JamesBrooklyn wrote:
In English grammar, the presence or absence of the doer (the one performing the action) in a sentence with an "-ing" or an "-ed" modifier can influence the clarity and understanding of the sentence. Let's take a look at your examples to understand this better:
The problem was identified, using the latest technology.
The problem was identified by the engineer, using the latest technology.
In the first sentence, "using the latest technology" is an "-ing" modifier, and it modifies the action "identified." However, the doer of the action is not explicitly mentioned in the sentence. While the sentence is grammatically correct, it lacks clarity. Without knowing who or what is performing the action, the sentence may sound vague and leave the reader wondering who identified the problem.
In the second sentence, "by the engineer" is an "-ed" modifier, specifying the doer of the action "identified." Here, the sentence provides clarity by mentioning that the engineer is the one who identified the problem, and they did so using the latest technology.
So, to answer your question, including the doer in a sentence with an "-ing" or an "-ed" modifier can make the sentence more precise and informative. It helps avoid ambiguity and ensures that the reader understands who performed the action.
Hi
JamesBrooklynmentioning the doer(subject) adds more clarity, however in passive construction we often see the doer(subject) missing from the sentence. consider this ->
The Colleseum was built in 100AD. This is a simple sentence however this provides the information about the time the Colleseum was built while not mentioning who built it. I suppose the information is not so relevant for this sentence as such, however why does this information regarding the subject becomes relevant when we introduce a modifier in the sentence same sentence such as this one ->
The Colleseum was built in 100AD, using medieval tools. All the sources I've found till now say that this sentence is incorrect and that the subject must be present for the modifier to correctly modify the verb "was built".
close
Updated on: 19 Jul 2023, 06:02
