Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bondrock]

The Japanese often give a small gift to people who have done favors for them. Usually this token of gratitude (is given) in July and December to keep harmonious relationships with the receiver.

My student was wondering why the verb must be (is given) and not (give).
Can any grammarians give a succinct answer?

Thanks for your help!

Bondrock

[Binch Lover]

It's the passive voice.

Have you been an English teacher since 2006?

[tatertot]

To add to what Binch Lover said, the passive voice can be used when the subject of the sentence is the gift rather than the giver of the gift.

[Bondrock]

[lifeinkorea]

That doesn't help at all.

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English Teacher: Now, let's look at this sentence. "The Japanese often give a small gift to people who have done favors for them. Usually this token of gratitude (is given) in July and December to keep harmonious relationships with the receiver."

Student: Why is it "is given" and not "give"?

English Teacher: Because you need to use the passive voice.

Student: pass whatta voice? hmm....(trying not to look dumb)... YES YES!!! I understand now teacher (scratching head, what is the passive voice English Teacher just referenced?).

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Yes, I understand as an English teacher I should know what these labels mean. However, teaching the meaning is different. You can't just reference the label and assume you have "taught". Any student can look in a grammar book in the passive voice section and see. The idea is to teach it.

How would you teach this besides just rattling off what part of grammar it is?

[Bondrock]

Good point Life in Korea. I was actually guilty of thinking too deep in trying to come up with the answer. On the surface it is passive voice. As stated, I was perhaps a bit lazy, a brain fart, posting on this forum. But at the time I was looking for a deeper and more succinct answer.

Still, I thank those who replied on here. Bondrock is certainly not a man who knows everything grammar related.

[SeoulNate]