ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE
195. Compare:-

1. Rama helps Hari.
2. Hari is helped by Rama.

It will be seen that these two sentences express the same meaning.
But in sentence I, the form of the Verb shows that the person denoted by the subject does
something.

Rama (the person denoted by the subject) does something.
The Verb helps is said to be in the Active Voice.
In sentence 2, the form of the Verb shows that something is done to the person denoted
by the Subject.

Something is done to Hari (the person denoted by the Subject.)
The Verb helped is said to be in the Passive Voice.
Def.- A verb is in the Active Voice when its form shows (as in sentence 1) that the person
or thing denoted by the Subject does something ; or, in other words, is the doer of the
action.

The Active Voice is so called because the person denoted by the Subject acts.
Def.- A Verb is in the Passive Voice when its form shows (as in sentence 2) that
something is done to the person or thing denoted by the Subject.

The Passive Voice is so called because the person or thing denoted by the Subject is not
active but passive, that is, suffers or receives some action.
Def.- Voice is that form of a Verb which shows wherther what is denoted by the Subject
does something or has something done to it.
Note the change from the Active Voice to the Passive Voice in the following sentences:-
Active Voice

1. Sita loves Savitri.
2. The mason is building the wall.
3. The peon opened the gate.
4. Some boys were helping the wounded man.
Passive Voice
1. Savitri is loved by Sita.
2. The wall is being built by the mason.
3. The gate was opened by the peon.
4. The wounded man was being helped by some boys.
5. He will finish the work in a fortnight.
6. Who did this?
7. Why did your brother write such a letter?
Passive Voice
5. The work will be finished by him in a fortnight.
6. By whom was this done?
7. Why was such a letter written by your brother?

It will be noticed that when the Verb is changed from the Active Voice to the Passive
Voice, the Object of the Transitive Verb in the Active Voice becomes the Subject of the
Verb in the Passive Voice.

[Thus in sentence 1, Savitri which is the object of loves in the Active Voice, becomes the
Subject of is loved in the Passive Voice.]
Since the Object of a verb in the active voice becomes the Subject of the passive form, it
follows that only Transitive Verbs can be used in the Passive Voice, because an
Intransitive Verb has no Object.

196. The passive voice is formed with the suitable tense of the verb be followed by the
past participle. Study this table:

Tense (or Modal + base) -- Active Voice -- Passive Voice

Simple present -- take, takes -- am taken, is taken, are taken.

Present continuous -- am taking, is taking, are taking -- am being taken, is being taken,
are being taken

Present perfect -- has taken, have taken -- has been taken, have been taken
Simple past -- took -- was taken, were taken

Past continuous -- was taking, were taking -- was being taken, were being taken

Past perfect -- had taken -- had been taken

Simple future -- will take, shall take -- will be taken, shall be taken

Can / may / must, etc. + base -- can take, must take -- can be taken must be taken

197. Students must know when to use the Active Voice and when Co use the Passive : the
ability to change the Active Voice into the Passive and vice versa is not sufficient.

The Active Voice is used when the agent (i.e., doer of the action) preferred when the active form would involve the use of an indefinite or vague pronoun or noun (somebody, they, people, we, etc.) as subject ; that is, when we do not know the agent or when it is clear enough who the agent is.

My pen has been stolen. (Somebody has stolen my pen.)
I was asked my name. (They asked me my name.) ;
English is spoken all over the world. (People speak English all over the world.)
I have been invited to the party. (Someone has invited me to the party.)
We will execute all orders promptly. (All orders will be executed promptly.)

In such cases the agent with by is usually avoided.
Note, however, that, as in the examples given earlier, the fly-phrase cannot be avoided
where the agent has some importance and is necessary to complete the sense.

Exercise in Grammar 39
Name the Verbs in the following sentences, and tell whether they are in the Active or in
the Passive Voice:-

1. The cat killed the mouse.
2. We compelled the enemy to surrender.
3. The boy was bitten by a dog.
4. The thief was caught.
5. The boy made a kite.
6. The ship was burned.
7. The young man made a disturbance at the meeting.
8. The captive was bound to a tree.
9. The bird was killed by a cruel boy.
10. The sudden noise frightened the horse.
11. He is loved by all.
12. The exhibition was opened by the Governor.
13. I see a dark cloud.
14. His command was promptly obeyed.
15. Some of the cargo had been damaged by the sea water.
16. Nothing will be gained by hurry.
17. The dog chased the sheep.
18. This letter was posted last night,
19. The field is ploughed.
20. The dog was teased by the boy.
21. The cat drank all the milk.
22. A stone struck me on the head.
23. The old gentleman takes snuff.
24. The money was lost.
25. The letter has just been posted.

Exercise in Composition 40
Turn the following sentences from the Active Voice to the Passive Voice:-
(Note-The agent with by should be omitted in Nos. 7, 12, 25, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34 and
35.)

1. The cat killed the mouse.
2. The man cut down the tree.
3. Columbus discovered America.
4. His teacher praised him.
5. The boy teased the dog.
6. The syce feeds the horse every day.
7. The police arrested him.
8. Rama was making a kite.
9. The boy caught the ball.
10. My father will write a letter.
11. I will conquer him.
12. He kept me waiting.
13. The hunter shot the lion.
14. Hari opened the door.
15. A policeman caught the thief.
16. Sohrab threw the ball.
17. He scored twenty runs.
18. Your behaviour vexes me.
19. Manners reveal character.
20. He made a very remarkable discovery.
21. Little strokes fell great oaks.
22. Dhondu will bring the pony.
23. Everyone loves him.
24. My cousin has drawn his picture. 

198. When verbs that take both a direct and an indirect object in the Active Voice are
changed to the Passive, either object may become the subject of the Passive verb, while
the other is retained.

Active -- Passive

The guard refused him admittance. -- Admittance was refused to him by the ground., He
was refused admittance by the guard.
Mr. Krishnaji teaches us grammar. -- Grammar is taught to us by Mr. Krishnaji., We are
taught grammar by Mr. Krishnaji.
The manager will give you a ticket. -- A ticket will be given to you by the manager. You
will be given a ticket by the manager.
Who taught you French? -- By whom was French taught to you?, Who were you taught
French by? By whom were you taught French?
He handed her a chair. -- A chair was handed to her., She was handed a chair.

An indirect object denotes the person to whom or for whom some-: thing is given or
done, while a direct object usually denotes a thing. In cases like the above, it is probably
more usual for passive constructions to begin with the person.
199. Note that we use with (not by) to talk about an instrument used by the agent.
Compare:

The dog was hit with a stick. (Active Voice: Somebody hit the dog with a stick.)
The dog was hit by a boy. (Active Voice: A boy hit the dog.)

200. There are a few Transitive verbs which, even in an Active form, are sometimes used
in a Passive sense; as.
These mangoes taste sour (i.e., are sour when they are tasted).
The rose smells sweet (i.e., is sweet when it is smelt).

Exercise in Composition 41
Change the following sentences so that the Verbs will be in the Passive Voice:-

1. We saw you and him.

2. They asked me my name.
3. We refused them admission.
4. I bought the baby a doll.
They found him guilty of murder.
6. A thunderstorm often turns milk sour.
7. You cannot pump the ocean dry.
8. They saw the storm approaching.
9. He keeps me waiting.
10. They painted the house red.
11. He told me to leave the room.
12. He promised me a present.
13. I shall order the carriage.
14. The boy is climbing the cliff.
15. One may accomplish many things by a little effort.
16. I am watching you very carefully.

Exercise in Composition 42
Rewrite the following sentences so that the Verbs will be in the Active Voice:-

1. He was praised by his father.
2. The first railway was built by George Stephenson.
3. The horse was frightened by the noise.
4. Not a word was spoken by Latif.
5. The teacher was pleased with the boy's work.
6. He was taken to the hospital by his friends.
7. The town was destroyed by an earthquake.
8. The road was lined with people.
9. The President was welcomed by the people.
10. Shakuntala was written by Kalidas.
11. The building was damaged by the fire.
12. I was struck by his singular appearance.
13. Those cars were built by robots.
14. The streets were thronged with spectators.
15. The trees were blown down by the wind.
16. We shall be blamed by everyone.
17. The child was knocked down by a car.
18. Alice was not much surprised at this.
19. He will be greatly surprised if he is chosen,

Exercise in Composition 43
Write three sentences with the Verbs in the Active Voice, and rewrite them with the
Verbs in the Passive Voice.
201. We give below further examples of the interchange of Active and Passive Voice.

Active. - All his friends laughed at him.
Passive.- He was laughed at by all his friends.
Active.- They made him king.
Passive.- He was made king.
Active. - They use video for teaching the students.
Passive.- Video is used for teaching the students.
Active.- One should keep one's promises.
Passive.- Promises should be kept.
Active.- When will you return the book?
Passive.- When will the book be returned?
Active.- Someone has picked my pocket.
Passive.- My pocket has been picked.
Active.- Circumstances will oblige me to go.
Passive.- I shall be obliged to go.

