.png)
Verbs Pattern in English Grammar lesson - 05
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Past Participles and the Infinitive "To Be"
- To Be Given
- To Be Written
- To Be Sent
- To Be Published
- To Be Worked
3. Examples using the Passive Infinitive Form
4. Using Past Participle Verbs as Nouns
5. Conclusion
6. FAQs
Introduction
✍️ English grammar is a fascinating and complex subject, and one aspect that requires attention is verb patterns. In this article, we will explore the use of past participle verbs with the infinitive "to be" and how they create passive voice constructions. Additionally, we'll discuss how past participle verbs can function as nouns, providing a deeper understanding of their versatile nature in English.
Past Participles and the Infinitive "To Be"
✍️ In English, past participles play a crucial role in constructing passive voice sentences. When combined with the infinitive "to be," they form passive constructions that emphasize the receiver of the action rather than the doer. Let's take a closer look at some common past participle verbs used with "to be":
Past Participles and the Infinitive "To Be"
To Be Given
The infinitive passive form of "to be given" is receiving or offering something. It indicates that the subject is the recipient or recipient of the action. The phrase "to give" implies that something is given or given to someone without specifying who is doing the action. It emphasizes the passive nature of receiving rather than actively giving or doing something.
To Be Written
The infinitive passive form of "to be written" is the act of being written or the state of being in written form. It implies that something is in the process of being written or is capable of being registered. The phrase "to write" emphasizes the passive aspect of the action, suggesting that the focus is on the act of writing rather than on who is writing. It can refer to various written materials such as books, letters, essays, or personal notes.
To Be Sent
The infinitive passive form "to be sent" refers to the action of being sent or the state of being in the process of being shipped. It implies that something is intended or expected to be sent by someone or to a specific recipient. The phrase emphasizes the passive aspect of the action, indicating that the focus is on the act of sending rather than specifying who is doing the sending. It can refer to various things being sent, such as letters, packages, emails, or any other form of communication.
To Be Published
The infinitive passive form "to be published" refers to the action of being published or the state of being in the publication process. It implies that something, such as a book, article, report, or document, is undergoing the process of being made available for public distribution or viewing. The phrase emphasizes the passive aspect of the action, suggesting that the focus is on the act of publication rather than specifying who is doing the publishing. It indicates that the work is being made accessible to a broader audience.
To Be Worked
The infinitive passive form "to be worked" refers to the action of being worked on or the state of being in the process of being worked on. It implies that something, such as a task, project, problem, or assignment, is being attended to or dealt with by someone. The phrase emphasizes the passive aspect of the action, indicating that the focus is on the act of working rather than specifying who is doing the work. It suggests that the work is being performed or needs to be performed without explicitly mentioning the person or group responsible for it.
✍️ In summary, the infinitive passive forms "to be sent," "to be published," and "to be worked" all convey the idea of an action or state that is happening or expected to happen, with an emphasis on the passive aspect of the action. They highlight the action itself rather than specifying the individuals involved in acting.
Examples using the Passive Infinitive Form
Now, let's explore some examples that demonstrate the use of the passive infinitive form "to be + past participle verb":
1. The room needs to be cleaned before the guests arrive.
2. The document is supposed to be signed by the manager.
3. The problem seems to be solved by the IT team.
4. The decision has yet to be made by the board of directors.
5. The house is going to be renovated next month.
6. The cake was meant to be eaten at the party.
7. The instructions are to be followed carefully.
8. The issue is expected to be resolved soon.
9. The package was believed to be lost, but it was eventually found.
10. The letter is going to be mailed tomorrow.
✍️ In these examples, the passive infinitive form "to be + past participle verb" indicates that the action is performed on the subject or that the issue is in a passive state. The past participles used vary, such as "cleaned," "signed," "solved," "made," "renovated," "eaten," "followed," "resolved," "lost," and "mailed."
An explanation of the passive infinitive form "to be + past participle verb" in each of the sentences:
1. The room needs to be cleaned before the guests arrive.
Explanation: Cleaning the room is required or necessary, and it is to be done by someone before the guests arrive. The focus is on the room being the recipient of the action rather than specifying who will clean it.
2. The document is supposed to be signed by the manager.
Explanation: The document is expected or required to be signed; the person responsible for signing it is the manager. The emphasis is on the record being the receiver of the action of being signed.
3. The problem seems to be solved by the IT team.
Explanation: The problem appears or is perceived to have been solved, and the ones who have likely solved it are the IT team. The attention is on the problem being the target of the action being solved.
4. The decision has yet to be made by the board of directors.
Explanation: The decision is still pending or waiting to be made, and the board of directors is responsible for making it. The focus is on the decision being the object of the action being made.
5. The house is going to be renovated next month.
Explanation: Renovating the house is planned or scheduled for the upcoming month. The emphasis is on the house being the recipient of the action of being renovated.
6. The cake was meant to be eaten at the party.
Explanation: The cake was intended or designed to be consumed at the party. The focus is on the cake being the target of the action of being eaten.
7. The instructions are to be followed carefully.
Explanation: The instructions should or must be obeyed or followed cautiously or attentively. The emphasis is on the instructions being the object of the action being followed.
8. The issue is expected to be resolved soon.
Explanation: There is an anticipation or belief that the issue will be resolved shortly. The attention is on the point of being the recipient of the action being determined.
9. The package was believed to be lost, but it was eventually found.
Explanation: It was previously thought or held that the package was lost, but eventually, it was discovered or located. The focus is on the box being the target of the action of being lost and found.
