0
ZoranB Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Question regarding passive voice

Hi all. Just curious, would you say the bolded sentence is using passive voice? Thanks in advance.

********

In early May of 2007 he had a dispute with the general manager of the store over his performance. After this dispute, Harry nor the manager were able to work amicably together.

********
  

Top answer

The negation is in the wrong place. You can't end up with something that says neither could work together. That won't make a lot of sense.

— CalifJim

  • The negation is in the wrong place.
  • You can't end up with something that says neither could work together.
  • That won't make a lot of sense.
  • After this dispute, Harry and the manager were un able to work together amicably.
  • (or were not able ).
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
The negation is in the wrong place. You can't end up with something that says neither could work together. That won't make a lot of sense.

After this dispute, Harry and the manager were unable to work together amicably. (or were not able).

And no, it's not passive.

CJ
0
0
Got it. Also, I edited my question while you were answering it, thinking I had solved it. Here's the original for reference:


Hi. I'm a bit unsure of how to correctly write the bolded sentence. Any help would be appreciated.

********

In early May of 2007 he had a dispute with the general manager of the store over his performance. After this dispute, Ha
0
0
ZoranBshould it be "Harry nor the manager were" or "Harry nor the manager was"
Both are wrong.

You have to have a "neither" in front. Neither Harry nor the manager ...

What you want is the agreement rule for "neither ... nor ..." constructions. Here it is: Make the agreement only with the second of the two items.
0

Related Questions