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EnglishGirl Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Passive

The problem was being talked about by them when we came in .

Is this sentence gramatically correct ?
  

Top answer

Yes... but it sounds awkward and would be considered poor English. Don't use the passive, use: "they were talking about the problem when we came in" - the active is much more common in this context.

— Akshay Bilolikar

  • Yes...
  • but it sounds awkward and would be considered poor English.
  • Don't use the passive, use: "they were talking about the problem when we came in" - the active is much more common in this context.
  • If you have to use the passive, forgo the "by them".
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2 Answers
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Yes... but it sounds awkward and would be considered poor English.

Don't use the passive, use: "they were talking about the problem when we came in" - the active is much more common in this context. If you have to use the passive, forgo the "by them".
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Hi,

The use of talk about here sounds inappropriate.

The problem was being discussed by them when we came in.

Regards
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