10. The letter is going to be mailed tomorrow.
Explanation: The action of mailing the letter is planned or scheduled to happen tomorrow. The emphasis is on the note being the recipient of the action being sent.
✍️ In each of these sentences, the passive infinitive form is used to convey that the subject (e.g., room, document, problem, decision) is the object or receiver of the action rather than being the one actively acting.
Using Past Participle Verbs as Nouns
✍️ Apart from their role in constructing passive voice sentences, past participle verbs can also function as nouns in English when they represent an action or an object in a general or abstract sense. In this form, the past participle acts as a noun and functions as the subject or object of a sentence. It is often used to refer to an event or a state without specifying the doer of the action. Here are some examples to illustrate its use:
1. The injured were taken to the hospital.
(Here, "injured" is the past participle used as a noun, referring to injured people.)
2. The written is more important than the spoken.
(In this sentence, "written" refers to written language as a noun.)
3. The chosen will represent our team in the competition.
("Chosen" acts as a noun here, referring to the selected individuals.)
4. The captured were set free after negotiations.
("Captured" is used as a noun, representing the people who were taken captive.)
5. The broken was beyond repair.
("Broken" acts as a noun, referring to something damaged or shattered.)
6. The deceased were honoured during the memorial service.
("Deceased" is used as a noun, referring to those who have passed away.)
7. The forgotten is often overshadowed by the remembered.
("Forgotten" acts as a noun, representing things or memories that are not recalled.)
8. The stolen was eventually returned to its rightful owner.
("Stolen" is used as a noun, referring to something that was taken unlawfully.)
9. The lost are seeking refuge in the shelter.
("Lost" is used as a noun, representing those who are displaced or in need of assistance.)
10. The chosen are ready for their new responsibilities.
("Chosen" acts as a noun, referring to those selected for a particular role or task.)
✍️ In each of these examples, the past participle verb is used as a noun to represent a group of people or things affected by the action. It allows us to express ideas concisely without specifying the individuals involved in the activity, making it a valuable and versatile grammatical structure in English.
Conclusion
✍️ Verbs patterns in English grammar play a significant role in forming passive voice constructions and enriching the language with its unique features. The use of past participle verbs with the infinitive "to be" enables us to focus on the recipient of the action rather than the doer, adding depth and complexity to sentence structures. Furthermore, the ability of past participle verbs to function as nouns expands the language's expressive potential by allowing us to refer to events and states without explicitly mentioning those involved.
Incorporating these verb patterns into your writing can enhance the variety and sophistication of your sentences, making your content more engaging and informative.
FAQs
1. **What are past participles in English grammar?**
Past participles are verb forms used to indicate completed actions or states. They are typically formed by adding "-ed" to regular verbs (e.g., "walked," "played") and following specific patterns for irregular verbs (e.g., "gone," "written").
2. **How are past participles used in passive voice constructions?**
Past participles are essential components of passive voice sentences when combined with the infinitive "to be." The passive voice emphasises the receiver of the action rather than the doer, adding variation and nuance to writing.
3. **What is the significance of using past participle verbs as nouns?**
Using past participle verbs as nouns allows for concise expression of ideas without specifying the individuals involved in the action. It enhances the versatility of English sentences and adds depth to the language.
4. **Can you provide more examples of past participles used as nouns?**
- The defeated were disheartened by the loss.
- The damage was beyond repair.
- The resolved will be acknowledged for their efforts.
- The injured need immediate attention.
5. **How can I incorporate these verb patterns into my writing effectively?**
To use these verb patterns effectively, vary your sentence structures, and ensure clarity in conveying your message. Practice writing sentences and paragraphs using passive voice constructions with past participle verbs, as well as using past participles as nouns to become more proficient.
6.**What are some other common examples of past participle verbs used with the infinitive "to be"?**
Apart from the examples mentioned in the article, other common instances include "to be loved," "to be understood," "to be admired," "to be praised," and "to be appreciated."
7.**How can I identify passive voice constructions in a sentence?**
Passive voice constructions often include the verb "to be" followed by a past participle verb. Look for phrases like "is/are/was/were + past participle" to identify passive voice in a sentence.
8.**Are passive voice constructions always preferable in writing?**
Passive voice constructions have their place in writing, but they should be used judiciously. They are useful for shifting focus, emphasizing the receiver of the action, or maintaining objectivity. However, too much passive voice can make writing less direct and engaging.
9.**What are some alternatives to using passive voice constructions?**
Instead of relying solely on passive voice, consider using active voice constructions where the subject performs the action directly. Active voice often makes sentences more concise and dynamic.
10.**How do past participle verbs differ from gerunds?**
Past participle verbs are used to form perfect tenses or passive voice constructions, while gerunds function as nouns and end in "-ing" (e.g., "singing," "dancing").
11.**Are there any exceptions to past participle verb forms in English?**
Yes, some verbs have irregular past participle forms that don't follow the typical "-ed" pattern. Examples include "gone," "written," "driven," "seen," and "taken."
✍️ In this article, we explored the fascinating world of verb patterns in English grammar, specifically focusing on past participle verbs with the infinitive "to be." We learned how these constructions form passive voice sentences, emphasising the recipient of the action. Additionally, we discovered how past participle verbs can function as nouns, allowing for more concise and versatile expression. Incorporating these verb patterns in your writing can elevate your language skills and engage your readers in a more meaningful way. So, why wait? Start experimenting with these verb patterns and watch your writing flourish.
