How to... by Vale Zepeda

Passive Voice

valezepedav — 2015-11-06 12:10:28 UTC

Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known, however, who or what is performing the action. Example: My bike was stolen.

In the example above, the focus is on the fact that my bike was stolen. I do not know, however, who did it.

Sometimes a statement in passive is more polite than active voice. Example: A mistake was made.

In this case, I focus on the fact that a mistake was made, but I do not blame anyone

Third Conditional

valezepedav — 2015-11-06 12:13:29 UTC

We can use the Third Conditional to talk about 'impossible' conditions, impossible because they are in the past and we cannot change what has happened.

Example: If I had worked harder at school, I would have got better grades.

Active vs Passive Voice.

valezepedav — 2015-11-24 12:52:24 UTC

Examples:

valezepedav — 2015-11-24 12:54:03 UTC

We are going to watch a movie tonight. (active)

A movie is going to be watched by us tonight. (passive)

Mom read the novel in one day. (active)

The novel was read by Mom in one day. (passive)