I don't remember when he called me.

Question

Hello,I'm supposed to transform this sentence into a passive voice. Is it correct to say:I don't remember being called by him.What about this version:I don't remember having been called ...?If they are both correct, what's the difference then? I remember being taught that past infinitive is used when talking about a situation when happened before the state/action at the time the report was made.Thank you

GPY · Accepted Answer

According to what you typed, the original sentence is "I don't remember when he called me", which normally would mean "I don't remember what time he called me", not "I don't remember that he called me".

Hotmale · Answer

That's the pattern I have to use, though.

GPY · Answer

HotmaleThat's the pattern I have to use, though.

I'm not quite sure which pattern you are referring to, but the basic problem is that your sentences are passive versions of "I don't remember that he called me" or "I don't remember him calling me". They are not passive versions of "I don't remember when he called me".

CalifJim · Answer

HotmaleI don't remember when he called me. ... passive voice

If the whole sentence is to be passive, it's

When he called me is not remembered by me.

And whoever is asking you to do this needs a good talking-to because the resulting sentence is a mess.
________

If it's just the subordinate clause "he called me" that is to be passive, it's

I don't remember when I was called by him.

This is also a mess, but not as bad a mess.

CJ

GPY · Answer

CalifJimI don't remember when I was called by him.This is also a mess, but not as bad a mess

For me, "mess" is a bit strong for that sentence. I can accept it, although the passive form does seem somewhat unnecessary.

CalifJim · Answer

GPY"mess" is a bit strong for that sentence.

Perhaps I'm overly partial to hyperbole.

CJ

I don't remember when he called me.

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions