CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH LANGUAGE

  

INTRODUCTION

Is it essentially important, before we study grammar, to know what the language is and why and how we should learn a particular language.

There are, as you know, many languages in the world and English is one of these language.

We, first of all, learn a language for the purpose of communication. We, furthermore, take a great deal of pleasure from or in learning and speaking it.

Language: language, as a matter of common knowledge, is the medium of communication through which we express our emotions, ideas, feelings and thoughts to our fellow people.

Alphabet: language is mainly composed of letters which stand for sign or sounds. The letters in a language are totally treated as the alphabet of the language. The number of letters are different from language to language. The alphabet of English is composed of twenty six letters. These twenty six letters which are known as the alphabet are used either for printing or writing. Accordingly, printing letters are different from script letters.

Various forms of printing and script letters are given below:

PRINT CAPITAL LETTERS

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

PRINT SMALL LETTERS

a b c d e f g h I j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Division of the Alphabet: the alphabet of English is divided into two classes, namely, 1. Vowels 2. Consonants

Vowels: the five letters “a, e, I, o, u” are known as the vowels in English and we cannot write even a single word without using a vowel.

Consonants: the remaining 21 letters of the alphabet are known as the consonants in English. They are b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z.

Syllable: A word or a part of a word which consist of a vowel sound is known as a syllable. Ex: EXA-MI-NA-TION.

There are four syllables in the word “examination”

Word: A word is a basic element in every language. A word is a proper combination of letters. The letters in a particular resent either objects or ideas. There is more than one method by which words are formed. But at this stage the student is not required to know about word formation. This aspect is elaborated at length later.

EX: nation, country, world, poetry, book, newspaper.

Grammer: grammar is a systematic study of scientific method which provides us information and guidance necessary to learn a language. The science of grammar teaches us how a language is spoken and written correctly and effectively. So, it can be said that grammar is primarily concerned with the formation and classification of words and sentences and their practical significance in daily life.

CHAPTER 1

PARTS OF SPEECH

Word are used for different purposes. They, in other words, perform a variety of functions.

They, sometimes, name persons, places and things and on certain occasions, they are used in place of nouns or they describe things, persons or places. Words are also used to describe actions, show relationships and to combine words or sentences. Words may also be used to modify a verb, an adjective or another adverb and to express some sudden feeling.

They are classified into eight kinds on account of their functions.

Words which are frequently used in speech or writing are called parts of speech:

1. Noun
2. Pronoun
   
3. Verb
   
4. Adverb
   
5. Interjection
   
6. Conjunction
   
7. Interjection
8. Preposition
   

Noun: A word used to name a person, place, thing, an idea or a quality of mind is defined as a noun,

Ex: mother Theresa was a great social worker.

Africa is a continent.

I enjoy watching football.

Democracy is a form of government in which everyone has a share in the administration.

Pain and pleasure go hand in hand.

Knowledge brings wisdom.

Love and hatred are common to all human beings.

The bold words are the best example of nouns. In the first sentence, mother Theresa is the name of a person.

In the second, Africa is the name of a continent.

In the third, football is the name of a game.

In the fourth, democracy is the name of a form of a government.

In the sixth, pain and pleasure are emotions.

In the seventh, knowledge and wisdom are abstract ideas.

In the eighth, love and hatred are qualities of the mind.

Such words as ‘mother theresa’, ‘Africa’, ‘football’, ‘democracy’, ‘dictionary’, ‘pain and pleasure’, ‘knowledge and wisdom’, and ‘love and hatred’ are known as nouns.

List of names: Muh’d, Umar, Abubakar, Uthman, Aliyu, Mary, khadijat, Blessing.

TYPES OF NOUN CLICK HERE👈

Pronoun: A word used  in  place  of  nouns  is known as a pronoun.

Ex: Victoria is my friend. She is very beautiful.

I visited Abuja. This is the capital of Nigeria.

Frank is my friend. He is very kind.

The italicized words ‘she’, ‘this’, ‘he’ are pronouns because

They stand for persons or things. ‘She’ stands for Victoria,

‘this’ stands for Abuja and ‘he’ stands for frank

TYPES OF PRONOUN CLICK HERE👈

Verb: A word used

to express action, condition or existence

Is known as a verb,

Ex;   I waited for Victoria

She is healthy.

There are spelling mistakes in his essay

The italicized words ‘waited’, ‘is’ and ‘are’ are verbs

Because the word ‘waited’ tells us what ‘I’ did in the first

Sentence, the word ‘is’ expresses condition in the second sentence, the word ‘are’ expresses existence in the third sentence.

TYPES OF VERB CLICK HERE👈

Adverb: A word used to modify a verb, an adjective or another adverb or a word used to explain how, where, when and why an action is performed is known as an adverb,

Ex: they lived happily.

Amina is very beautiful.

She speaks English quite well.

The italicized words ‘happily’, ‘very’, ‘quite’ are adverbs. In the first sentence, the word ‘happily’ modifies the verb ‘lived’. In the second, the word ‘very’ modifies the adjective beautiful. In the third the ‘quite’ modifies another adverb ‘well’.

TYPES OF ADVERB  CLICK HERE👈

Adjective: A word used to describe or qualify nouns is known as an adjective.

Ex:  The Igbo is a regional language

Victoria is a beautiful girl.

TYPES OF ADJECTIVE CLICK HERE👈

Conjunction: A word used to combine two words or sentences is known as a conjunction.

Ex: I visited Lagos and Kaduna last year

She will come today or tomorrow.

He tried hard but he failed in his attempt.

The italicized words ‘and’ , ‘or’, ‘but’ are conjunctions because, the word ‘and’ joins the two words ‘Lagos’ and ‘Kaduna’ in the first sentence. The word ‘or’ joins the two words ‘today’ and ‘tomorrow’ in the second sentence. The word ‘but’ joins two sentences ‘he tried hard’ and ‘he failed in his attempt’ in the third sentence.

TYPES OF CONJUNCTION  CLICK HERE 👈

Interjection: A word which expresses some sudden feeling is kwon as injection.

Ex: Alas! Superb! Excellent! Well done! Well said! Splendid! Fantastic! Marvelous!.

I read a historical novel.

Gambling is an earthly pleasure.

We are entitled to fundamental rights.

Preposition: A word used to explain the relationship between two grammatical words or a word used with a noun or pronoun to show their relationship with some other words in the sentence is kwon as a preposition,

Ex: I am fond of caroline.

They boasted about their wealth.

She is angry with me.

I deposited my money in the bank.

The italicized words ‘of, ‘about’, ‘with’, ‘in’ are prepositions because, the word ‘of’ shows the relation between the adjective ‘fond’ and the noun ‘caroline’ in first sentence. The relation between the verb ‘boasted’ and the noun ‘wealth’ is shown by the word ‘about’ in the second sentence.

The word ‘with’ shows the relation between the adjective ‘angry’ and the pronoun ‘me’ in the third sentence. The word ‘in’ shows the relation between the noun ‘money’ and another noun ‘bank’.

TYPES OF PREPOSITION CLICK HERE👈

WORD MAY BE USED AS DIFFERENT PARTS OF SPEECH

Before:

Ex: I saw her before (Adverb).

I had met janet before her marriage (preposition).

I had got a job before I completed my graduation ­(conjunction).

Dream:

I had a sweet dream yesterday. (Noun)

I dreamt about marrying Zara. (Verb)

Poets often live in a dream world. (Adjective)

Better:

She is my better half. (wife) (Adjective)

I tried better to help her. (Adverb)

We must try to better our abilities (Verb)

I did my better to succeed In life. (Noun)

Book:

We booked a car to tour the city. (Verb)

I went to the book-fair held in Lagos. (Adjective)

Books are created by mighty minds. (Noun)

I applied for a bank loan. (Adjective)

Banks plays an important role in a country. (Noun)

You should not bank on your friends for help. (Verb)

Sense:

Sense organs are helpful to human beings in many ways. (Adjective)

She sensed the danger. (verb)

You must use your common sense in a critical situation. (Noun)

Round:

We went round Lagos in a taxi.

She rounded up. (preposition)

I tried to bring him round. (Verb)

Caroline has a round face like a moon. (Adjective)

The nurse was on her round to look after the patients. (Noun)

 

 CHAPTER 2

Tenses

 

Tense: tense is a term used in grammar to indicate the time of the action or event.

In any language, tense is divided into three classes namely:

1. Present tense
2. Past tense
3. Future tense

Present tense: when a verb is used to show that an action takes place at present, it is known as the present tense.

Ex: He speaks English well.

She comes every day.

We are fond of music.

They are afraid of snakes.

It rains daily.

I love Nigerians.

Past Tense: when a verb us used to show that an action was completed, it is known as the Past Tense.

Ex: He went to Abuja yesterday.

Nathanial died four years ago.

We were in Abuja last year.

They stayed in a hotel for a week.

It was hot yesterday.

I spoke to her for two hours.

Future Tense: When a verb is used to show that an action will take place in future, it is known as the Future Tense.

Ex: He will go to Rigasa tomorrow.

Haneef will be twenty years old next year.

We shall marry this year.

They will rain tomorrow.

I shall teach Hausa.

Each of the above tenses are again divided into four classes, namely, 

1. Present Tense

• Simple Present Tense 
• Present Continuous Tense
• Present Perfect Tense
• Present Perfect Continuous Tanse

2. Past Tense

• Simple Past Tense
• Past Continuous Tense
• Past Perfect Tense
• Past Perfect Continuous Tense

3. Future Tense

• Simple Future Tense
• Future Continuous Tense
• Future Perfect Tense
• Future Perfect Continuous Tense

Let us now discuss how various tenses are formed and used.

 A. THE FORMATION OF  VARIOUS TENSES

1. SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE: When a tense is used to show the present tense it is known as the simple present tense.

FORMATION OF THE TENSE

This is formed with the base form of the verb.

SUBJECT	VERB BASE FORM
HE	SPEAKS ENGLISH WELL.
SHE	WRITES VERY BEAUTIFULLY
IT	RAINS TODAY..
WE	LIKE TALKING.
YOU	STOP HERE.
THEY	BELIEVE IN GOD
I	DO BLOGGING

QUESTION FORM

DO/DOES	SUBJECT	VERB BASE FORM
DOES	HE	SPEAK ENGLISH WELL?
DOES	SHE	WRITE VERY BEAUTIFULLY?
DOES	IT.	RAIN TODAY?
DO	WE.	LIKE TALKING?
DO	YOU.	STOP HERE
DO	THEY	BELIEVE IN GOD?
DO	I	DO BLOGGING?

2. PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE: When a tense is used to show what is really happening now, it is known as the present continuous tense.

SUBJECT	AM/IS/ARE	PRESENT PARTICIPLE [VERB+ING
I	AM	WRITING A LETTER
SHE	IS	READING A NOVEL.
HE	IS.	WATCHING TELEVISION.
YOU	ARE	STUDYING MEDICINE.
WE	ARE	SITTING IN THE GARDEN.
THEY	ARE	LEARNING WEB DESIGN
IT	IS	RAINING HEAVILY.

QUESTION FORM

AM/IS/ARE	SUBJECT	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
AM	I	WRITING A LETTER?
IS	SHE	READING A NOVEL?
IS	HE.	WATCHING TELEVISION?
ARE	YOU	STUDYING MEDICINE?
ARE	WE	SITTING IN THE GARDEN?
ARE	THEY	LEARNING WEB DESIGN?
IS	IT	RAINING HEAVILY?

3. PRESENT PERFECT TENSE: When a tense is used to show that an action has just been completed or an action has finished at the moment of speaking, it is known as the present perfect tense.

SUBJECT	HAVE/HAS	PAST PARTICIPLE VERB 3RD FORM
I	HAVE	READ A NOVEL
WE	HAVE	WAITED FOR HER.
YOU	HAVE.	DISCONTINUED YOUR STUDIES.
HE	HAS	STOPPED HIS WORK.
SHE	HAS	PUBLISHED A POST
THEY	HAVE	BUILT THE HOUSE.
IT	HAS	RAINED HEAVILY.

QUESTION FORM

AM/IS/ARE	SUBJECT	PAST PARTICIPLE
HAVE	I	READ A NOVEL?
HAVE	WE	WAITED FOR HER?
HAVE	YOU	DISCONNECTED YOUR STUDIES?
HAS	HE	STOPPED HIS WORK?
HAS	SHE	PUBLISHED A POST?
HAVE	THEY	BUILT THE HOUSE?
HAS	IT	RAINED HEAVILY?

4. PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE: When a tense is used to show that an action has been taking place since a point of time in the past and in progress up till now, it is known as present perfect continuous tense.

SUBJECT	HAVE BEEN/HAS BEEN	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
I	HAVE BEEN	READING A NOVEL.
WE	HAVE BEEN	WAITING FOR HER.
YOU	HAVE BEEN	SINGING A SONG
HE	HAS BEEN	LEARNING ENGLISH
SHE	HAS BEEN	WRITING A POST
THEY	HAVE BEEN	BUILDING THE HOUSE
IT	HAS BEEN	RAINING HEAVILY?

QUESTION FORM

HAVE/HAS	SUBJECT + BEEN	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
HAVE	I BEEN	WRITING A LETTER?
HAVE	WE BEEN	WAITING FOR HER?
HAS	HE BEEN.	LEARNING ENGLISH?
HAS	SHE BEEN	WRITING A POST?
HAVE	THEY BEEN	BUILDING THE HOUSE?
HAS	IT BEEN	RAINING HEAVILY?
HAVE	YOU BEEN	SINGING A SONG?

1. SIMPLE PAST TENSE: When a verb shows that an action was completed in the past. it is known as simple past tense.

 

SUBJECT	VERB SECOND FORM [PAST TENSE VERB]
I	READ A NOVEL
WE	WAITED FOR HER.
YOU	SANG A SONG.
HE	LEARNT ENGLISH
SHE	WROTE A LETTER.
THEY	BUILT THE HOUSE
IT	RAINED HEAVILY

QUESTION FORM

DID	SUBJECT	VERB BASE FORM [PRESENT]
DID	I	READ A NOVEL?
DID	WE	WAIT FOR HER?
DID	YOU	SING A SONG?
DID	HE	LEARN ENGLISH?
DID	SHE	WRITE A LETTER?
DID	THEY	BUILD THE HOUSE?
DID	IT	RAIN HEAVILY?

2. PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE: When a tense is used to show that an action was in progress or incomplete in the past, it is known as past continuous tense.

 

SUBJECT	WAS/WERE	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
I	WAS	READING A NOVEL.
WE	WERE	WAITING FOR HER.
YOU	WERE	SINGING A SONG.
HE	WAS	LEARNING ENGLISH.
SHE	WAS	WRITING A LETTER.
THEY	WERE	BUILDING THE HOUSE.
IT	WAS	RAINING HEAVILY.

QUESTION FORM

WAS/WERE	SUBJECT	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
WAS	I	READING A NOVEL?
WERE	WE	WAITING FOR HER?
WERE	YOU	SINGING A SONG?
WAS	HE	LEARNING ENGLISH?
WAS	SHE	WRITING A LETTER?
WERE	THEY	BUILDING THE HOUSE?
WAS	IT	RAINING HEAVILY?

3. PAST PERFECT TENSE: When a tense used to show that an action had completed earlier before another action began, it is known as past tense.

SUBJECT	HAD	PAST PARTICIPLE
I	HAD	READ A NOVEL
WE	HAD	WAITED FOR HER.
YOU	HAD	SUNG A SONG.
HE	HAD	LEARNT ENGLISH.
SHE	HAD	WRITTEN A LETTER.
THEY	HAD	BUILD THE HOUSE.
IT	HAD	RAINED HEAVILY.

QUESTION FORM

HAD	SUBJECT	PAST PARTICIPLE
HAD	I	READ A NOVEL?
HAD	WE	WAITED FOR HER?
HAD	YOU	SUNG A SONG?
HAD	HE	LEARNT ENGLISH?
HAD	SHE	WRITTEN A LETTER?
HAD	THEY	BUILT THE HOUSE?
HAD	IT	RAINED HEAVILY?

4. PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE: When a tense is used to show that an action had been in progress up to when another action began.

SUBJECT	HAD BEEN	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
I	HAD BEEN	READING A NOVEL.
WE	HAD BEEN	WAITING FOR HER.
YOU	HAD BEEN	SINGING A SONG.
HE	HAD BEEN	LEARNING ENGLISH.
SHE	HAD BEEN	WRITING A LETTER.
THEY	HAD BEEN	BUILDING THE HOUSE.

QUESTION FORM

HAD	SUBJECT +BEEN	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
HAD	I BEEN	READING A NOVEL?
HAD	WE BEEN	WAITING FOR HER?
HAD	YOU BEEN	SINGING A SONG?
HAD	HE BEEN	LEARNING ENGLISH?
HAD	SHE BEEN	WRITING A LETTER?
HAD	THEY BEEN	BUILDING THE HOUSE?

1. SIMPLE FUTURE: When a tense is used to show that some action will take place in future, it is known as simple future tense.

SUBJECT	SHALL/WILL	BASE FORM OF THE VERB [VERB FIRST FORM]
1	SHALL	READ A NOVEL.
WE	SHALL	WAIT FOR HER.
YOU	WILL	SING A SONG.
HE	WILL	LEARN ENGLISH.
SHE	WILL	WRITE A LETTER.
THEY	WILL	BUILD THE HOUSE.
IT	WILL	RAIN HEAVILY

QUESTION FORM

SHALL/WILL	SUBJECT	VERB BASE FORM
SHALL	I	READ A NOVEL?
SHALL	WE	WAIT FOR HER?
WILL	YOU	SING A SONG?
WILL	HE	LEARN ENGLISH?
WILL	SHE	WRITE A LETTER?
WILL	THEY	BUILD THE HOUSE?
WILL	IT	RAIN HEAVILY?

2. FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE: When a tense is used to show that some action will be in progress in future, it is known as future continuous tense.

SUBJECT	SHALL/WILL BE	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
I	SHALL BE	READING A NOVEL.
WE	SHALL BE	WAITING FOR HER.
YOU	WILL BE	SINGING A SONG.
HE	WILL BE	LEARNING ENGLISH.
SHE	WILL BE	WRITING A LETTER.
THEY	WILL BE	BUILDING THE HOUSE.
IT	WILL BE	RAINING HEAVILY.

QUESTION FORM

SHALL/WILL	SUBJECT+BE	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
SHALL	I BE	READING A NOVEL?
SHALL	WE BE	WAITING FOR HER
WILL	YOU BE	SINGING A SONG.
WILL	HE BE	LEARNING ENGLISH?
WILL	SHE BE	WRITING A LETTER?
WILL	THEY BE	BUILDING THE HOUSE?
WILL	IT BE	RAINING HEAVILY?

3. FUTURE PERFECT TENSE: When a tense is used to show that some action will be finished in future, it is known as future perfect tense.

SUBJECT	SHALL/WILL HAVE	PAST PARTICIPLE
I	SHALL HAVE	READ A NOVEL
WE	SHALL HAVE	SEEN THE FILM.
YOU	WILL HAVE	SUNG A SONG.
HE	WILL HAVE	LEARNT ENGLISH.
SHE	WILL HAVE	WRITTEN A LETTER.
THEY	WILL HAVE	BUILT THE HOUSE.
IT	WILL HAVE	RAINED HEAVILY.

QUESTION FORM

SHALL/WILL	SUBJECT+HAVE	PAST PARTICIPLE
SHALL	I HAVE	READ A NOVEL?
SHALL	WE HAVE	SEEN THE FILM?
WILL	YOU HAVE	SUNG A SONG?
WILL	HE HAVE	LEARNT ENGLISH?
WILL	SHE HAVE	WRITTEN A LETTER?
WELL	THEY HAVE	BUILT THE HOUSE?
WILL	IT HAVE	RAINED HEAVILY?

4. FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE: When a tense is used to show that some action will have been in progress in future, it is known as future perfect continuous tense.

