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Curious Cat Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Tense Consistency

Hi!

When we say: "Where was it located" it is a question about a past . But if asked in the present, "Where is it located?" the verb locate is still in the past?

Is located used as a verb in this sentence?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

Hi Curious Cat Yes, 'located' is being used as a verb. Both sentences are in the passive voice, which is formed by using the passive auxiliary 'be' + the past (-ed) participle of the main verb. With passives, the -ed participle remains unchanged no matter what tense or aspect is used.

— BillJ

  • Hi Curious Cat Yes, 'located' is being used as a verb.
  • Both sentences are in the passive voice, which is formed by using the passive auxiliary 'be' + the past (-ed) participle of the main verb.
  • With passives, the -ed participle remains unchanged no matter what tense or aspect is used.
  • ').
  • I suspect you rather thought it might be an adjective, which, of course, is unchangeable in any tense; one useful test is to modify the word with an adverb of degree such as 'very'.
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2 Answers
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Hi Curious Cat

Yes, 'located' is being used as a verb. Both sentences are in the passive voice, which is formed by using the passive auxiliary 'be' + the past (-ed) participle of the main verb. With passives, the -ed participle remains unchanged no matter what tense or aspect is used.

The confusion arises because 'located' can be used as either the past tense of the verb 'locat
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Hi BillJ,

i learned something new today from your explanation. Thank you for the details. I asked myself, why would anyone want to speak in the passive voice in the first place??? I googled it and true enough, it said that speaking in the passive voice is not a grammatical error, only a shift of focus.

Good tip with the adjective too. I'll keep that in mind!
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