use active or passive form

Question

Do we say,This is a tricky matter to handle. Or,This is a tricky matter to be handled. Thanks.Raen

Fandorin · Accepted Answer

Hi,Raen

RaenDo we say,

This is a tricky matter to handle. It's Ok." to handle" here shows destination of "matter" (in function of attributive).
He brought some water to drink. "Water for what?" - "to drink"

T. his is a tricky matter to be handled. It's also OK. Matter will be handled. It emphasises that someone is going to struggle with it to handle.

Raen

Raen · Answer

Hi Fandorin, thank you for your reply. But I'm afraid I don't quite get the difference you pointed out. I'd appreciate it if you could explain furthur. You said:

FandorinThis is a tricky matter to handle. It's Ok." to handle" here shows destination of "matter" (in function of attributive).

What do you mean by "destination of "matter"'?

My confusion lays on the seemingly absence of subject that does the action of the transitive verb "handle". "This" (the subject) in the sentence is "the matter" which is the object that recieves the action "handle". We would say: This (the matter) is to be handled. For a matter doesn't perform an action (handled), rather it is performed an action on. Therefore my question has come to be....is it "to handle" or "to be handled"?

It would be nice if a native speaker could verify this. Thanks.

Raen

Goodman · Answer

Hi Raen,

In order to learn how natural English is used, sometimes, we have to learn to use them in a broader context, rather than in limited terms.

‘Handle- can be used both actively and passively, depending on the context.

This project is too big for John to handle by him self. – Active voice, meaning it may be beyond his ability to manage the project alone. He may need help.

This operation is too delicate to be handled by a rookie – This is a passive sentence.

This operation is too delicate for a rookie to handle- This is an equivalent statement in active voice.

Both are fine, in my opinion.

CalifJim · Answer

RaenThis is a tricky matter to handle. Or,

This is a tricky matter to be handled.

The first. The person who will be handling the matter is omitted from the non-finite for ... to ... clause. Thus, the "full form" is:
This is a tricky matter for [someone / a person / anyone] to handle (*it).
Likewise,
It's an awful thing to say. >> It's an awful thing for someone to say (*it).
That's a difficult song to sing.>> That's a difficult song for someone to sing (*it).
That's a good book to read.>> That's a good book for someone to read (*it).
With a personal subject:
Ellen was looking for a new recipe to try.>> Ellen was looking for a new recipe (*for Ellen herself to try (*it)).
Jake wanted a warmer coat to wear in cold weather.>> Jake wanted a warmer coat (*for Jake himself to wear (*it) in cold weather.)
Fran needed an interesting magazine to take on the plane. >> Fran needed an interesting magazine (*for Fran herself to take (*it) on the plane).
If the subject of the for ... to ... clause is not the same as the subject of the sentence, it must be specified explicitly:
Ellen was looking for a new recipe for her sister to try.
Jake wanted a warmer coat for his mother to wear in cold weather.
Fran needed an interesting magazine for the children to take on the plane.
Implied person in certain constructions:

(Handing money to someone) Here's some money to spend.>> Here's some money for you to spend (*it).
CJ

Raen · Answer

Thanks to Goodman and Jim, I've got it now. The structure can be both in passive and active voices. Thanks again for the thorough explanations, I appreciate it.

Raen

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