 

SUBJECT	SHALL/WILL HAVE BEEN	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
I	SHALL HAVE BEEN	READING A NOVEL.
WE	SHALL HAVE BEEN	SEEING THE FILM.
YOU	WILL HAVE BEEN	SINGING A SONG.
HE	WILL HAVE BEEN	LEARNING ENGLISH.
SHE	WILL HAVE BEEN	WRITING A LETTER.
THEY	WILL HAVE BEEN	BUILDING THE HOUSE.
IT	WILL HAVE BEEN	RAINING HEAVILY.

QUESTION FORM

SHALL/WILL	SUBJECT+HAVE BEEN	PRESENT PARTICIPLE
SHALL	I HAVE BEEN	READING A NOVEL?
SHALL	WE HAVE BEEN	SEEING THE FILM?
WILL	HE HAVE BEEN	SINGING A SONG?
WILL	SHE HAVE BEEN	LEARNING ENGLISH?
WILL	THEY HAVE BEEN	WRITING A LETTER?
WILL	YOU HAVE BEEN	GOING THERE?
WILL	HAVE BEEN	RAINING HEAVILY?

A. THE VARIOUS OF VERBS TENSES

The use of simple present tense

1. To express a habitual action

Ex: Bukola gets up early in the morning.

Lanre returns from college at six.

My father loves taking tea every morning.

2. To express general truths

Ex: The earth moves round the sun.

Honesty is the best policy.

The sun rises in the east.

3. In exclamatory sentences beginning with here and there

Ex: Here comes Amaka!

There the bus stops!

4. To express planned activities

Ex: The president visits America next Sunday.

My uncle arrives tomorrow.

5. To introduce quotations 

Ex: Shakespeare says "Love is not a time's fool".

Keats says "A thing of beauty is joy forever".

The Use of Present Continuous Tense

1. For an action going on at the time of speaking

Ex: Bukola is cooking now.

Abba is writing a letter at present.

We are sitting in the garden.

2. For a temporary action

Ex: I am reading Ben Nwaka's "the Guide".

Bukola is learning highlife dance.

Hanifat is acting in the film.

Merry is writing a book for children.

3. For a future planned action

Ex: We are visiting Jos this week.

Khalid is getting married this April.

Hany is singing at the concert this Sunday.

The Use of Present Perfect Tense

1. For just completed actions

Ex: My brother has just gone out.

Chika has recently been married.

I have already spent the money on books.

2. To express past action whose time is not specific

Ex: Have you ever been photographed?

I have never seen her before.

I have always waited for Nikola.

3. For past events whose result is still felt

Ex: She has watered the garden. (Her clothes are wet now)

We have walked a long distance. (We are now very tired)

They have built a new house. (So they don't need to stay in a rented house)

4. For an action started in the past and continued upto now

Ex: I have not seen Aminu for a long time.

Bukola has worked in the college for ten years. (She is still working in the college)

The Use of Present Perfect Continuous Tense

1. For an action which began at sometime in the past and is still going on

Ex: I have been writing the novel for five months. (I am still writing the novel)

She has been learning English since last year. (She is still learning)

We have been playing chess since 4pm. (We are still playing)

The use of Simple Past Tense

 

1. For a past action with past time adverbs

Ex: Zara wrote me a letter yesterday.

I saw hany long ago.

My father died last year.

He went to Abuja in 1990.

2. For a past discontinued habit

Ex: He visited Kaduna frequently. (He is not in the habit of visiting Kaduna now)

She usually sang songs in the evening. (She is not singing now)

Laurat always talked about her beauty. (She has stopped talking about it now)

The Use of Past Continuous Tense

1. For an action going on at sometime in the past

Ex: We were watching television yesterday evening. 

I was sleeping in the afternoon.

My uncle came when I was reading the novel.

2. For a persistent habit in the past

Ex: He was always talking about his greatness.

She was always telling us about her husband.

Amina was always talking about her failure in the exam.

The Use of Past Perfect

1. To express one of the two past actions which had been completed earlier

Ex: When we reached the theatre, the booking counter had been closed.

When I went to the airport, the plane had taken off. When they entered the classroom, the lecturer had started the lesson.

The use of Past Perfect Continuous Tense

1. For an action which began and had been in progress before another action started

Ex: When I went to Abuja in 1990, Anthonia had been staying there for five years.

When I returned home, my sister had been reading the novel for three hours.

When our father came, we had been sleeping for a long time.

The Use of Simple Future

1. For Future actions

Ex: I shall meet you tomorrow.

We  shall begin the work from Monday.

She will stay with us for another week.

The Use of Future Continuous Tense

2. For an action going on in future

Ex: When I go home she will be waiting for me.

When she gets home, her husband will be getting angry with her.

When I return home in the evening, Nikola will be sitting in the garden.

 3. For future planned actions

Ex: Shehu will be opening a nursing home next week. 

They will be selling tickets for the charity show next week.

We will be getting married this July.

The Use of Future Perfect Tense

1. For a future completed action

Ex: I shall have written the book by tomorrow.

They will have reached home by now.

We will have been married when you come again.

The Use of Future Perfect Continuous Tense

1. For an action going on in future and it will continue to a certain time in future

Ex: When she completes her degree, she will have been doing her research in the university for two years.

They will have been building the house for five years by next year.

By next July, she will have been working in the bank for five years.

C. COMMON ERRORS IN THE USE OF TENSE

1. Present Continuous Tense should not be used in place of Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Ex: I am working in the college for the last five years. [Incorrect]

I have been working in the college for the last five years. [Correct]

Zara is staying in Rigasa since 1990. [Incorrect]

Zara has been staying in Rigasa since 1990. [Correct]

2. Present Perfect should not be used for past actions

Ex: I have visited Zaria las year. [Incorrect]

I visited Zaria last year. [Correct]

My father has died three years ago. [Incorrect]

My father died three years ago. [Correct]

3. Simple Future should not be used in imperative sentences. In such cases. Only simple present must be used

Ex: You must see that the amount shall be paid soon. [Incorrect]

You must see that the amount is paid soon. [Correct]

Take Care that you will not be late. [Incorrect]

Take care that you are not late. [Correct]

4. When there is a main clause with a Simple Future, the subordinate clause must be in the Simple Present only 

Ex: I shall tell you about it, when I know the truth. [Correct]

If you will laugh at her, she will be angry. [Incorrect]

If you laugh at her, she will be angry. [Correct]

5. Past perfect should not be used for simple past tense

Ex: I had been to  Canada recently. [Incorrect]

I went to Canada recently. [Correct]

I had consulted the doctor last week. [Incorrect]

I consulted the doctor last week. [Correct]

We had started a school for children last year. [Incorrect]

We started a school for children last year. [Correct]

6. Simple Past should not be used for Past Perfect or the Past Continuous Tense for the Past Perfect Continuous Tense.

Ex: Bukola said that she was working in the hospital for five years. [Incorrect]

Bukola said that she had been working in the hospital for five years. [Correct]

Bukola complained that she was badly treated.  [incorrect]

Bukola complained that she had been badly treated. [Correct]

CHAPTER 3

CONJUGATION OF THE VERB "TENSE" 

 
The conjugation of a verb shows the various forms of a verb in relation to its changes invoice, mood, tense, number and person.

