Question about grammar...

innerSpaceman · 09-29-2006, 02:30 PM

Um, first-off, what exactly is a passive sentence, and what makes it passive?

I happen to be a very good writer (if I do say so myself), but I don't know the names of gramatical constructs. I have a mastery of the subject, but not of the jargon needed to teach the subject.

Edited to add: Um, thanks Alex ... and, er, nevermind, I guess.

Alex · 09-29-2006, 02:36 PM

And to clarify, the to be conjugation with the verb is not always a sign of passive voice, you have to rely on who is doing what to whom, but it tends to be a hint.

I am going to the store.
They are killing us.

Both of those are active.

09-29-2006, 02:30 PM	#1
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	Um, first-off, what exactly is a passive sentence, and what makes it passive? I happen to be a very good writer (if I do say so myself), but I don't know the names of gramatical constructs. I have a mastery of the subject, but not of the jargon needed to teach the subject. Edited to add: Um, thanks Alex ... and, er, nevermind, I guess.
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09-29-2006, 02:36 PM	#2
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	And to clarify, the to be conjugation with the verb is not always a sign of passive voice, you have to rely on who is doing what to whom, but it tends to be a hint. I am going to the store. They are killing us. Both of those are active.
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