building. You cannot take back a spoken or written word. You cannot retrieve water you pour into the ocean. You cannot wish away the tears. You cannot take back the years.

These examples effectively convey the irrevocable nature of certain actions, making the original sentence more relatable and memorable.

A Final Note from Humpty Dumpty

In his whimsical way, Humpty Dumpty observes that once a decision is made or a statement is made, it is nearly impossible to take it back. This concept is captured perfectly in the passive voice: “What is done cannot be undone.” It serves as a practical and poignant reminder to exercise caution and thoughtfulness in our actions and decisions.

—Sarah M., 6/9/2018