SIMPLE PRESENT TEASE 

Active voice	passive voice
My mother teases me.	I am teased by my mother.
Our mother teases us.	We are teased by our mother.
Your mother teases you.	You are teased by your mother.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Active voice	passive voice
My mother is teasing me.	I am being teased by my mother.
Our mother is teasing us.	We are being teased by our mother.
Your mother is teasing you.	You are being teased by your mother.

PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

Active voice	passive voice
My mother has teased me.	I have been teased by my mother.
Our mother has teased us.	We have been teased by our mother.
Your mother has teased you.	You have been teased by your mother.

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Active voice	passive voice
My mother has been teasing me.	None.
Our mother has been Teasing us.	None.
Your mother has been Teasing you.	None.

SIMPLE PAST TENSE 

Active voice	passive voice
My mother teased me.	I was teased by my mother.
Our mother teased us.	We were teased by our mother.
Your mother teased you.	You were teased by your mother.

PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE

Active voice	passive voice
My mother was teasing me.	I was teased by my mother.
Our mother was teasing us.	We were teased by our mother.
Your mother was teasing you.	You were teased by your mother.

PAST PERFECT TENSE

Active voice	passive voice
My mother had teased me.	I had been teased by my mother.
Our mother had teased us.	We had been teased by our mother.
Your mother had teased you.	You had been teased by your mother.

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Active voice	passive voice
My mother had been teasing me.	None.
Our mother had been teasing us.	None.
Your mother had been teasing you.	None.

SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE 

Active voice	passive voice
My mother shall tease me.	I shall be teased by my mother.
Our mother shall tease us.	We shall be teased by our mother.
Your mother shall tease you.	You shall be teased by your mother.

FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE

Active voice	passive voice
My mother shall be teasing me.	None.
Our mother shall be teasing us.	None.
Your mother shall be teasing you.	None.

FUTURE PERFECT TENSE

Active voice	passive voice
My mother shall have teased me.	I shall have been teased by my mother.
Our mother shall have teased us.	We shall been teased by our mother.
Your mother shall have teased you.	You will have been teased by your mother.

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Active voice	passive voice
My mother shall have been teasing me.	None.
Our mother shall have been teasing us.	None.
Your mother shall have been teasing you.	None.

                                  

CHAPTER 4

SEQUENCE OF TENSES

Sequence of tense means the arrangements of verb in the main and subordinate clauses.

1. A past tense in the principal clause is followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.

Ex: Zara said that she passed the test.

He told me that he applied for a job.

My friend told me that he wanted to study medicine.

Exception: A past tense in the main clause may be followed by a subordinate clause in the present, if it expresses a universal truth.

Ex: The teacher explained that the sun rises in the east. 

Newton maintained that the gravitation of the earth makes the things fall down.

Galileo proved that the earth moves round the sun.

Aristotle said that man is a social animal.

2. A main clause with past tense may be used with a subordinate clause with "as" or "than" in any tense.

Ex: He respected her more than he respects his own parents.

He spends money as his father did. [Spent]

I love Amina more than I love anyone else.

I developed a strong fascination for knowledge as every scholar does. [Develops]

3. A present or future in main clauses may be used with a subordinate clause in any tense.

Ex: I know that she went to Abuja.

I shall believe that she was rich.

4. Same tense is required in both clauses when purpose is expressed.

Ex: We read that we may gain wisdom.

We love others so that we may be loved.

Bukola dressed beautifully so that she might attract attention.

CHAPTER 5

CONDITIONAL TENSES 

There are three types of conditional in English.

1. Open Condition: It tells us that something will take place, if a certain condition is fulfilled. This condition may or may not be fulfilled.

Form:

Present Perfect in 'if' clause + Subject + will/shall/can/may + Verb in main clause.

If Clause	Main Clause
Simple Present	Subject + will/shall/can/may + plain Infinitive [Verb]
If you come early	We shall begin the work.
If she loves him	she will marry him.
If i find a job	i can help my mother.
If he reads the book	he will enjoy it.
If i teach her	she can speak English.
If you tell the truth	I may help you.

2.Improbable or Imaginary Condition: it tells us what we expect which may not take place. Form: Simple past in 'if' Clause + Subject + would/should/could/might + Infinitive [Verb]

 

If Clause	Main Clause
Past Tense	Subject + would/should/could/might + plain Infinitive [Verb]
If you paid the amount	We would deliver the goods.
If i saw Bukola	I could talk to her.
If i had money	i could study in America.
If she were a film star	I would ask for her autograph.
If they had a house	they might sell .
If Habib were alive	he might not tolerate the violence in the family.

3. Unfulfilled Condition: It tells us that something did not take place because a particular condition was not fulfilled.
Form:
past perfect in 'if' Clause + Subject + would/should/could/might + have + past participle in main clause

If Clause	Main Clause
Past Perfect	Subject + would/should/could/might + have + Past Participle
If you had resigned the job	you would have faced several financial troubles.
If i had married Bukola	I would have been happier.
If Bukola had read my books	she might have praised me.
If Francis hadn't been an actor	he might have become an engineer.
If i had been healthy	i could have assisted Raj.

CHAPTER 6

PHRASE

Phrase: A phrase is a group of words which does not make complete sense.

Ex:

• in the east
• At the bus stop
• On the success
• For his courage
• With love and care
• About my success

It may be observed that a phrase can be turned into a meaningful sentence.

Ex:

• The sun rises in the east.
• Bukola was waiting at the bus stop.
• I congratulated Lola on her success.
• He was praised for his courage.
• Bola was brought up with love and care.
• Bokula was very happy about my success.

Kinds of Phrases: there are three types of phrases, namely:

1. Adjective phrase
2. Adverb phrase
3. Noun phrase

1. Adjective phrase: A group of words which does the work of an adjective is called an adjective phrase.

Ex:

• with his wife and children
• In white dress
• With a powerful army
• With long hair

Note: The above Adjective phrases may be turned into meaningful sentences:

The man with wife and children is my uncle.

The girl in white dress is my elder sister.

The king with a powerful army tried to defeat his enemy.

I love people with long hair.

2. Adverb phrase: A group of words which does the work of an adverb is called an adverb phrase.

Ex: 

• With great speed 
• Without any care
• On this spot
• In those days
• In a very rude manner
• At this very moment
• In all directions

Note: The above adverb phrases can be turned into sentences;

Ex: He was driving the car with great speed.

He jumped into the sea without any care.

The accident took place on this spot.

She frequently went to the village in those days.

Olo spoke to me in a very rude manner.

I can pay the amount to you at this very moment.

The news of Abike Ade's elopement spread in all directions.

