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Nsfs2 Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Passive or adj?

Hi,

'Desertification usually occurs in dry areas where there is no rain and where the climate is harsh.In these places, the top layer of soil is destroyed so that the land can no longer be used for growing crops or grazing animals.'

I have three questions:

1.Is ' destroyed' passive voice or an adjective?How can one tell?
2.Is the clause after 'so that' in the above example a result or a purpose clause?How can one tell?
3.Is 'grazing' a present participle or a gerund?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Is ' destroyed ' passive voice or an adjective? -- It is often difficult. Try putting an appropriate modifier before the -ed form: the soil is completely destroyed .

— Mister Micawber

  • Is ' destroyed ' passive voice or an adjective?
  • -- It is often difficult.
  • Try putting an appropriate modifier before the -ed form: the soil is completely destroyed .
  • This tells us that it is probably an adjective.
  • -- You need to understand what is actually being said.
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4 Answers
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1.Is ' destroyed' passive voice or an adjective? How can one tell?-- It is often difficult. Try putting an appropriate modifier before the -ed form: the soil is completely destroyed. This tells us that it is probably an adjective.

2.Is the clause after 'so that' in the above example a result or a purpose clause?How can one tell?-- You need to understand what
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Mister Micawber1.Is ' destroyed' passive voice or an adjective? How can one tell?-- It is often difficult. Try putting an appropriate modifier before the -ed form: the soil is completely destroyed. This tells us that it is probably an adjective.2.Is the clause after 'so that' in the above example a result or a purpose clause?How can one tell?-- You need to understand what
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nsfs21.Is ' destroyed' passive voice or an adjective?How can one tell?
It is ambiguous, but I think the salient interpretation is that it is a verbal passive, especially as we can easily insert a plausible by-phrase:

"...the top layer of soil is destroyed by the lack rain and a harsh climate".
nsfs22. Is the claus
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BillJ nsfs21.Is ' destroyed' passive voice or an adjective?How can one tell?It is ambiguous, but I think the salient interpretation is that it is a verbal passive, especially as we can easily insert a plausible by-phrase:"...the top layer of soil is destroyed by the lack rain and a harsh climate".nsfs22. Is the clause after 'so that' in the above example a result or a pur
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