GRAMMAR REVIEW

THE PASSIVE

I Present Passive
Describe the operation of the new speed trap by converting each of these statements to
the Present Passive.

1) The first unit records the time each vehicle passes.

2) It identifies each vehicle by its number plates using Optical Character Recognition
(OCR) software.
3) It relays the information to the second unit.
4) The second unit also records the time each vehicle passes.
5) The microprocessor calculates the time taken to travel between the units.
6) It relays the registration numbers on speeding vehicles to police headquarters.
7) A computer matches each vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre
(DVLC) database.
8) It prints off a letter to the vehicle owners using mailmerge.

GRAMMAR REVIEW

I With the help of this diagram, sequence these steps in the operation of an Electronic
Point of Sale (EPOS) till. Then write a description of its operation in the Present Passive.
A The scanner converts the barcode into electrical pulses.
B The branch computer sends the price and description of the product to the EPOS
till.
C The scanner reads the barcode.
D The branch computer records the sale of the product.
E The till shows the item and price.
F The checkout operator scans the item.
G The scanner sends the pulses to the branch computer.
H The till prints the item and price on the paper receipt.
I The branch computer searches the stock file for a product matching the barcode
European Article Number (EAN).

THE PASSIVE

The passive voice is common in scientific writing where the action described is felt to be
more important than the actors.

Note that passive sentences always contain some form of the verb TO BE together with
the PAST PARTICIPLE.
I Rewrite each of the following sentences in the passive:

Model

(A) We often enclose a large-scale reactor in a steel shell.

A large-scale reactor is often enclosed in a steel shell.

(B) Protective relays may close the trip circuit immediately or after a definite time
interval.

The trip circuit may be closed immediately or after a definite time interval BY protective
relays.

1. We may locate the various pieces of substation equipment in a substation building.

2. We may classify substations according to their functions.
3. We can find substations of the indoor and outdoor type, depending upon the degree
of protection from the weather.
4. We must interconnect central stations electrically so that each one is a potential
source of emergency service to the other.
5. The spare capacity of the load curve need not determine the size of units.
6. We call this type of the relay circuit closing.
7. We should equip a modern steam power station with one or more turbine generator
units which change heat energy into electrical energy.
8. Instead of a coal-burning furnace a nuclear power station has a nuclear furnace,
i.e.- nuclear fission produces heat in a reactor.
9. We find in present day practice that the majority of the three-phase systems today
operate with an earthed neutral earthing.
10. One achieves the earthed neutral earthing either directly or through an impedance.
11. We conduct induced static charges to earth without disturbance.
12. The disconnection of a generator which overspreads may cause dynamic
overvoltages.
13. Overvoltages which we have already described rarely exceed three to five times the
normal phase to neutral «peak» voltage of the system.
14. Atmospheric discharges such as static charges or lightning strokes produce external
overvoltages.
15. A single number cannot represent the strength of a material.
16. One may subject any solid body to external forces.
17. We might define the modules of elasticity as the intensity of stress.
18. We can determine the proportional limit and yield point; we often use the latter
terms and call them the elastic limit.
A simple example will illustrate the method of resolution of stress (the agent).
19. We must pay the greatest attention to choosing materials used in machine design.
20. We cannot handle dynamic problems in such a simple manner.
21. You should do the experiment in such a way.

II Turn these sentences into the PASSIVE FORM, use the agent where necessary.

1. Where do we store important data?

2. The CPU performs the data processing functions.

3. A programmer often has to modify programs.

4. Computer technology has made household appliances smarter and feature richer.

5. We can use transistors for amplification and frequency conversion.

6. Smart devices will perform many ordinary chores in the future.

7. Will machines perform our ordinary chores in the future?

8. We use the decimal system for scientific purposes.

9. Can we control the electron flow in solid materials?

10. Stratumsoft are developing the first virtual assistant, or EVA.

11. If EVAs live up to the developer's claims, they could provide the illusion of

personal service without the cost.

1. We can programme each EVA with information such as a product catalogue,

answers to frequently asked questions or an online encyclopaedia.

13. If the EVA does not have an answer, it will interrogate the questioner, record the

response, and add the answer to its database for further enquiries.

14. Solar cells convert solar energy into electricity.

15. The introduction of the new equipment has increased production.

16. They are constantly reducing the size of solid-state devices.

17. The scanner converts the barcode into electrical pulses.

18. The branch computer searches the stock file for a product matching the barcode.