XML RSSGet Updates Automatically!

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

Home

Welcome

Free Newsletter
Free Course
ENGLISH BLOG!
ESL Store
Interviews
Search it!
About Me

Reference

Audio Course
Writing Course
Studying Advice
Listening Advice
Grammar Help
Kids English
Motivation

Ask A Question

Q & A

Learning Centre

Make a Wish!
Videos
Pronunciation
Beginners Course
Learn with Music
Listening Practice
Vocabulary
Writing Lessons
ESL Social Cafe

Good Stuff

Good Books
Course Reviews
Good Links

Website & Me

What is SBI?
Contact Me
Table of Contents
APRENDER
**Donate**
Photos
Privacy Policy
Affiliate Program

Participle and Relative Clauses




Dear Ola, Please explain how to use participle instead of relative clauses? Also, could you tell me if the following sentences are correct or wrong? Does the second example give the past meaning?

Can you remember the methods "using" to solve this problem?

Can you remember the methods "used" to solve this problem?

Diana here: I changed "remind" to "remember" in your sentences. We use remind when something triggers a memory (and it is usually followed by a subject or person) and we use remember when it is the person directly recalling something.

Ex: I can't remember where my car keys are.
Could you remind me to put my keys in my bag when we get home?




Comments for
Participle and Relative Clauses

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 18, 2011
Answer
by: Ola Zur

Hi,

There is a very good explanation on using participles instead of relative clauses over here:
Participles and relative clauses

Regarding the two sentences:

1) Can you remember the methods "using" to solve this problem?
This sentence is incorrect.
It is like saying: "Can you remember the methods that are using to solve the problem?

The methods are used (passive), not "using" (active). You use the methods, therefore the methods are used.

2) Can you remember the methods "used" to solve this problem?
This sentence is correct.
It is like saying: "Can you remember the methods that are used to solve this problem?

Now, "are used" = present tense, passive.
"Were used" = past tense, passive.
"Will be used" = future tense, passive.

"am using" = present tense, active.
"was using" = past tense, active.
"will be using" = future tense, active.

I hope this helps...

Ola Zur is the editor of www.really-learn-english.com, an illustrated guide to English.


Click here to add your own comments






 

Custom Search

Hello and Welcome!

Subscribe to
The Learn English Newsletter

Your First Name


Your Email Address

I keep this private.



"It's English Time":
Click here for details!

Print



Visit Learn English Corner

Cambridge Dictionaries Online

Use English to Build Your Own Online Business

Materials I Like!

"It's English Time"
Robby's English Harmony System
AJ's Efforless English MP3s
Best Accent Training mp3s
Elizabeth's Grammar Lessons
Business English Study
ESL Depot: Books & Games


English Harmony
English Harmony System


Effortless English
See what Pablo thinks...

EffortlessEnglish