In this unit, we will explore how to describe problems in English using past participles as adjectives, nouns, need with gerund and passive infinitive, and keep with gerunds. These structures are essential for expressing issues clearly and effectively. Let’s dive into each topic step by step.
1. Past Participles as Adjectives
Past participles can function as adjectives to describe the state or condition of something. They are often used to highlight problems or situations that have already occurred.
Structure:
- There / that / the + noun + to be + Verb in Past participle as adjective
Examples:
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The window is broken. | The window is broken. |
| The letter was misplaced. | The letter was misplaced. |
| The project seems unfinished. | The project seems unfinished. |
Common Past Participles Used as Adjectives:
- Broken
- Damaged
- Lost
- Confused
- Exhausted
- Frustrated
2. Nouns to Describe Problems
Nouns are often used to name specific problems or challenges. Here are some common nouns related to describing issues:
Structure:
- Noun + have / has+ verb in infinitive
- There + is / are + a/ some + Verb in infinitive
Examples:
| Noun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Delay | There was a delay in the delivery of the package. |
| Damage | The storm caused significant damage to the roof. |
| Confusion | There is some confusion about the meeting schedule. |
| Frustration | His frustration was evident during the presentation. |
3. Need with Gerund and Passive Infinitive
The verb “need” can be followed by either a gerund (-ing form) or a passive infinitive (to be + past participle) to describe something that requires attention or action.
Structure:
- Need + Gerund: Suggests that the subject itself requires the action.
- Need + Passive Infinitive: Emphasizes that the action should be done by someone else.
Examples:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The car needs washing. | The car needs washing. |
| The car needs to be washed. | The car needs to be washed. |
| The garden needs trimming. | The garden needs trimming. |
| The garden needs to be trimmed. | The garden needs to be trimmed. |
4. Keep with Gerunds
The verb “keep” can be followed by a gerund to describe an ongoing action or situation. This structure is useful for emphasizing that a problem persists.
Structure:
- Keep + Gerund: Indicates that an action or state continues over time.
Examples:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She keeps forgetting her keys. | She keeps forgetting her keys. |
| The noise keeps getting louder. | The noise keeps getting louder. |
| They keep arguing about the same issue. | They keep arguing about the same issue. |
Summary Table
| Grammar Point | Example Sentence | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Past Participles as Adjectives | The door is locked. | Use past participles to describe the current state of something. |
| Nouns | There is a lot of confusion. | Use nouns to name specific problems or challenges. |
| Need with Gerund/Infinitive | The house needs cleaning/to be cleaned. | “Need + Gerund” focuses on the object; “Need + Infinitive” on the action. |
| Keep with Gerunds | He keeps interrupting me. | Use “keep + gerund” to show repeated or ongoing actions/problems. |