3. Noun phrase: A group of words which does the work of a noun is called a Noun Phrase.

Ex:

• Early to bed
• To win the race
• Teaching English
• Reading books
• Playing cricket
• Eating rice

Note: The above noun phrase can be turned into sentences:

Ex: Early to bed is good habit.

Reading books gives in knowledge and pleasure.

I love teaching English.

My friend likes playing cricket.

Bayo hates eating rice.

He has a strong desire to win the race.

CHAPTER 7

CLAUSE

Clause: A group of words which forms a part of a sentence and contains a subject and a predicate is called a clause.

Ex:

• When I was walking on the street
• That honesty is the best policy
• Who speak the truth
• How to speak English correctly
• Where she was born
• Why she left her parents
• When I saw her
• How to answer the question

Kinds of clauses: clauses are divided into two classes, namely: 

1. Principal Clause
2. Subordinate Clause

Note: A clause can be turned into a sentence.

Ex: I saw Khair when I was walking on the street.

Everyone knows that honesty is the best policy.

I like those who speak the truth.

I can teach you how to speak English correctly.

Do you know where she was born.

We can't understand why she left her child.

Does Amaka know how to answer the question.

1. Principal Clause: A clause which makes complete sense independently and stands by itself is called a Main, Principal or an Independent Clause.

Ex: I received a letter and replied to it.

I tried my best but I failed in my attempt.

2. Subordinate Clause: A Clause which depends on some other clause for its meaning is called a Dependant or subordinate Clause.

Ex: When I was walking on the street

That man is a social animal

If you are a post graduate

Before I saw her

Till you understand it better

Unless you show me your identity

After she had left home

Note: Subordinate Clauses can be turned into meaningful sentences.

Ex: I saw Khair when I was walking on the street.

Aristotle believed that man is a social animal.

If you are a post graduate, you are eligible for this post.

She had stayed in Kudan for two years before I saw her.

You must read the poem till you understand it better.

You are not allowed in unless you show me your identity. 

I went there after she had left home.

Kinds of subordinate Clauses: Subordinate Clauses can be divided into three, namely:

1. Noun Clause
2. Adjective Clause
3. Adverb Clause

1. Noun Clause: A group of words which contains a subject and predicate of its own and does the work of a noun is called a Noun Clause.

Ex: I know that she is a teacher in the school.

What I like most in her is her modesty.

I know when to apply for a bank loan.

That she left her husband is known to all friends.

A Noun Clause can be used as:

• The subject of the verb
• The object of the verb
• The object of a preposition
• In apposition to a noun or pronoun
• The complement of a verb of incomplete predication

The subject of the verb:

Ex: That she left her husband is known to all.

Whether to apply for the post is a problem to me.

What I like in Nikola is her modesty.

The object of a transitive verb:

Ex: I know that she is a teacher in the school.

We don't understand how long she wants to remain uneducated.

I know when to apply for a bank loan.

We believe that love is blind.

John Keats declared that a thing of beauty is a joy forever.

They object of a preposition:

Ex: I am not satisfied with what I achieved in life.

 She did not pay attention to what I explained to her.

There is no point in what my friend suggested to me.

I have confidence in what I do.

Do you have any idea about what you have read now?

in apposition to a noun or pronoun:

Ex: it is surprising that my sister hasn't realised the value of my mother.

It is really a pity that Nikola has never recognised my presence.

The fact that she has a desire to marry a rich man is known to all her friends.

I accept the theory that man is a social animal.

We believe the principle that all men are born free.

The complement of a verb of incomplete predication:

Ex: My belief is that hard work brings success.

The problem is whether to attend the function or stay at home.

Her fear is that she will lose her job.

The question is where to find the money for the project. 

Love is what we think of it.

My worry us whether I shall  be able to see Ummy again.

2. Adjective Clause: A group of words which contains a subject and predicate of its own and does the work of an adjective is called an adjective Clause.

Note: An Adjective Clause is introduced by relative pronouns like who/which/that/but/as and relative adverbs like where/when/why.

Ex: The girl whom you saw in the park is my sister.

The man who invited you to dinner is my uncle.

The beautiful girl whose father is an accountant in the state bank is appearing for the degree exam.

This is the book that I told you about.

The story which you wrote a year ago is a nice one.

There is none but likes Bukola.

[there is no who does not like Bukola]

This is the place where I met Bukola.

I want to know the time when the meeting will take place.

I don't know the reason why Emeka disliked me.

I believe there must be a time when my talent is properly recognized.

3. Adverb Clause: A group of words which contains a subject and a predicate of its own and does the work of an adverb is called an adverb Clause.

Ex: I shall wait here till you return.

If you know her name, please tell me.

I stopped the work because I was very tired.

Kinds of Adverb Clauses: Adverb Clause may be classified into eight kinds, namely:

1. Adverb Clause of Time
2. Adverb Clause of Place
3. Adverb Clause of Purpose
4. Adverb Clause of Cause
5. Adverb Clause of Condition
6. Adverb Clause of Result
7. Adverb Clause of Comparison
8. Adverb Clause of Supposition or Concession

1. Adverb Clause Of Time: A Clause Which is used to indicate time is called an Adverb Clause of Time.

An adverb Clause of Time is introduced by conjunctions like when/whenever/before/after/as/since/till/once and now.

Ex: I felt very happy when I saw Abubakar.

Whenever you want to eat, please remember me.

I had never thought of marriage before I saw Uma.

I lost happiness in life after Duncan had died.

As he began to sing, we stopped talking.

I haven't seen Emo since she was married.

I shall wait for you until you  have written the letter. 

Don't talk while I am teaching.

2. Adverb Clause of Place: A clause which is used to indicate place is called an adverb Clause of Place. A clause of place in introduced by where or wherever.

Ex: where there is a will, there is a way.

Wherever you go, I will continue to follow you.

I visited the place where she built a school for children.

Wherever we went, we were insulted.

3. Adverb Clause of Purpose: A clause which is used to indicate purpose is called an adverb Clause of Purpose. A clause of purpose is introduced by words like that/in order that/so that and lest.

Ex: We read that we may understand the world.

He worked hard to earn money in order that he might make his wife happy.

He came to Nigeria so that he might marry a Nigerian girl.

He filled the petrol tank so that might avoid any bitch in his journey.

She left early lest she be delayed.

4. Adverb Clause of Reason: A clause which is used to indicate cause or reason is called an adverb Clause of Cause or Reason. An Adverb Clause of Cause is introduced by words like because/since/as/in as much as and that.

Ex: I stopped the work because I was tired.

 I like Bukola because she is brilliant.

Since she has a desire to work, she discontinued her studies.

As I love you, I can do anything for you.

I am glad that she got promotion.

We were sad that he has lost his son.

5. Adverb Clause of Condition: A clause which is used to indicate condition is called an adverb Clause of Condition. A clause of condition is introduced by words like if/unless/whether/provided that and so long as.

Ex: if you help me, I shall be happy.

If I go there, I can see Bukola.

Unless you tell her about your job, she won't know it. Unless you try hard, you won't get the job.

I can help you provided that you follow my advice.

So long as you work hard, you have no problem with me. 

You must do this whether you like it or not.

6. Adverb Clause of Result or Consequences: A clause which is used to indicate result or consequences is called an adverb Clause of Result or Consequences. An Adverb clause of Result is introduced by words like so that and such that.

Ex: Bukola is so brilliant that I loved her at first sight. 

She sang so beautifully that we were impressed very much.

I spoke to her in such a way that she wanted to see me again.

He has such ability in mathematics that all were amazed.

7. Adverb Clause of Comparison: A clause which is used to indicate comparison is called an Adverb Clause of Comparison. An Adverb Clause of Comparison is introduced by words like as, as-as, so-as and than.

Ex: Bukola is as beautiful as Juliana.

Our country is not as rich as America.

She was much happier than I imagined.

We are not as foolish as they think.

Water is as essential as food.

He speaks better than his sister.

8. Adverb Clause of Supposition or Concession: A clause which is used to indicate supposition or concession is called an Adverb Clause of Supposition or Concession. An Adverb Clause of supposition is introduced by words like though/although/even if/while and where as.

Ex: though she is clever, she is not proud.

Although I tried hard, I could not succeed in my attempt. 

Even if you were a beauty queen, I can't marry you. 

Even though you are my brother, I can't allow you to do such a cruel act.

Where as Hajiya is friendly, her friend is impolite.

Note:

• An adverb clause does the work of an adverb.
• An adjective clause does the work of an adjective.
• A noun clause does the work of a noun.
• Same clause can be used as a noun clause, adjective clause or an adverb clause.

Ex: I know where I can get the book, (Noun Clause)

I know the book stall where I can get the book (Adjective Clause)

I went where I can get the book. (Adverb Clause)

CHAPTER 8 SENTENCE

 

CHAPTER 9

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE

we can begin a sentence either with the subject or object. This fact decides whether a sentence is active or passive.

In other words, it is possible for us to recognise the active and the passive voice. For example, if a sentence has one of the helping verbs such as am, is, are, was, were, been, being, be and past participle of the verb like eaten, broken, spent, learnt, invented, discovered, it is passive voice.

Voice: Voice is the form of the verb which indicates whether a person or a thing does something or something has been done to a person or a thing.

Kinds of Voice: There are two kinds of voice. namely: 

1. Active Voice
2. Passive Voice

1. Active Voice: When a verb form shows that the subject has done something, it is known as Active Voice

Ex: Nikola wrote a letter.

2. Passive Voice: When a verb form shows that something has been done to the subject. It is known as passive Voice.

Ex: A letter was written by Ahmad.

Note: We can turn active voice into passive voice by using some guidelines. It is not much difficult for us to Change the voice of the verb.

A. BASIC RULES

1. A sentence can be separated into subject, verb and object 

Ex: BUKOLA              WROTE           A LETTER

             S.                          V.                         O

2. The object of the sentence must be turned into subject

Ex: BUKOLA              WROTE           A LETTER

             S.                          V.                         O

      A LETTER WAS WRITTEN  BY  BUKOLA

             S.                          V.                         O

3. The 'be' form must be used according to the tense of the verb

Ex: A letter 'was'

4. Past participle of the verb must be used

Ex: A letter was written 

5. Preposition 'by' must be added

Ex: A letter was written by

6. The subject must be made the object

Ex: A letter was written by Bukola

Examples:

1. Amaka sings a song.

A song is song by Amaka.

2. My sister is painting a picture.

A picture is being painted by my sister.

3. Emeka has posted the letter.

The letter has been posted by Emeka.

4. Francis wrote the guide.

The guide was written by Francis.

5. Azikiwe preached non-violence.

Non-violence was preached by Azikiwe.

Bukola was cooking a nice meal.

A nice meal was being cooked by Bukola

Note: it is impossible for us to turn present and past perfect Continuous Tenses and Future Continuous and Future Perfect Continuous into Passive Voice.

B. OMISSION OF THE OBJECT : PASSIVE VOICE

In some of the sentence,the object of the verb is omitted because the attention is not paid to the fact of who does the action but to the action itself. In such cases, the agent of the action is either a well known person or unidentified. It is therefore not necessary for us to mention the agent of the action. The passive form is commonly used only when we want to lay emphasis on the activity not the agent.

Ex: The thief was arrested. (by the police)

The news was broadcast. (by the B.B.C.)

(Here, the agents are well known.)

The window was broken. (by somebody)

The plane was hijacked yesterday. (by some group)

(Here the agents are unidentified and not recognised.)

C. PREFERENCE TO PASSIVE VOICE

Sometimes, a passive structure is often commoner and neater than active one.

Ex: The song has been picturised beautifully is neater  than the director has picturised the song beautifully.

In the same way:

My expenditure was cut down is more convenient than my father cut down my expenditure.

D. PASSIVE VOICE: TRANSITIVE VERB: TWO OBJECTS

A Transitive Verb is sometimes followed by two objects. In such cases, the sentence may have two passive forms.

Ex:

1. The manager granted me the permission.

The permission was granted me by the manager.

I was granted the permission by the manager.

2. The principal issued me the conduct certificate.

The conduct certificate was issued to me by principal. 

I was issued the conduct certificate by the principal.

3. The bank gave me the loan.

The loan was given to me by the bank.

I was given loan by the bank.

4. Khair bought me a good book.

A good book was bought for me by Khair.

I was bought a good book by Khair.

5. They offered him a nice job.

A nice job was offered to him by them.

He was offered a nice job by them.

E. PASSIVE VOICE ; PREPOSITION

Certain verbs are always followed by prepositions. So a preposition after the verb must be retained in passive Voice.

Ex:

1. They laughed at the poor beggar.

The poor beggar was laughed at by them.

2. They looked after the boy.

The boy was looked after by them.

3. We called in the mechanic.

The mechanic was called in by us.

4. I sent for the doctor.

The doctor was sent for by me.

F. PASSIVE VOICE : IMPERATIVE SENTENCES

Various ideas like commands/orders/request/ may be expressed in passive voice.

Formula;

You are                        asked/requested/begged/implored/ordered/commanded/told/advised + to + Verb

The passive structure is rarely used in spoken English to express command/requests and orders. But the passive structure may be used in making indirect orders/requests and advice.

'You are requested to appear for an interview on sunday at 8am. These types of instructions are often found in the interview call letters.

Active voice	Passive Voice
1. please post this letter.	You are requested to post this letter.
2. Shut the door	You are ordered to shut the door.
3. Help the poor	You are advised to help the poor.
4. Don't come late.	You are asked not to be late.
5. Be careful of your health.	You are advised to be careful of your health.
6. Don't play with fire.	You are advised not to play with fire.
7. Pay the money before April	You are requested to pay the money before April
9. Show mercy on the poor man	You are begged to show mercy on the poor man.
10. Don't stick bills on the wall.	You are ordered not to stick bills on the wall.
11. Apply for leave	You are advised to apply for leave.
12. Blow out the candle.	You are begged to blow out the candle.
13. Don't wait for me.	You are advised not to wait for me.
14. Stay there.	You are commanded to stay there.
Teach me English	You are asked to teach me English.

G. PASSIVE VOICE : LET

Imperatives sentence can be turned into passive voice by using 'let'
Formula: Let + Object + Be + Past participle

Active Voice	Passive Voice
1. Post this letter	Let the letter be posted.
2. Complete the work.	Let the work be completed.
3. Give up smoking.	Let smoking be given up.
4. Pay the amount.	Let the amount be paid.
5. Send the application.	Let the application be sent.
6. Return the poor.	Let the book be returned to the library.
7. Help the poor.	Let the poor be helped.
8. park the car	Let the car be parked

H. PASSIVE VOICE : INFINITIVE 

Formula: Subject + Verb + Object + To be + Verb

An infinitive can be turned into passive voice. But it is not considered natural and necessary. However, most writers think that an infinitive in passive voice is very natural and convenient.
But we cannot decide whether an infinitive structure should be used r not. so the decision is left to the learner. it is entirely, a matter of personal judgment.

Active Voice	Passive Voice
1. I want to write the latter.	I want the letter to be written.
2.I expect Abdul to help me.	I expected to be helped by Abdul.
3. I have letters to write.	I have letters to be written.
4. She has children to look after.	She has children to be looked after.
5. They have no money to spend.	They have no money to be spent.
6. We have a lot of work to do.	We have a lot of work to be done.
7. I have no problems to think about.	I have no problems to be thought about.

I. IT IS/WAS TIME + FOR + OBJECT + PASSIVE FORM

Active	Passive Voice
1. It is time to send a telegram.	It is time for the telegram to be sent.
2. It is time to stop the work.	It is time for the work to be stopped.
3. It was time to apply for the post.	It was time for the post to be applied for.
4. It was time to repair the watch.	It was time for the watch to be repaired.
5. It is time to shut the doors.	It is time for the doors to be shut.
6. It is time to prepare the time table.	It is time for the time table to be prepared.

J. PASSIVE VOICE : THAT CLAUSE 

Passive Voice is sometimes or very often used to introduce a 'that clause'.

 

Active Voice	Passive Voice
1. we say that she is a teacher	It is said that she is a teacher.
2. They believe that he killed his wife.	It is believed that he killed his wife.
3. people may point out that he cheated the poor girl.	It may be pointed out that he cheated the girl..
4. We admit that she has ruined her life.	It is admitted that she has ruined her life.
5. It proved that she had written the letter.	it was proved that She had written the letter.

K. PASSIVE VOICE : OBJECT COMPLEMENT

Sentence with object complement may be turned into passive voice.

Active Voice	Passive Voice
1. We elected him president.	He was elected president.(by us)
2. They named her Funke.	She was named Funke. (by them)
3. We though him a fool.	He was thought a fool.
4. I considered Bukola very beautiful.	Bukola was considered (to be) beautiful.
5. I always suppose Ada my wife.	Ada is always supposed to be my wife.

L. PASSIVE VOICE : INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES 

All the question in Active Voice can be changed into Passive Voice. But questions are rarely made in Passive Voice. So it is advised that the learner should confine himself to Actice Voice in making questions.

 

Active Voice	Passive Voice
1. Do you speak Yoruba?	Is Yoruba spoken by you?
2. Does your father spend the money?	is the money spent by your father?.
3. Does Amina like me	Am i liked bh Amina.
4. Do they sell watches here?	are watches sold here by them?
5. is Amaka singing a song	Is a song being sung by Amaka?
6. Are they helping you?	Are you being helped by them?
7. Did you post the letter?	Was the letter posted by you?
8. Did they sell thz house	Was the house sold by them
9. Was he writing the letter?	Was the letter being written by them?
10. Was she beating up the child?	Was the child being beaten up by her?
11. Have you brought up the child?	Has the child been brought up by you?
12. Have you received the letters from your sister?	Have the letters been recieved by you from your sister?
13. Had she cooked the food?	Had the food been cooked by her?
14. Had he offended his brother?	Had his brother been offended by him?
15. Will you help me?	Shall i be helped by you?
16. How did you pay off your debits?	How were the debts paids off by you?
17. What do you know about computers?	What is known to you about Computers?

M. PASSIVE VOICE : PREPOSITION 'BY' 

A few verbs in passive voice are followed by a number of prepositions. in such cases, 'by' is not used.
The list of such verbs is as follows:

 

S. No Verb	Preposition
1. astonished	at
2. annoyed	at
3. agitated	at
4. amazed	at
5. alarmed	at
6. contained	in
7. Covered	with
8. Crowed	with
9. disgusted	With
10. disappointed	at
11. displeased	at
12. ground	in
13. interested	in
14. killed	with
15. lined	with
16. overgrown	with
17. pleased	at
18. excited	at
19. satisfied	with
20. thronged	with
21. Surprised	at
22. vexed	at

Examples:

1. Do you know Ali?

Is Ali known to you?

2. This bottle contains milk.

Milk is contained in this bottle.

3. This book interested me.

I was interested in this book.

4. This mill grinds the wheat.

The wheat is ground in the mill.

5. Snow covered the houses.

The houses were covered with snow.

6. Her performance satisfied me.

I was satisfied with her performance.

8. People lined the road.

The road was lined with people.

9. Large crowds thronged the streets.

The streets were thronged with large crowds.

10. Nikola's brilliance pleases me.

I am pleased with Bukola's brilliance.

11. Her words have displeased me.

I have been displeased by her words.

12. Her decision surprises me.

I am surprised at her decision.

13. Amaka's success excites me.

I am excited at Amaka's success.

14. Tolani's death alarmed me.

I was alarmed at Tolani's death.

15. Her rudeness vexed me.

I was vexed at her rudeness.

N. PASSIVE VOICE : VERBS LIKE TASTE, SMELL, FEEL

Note the use of verb in passive voice very carefully.

Ex:

1. This medicine tastes bitter.

This medicine is bitter when it is tasted.

2. The flower smells sweet.

The flower is sweet when it is smelt.

3. The material feels thin.

The material is thin when is is felt.

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE TABLE

Tense	Form
present Simple	am/is/are + past participle
Continuous Tense (present)	am/is/are + being + past participle
present perfect Tense	have/has + been + past participle
Simple past Tense	Was/were + past participle
past continuous Tense	was/were + being + past participle
past perfect Tense	had + been + past participle
Simple Future Tense	Will/Shall + have been + past