 Exercise in Composition 44
In the following sentences change the Voice :

1. We elected Balu captain.

2. I saw him opening the box.
3. We must listen to his words.
4. Shall I ever forget those happy days?
5. By whom was this jug broken ?
6. His subordinates accused him of various offences.
7. One cannot gather grapes from thistles.
8. The telegraph wires have been cut.
9. Alas! We shall hear his voice no more.
10. The 1998 Asian Games were held in Bangkok, Thailand.
11. Without effort nothing can be gained.
12. Do not insult the weak.
13. All desire wealth and some acquire it.
14. Why should I be suspected by you?
15. The information is kept on our computer.
16. The legend tells us how the castle received its name.
17. My watch was lost.
18. Why did he defraud you of your earnings?
19. The public will learn with astonishment that war is imminent.
20. He made his wife do the work.
21. The master appointed him monitor.
22. The doctor despaired of his recovery.
23. He was refused admittance.
24. They laughed at his warnings and objected lo all his proposals.
25. The people regarded him as an impostor and called him a villain.

THE FUTURE

•  There are several ways of talking about the future in English: The Simple Future Tense, the going to form, the Simple Present Tense, etc.

A.Simple future tense

• The Simple Future Tense is used to talk about things which we cannot control. It expresses the future as fact.

1. I shall be twenty next Saturday.
2. It will be Diwali in a week.
3. We will know our exam results in May.

•  We use this tense to talk about what we think or believe will happen in the future.

1. I think Pakistan will win the match.
2. I'm sure Helen will get a first class.

• As in the above sentences, we often use this tense with I think, and I'm sure. We also sayI expect ---, I believe ---, Probably ---, etc.
•  We can use this tense when we decide to do something at the lime of speaking

1. It is raining. I will take an umbrella.
2. “Mr. Sinha is very busy at the moment.” – “All right. I'll wait.”

B.Going to

•  We use the going to form (be going to + base of the verb) when we have decided to do something before talking about it.

1. “Have you decided what to do?” – “Yes. / am going to resign the job.”
2. “Why do you want to sell your motorbike?” – “I'm going to buy a car.”

• Remember that if the action is already decided upon and preparations have been made,we should use the going to form, not the Simple Future Tense. The Simple Future Tense is used for an instant decision.
•  We also use the going to form to talk about what seems likely or certain, when there is something in the present which tells us about the future.

1. • It is going to rain; look at those clouds.
2. • The boat is full of water. It is going to sink.
3. • She is going to have a baby.

•  The going to form may also express an action which is on the point of happening.

1. Let's get into the train. It's going to leave.
2. Look! The cracker is going to explode.

C.Be about to

•  Be about to + base form can also be used for the immediate future.

1. Let's get into the train. It's about to leave.
2. Don't go out now. We are about to have lunch.

Exercise in Composition 48

Choose the correct or more suitable forms of the verbs to fill in the blanks:-

1. The plane --- at 3.30. (arrives, will arrive)
2. I will phone you when he --- back, (comes, will come)
3. When I get home, my dog --- at the gate waiting for me. (sits, will be sitting)
4. I --- the Joshis this evening, (visit, am visiting)
5. Look at those black clouds. It ---, (will rain, is going to rain)
6. The train --- before we reach the station, (arrives, will have arrived)
7. Perhaps we --- Mahabaleshwar next month, (visit, will visit)
8. Unless we --- now we can't be on time, (start, will start)
9. I --- into town later on. Do you want a lift? (drive, will be driving)
10. The next term --- on 16th November, (begins, is beginning)
11. Oh dear! I --- (will sneeze, am going to sneeze)
12. By 2005, computers --- many of the jobs that people do today, (will be
taking over, will have taken over)
13. I'm sure she --- the exam, (passes, will pass)
14. I --- home next Sunday, (go, am going)
15. I --- you one of these days, I expect, (see, will be seeing)
16. Help! I --- fall, (will fall, am going to fall)
17. She has bought some cloth; she --- herself a blouse, (will make, is going to make)
18. I --- your house this afternoon. It is on my way home from work, (will be passing, am
passing)
19. Hurry up! The programme --- (will start, is about to start)
20. This book is not long. I --- it by lunch time, (will be reading, will have read)

THE PAST
A.Simple Past Tense

•  The Simple Past is used to indicate an action completed in the past. It often occurs with adverbs or adverb phrases of past time.

1. The steamer sailed yesterday.
2. I received his letter a week ago.
3. She left school last year.

•  Sometimes this tense is used without an adverb of time. In such cases the time may be either implied or indicated by the context.

1. I learnt Hindi in Nagpur.
2. I didn't sleep well (i.e, last night).
3. Babar defeated Rana Sanga at Kanwaha.

• The Simple Past is also used for past habits; as,

1. He studied many hours every day.
2. She always carried an umbrella.

B.Past Continuous Tense

•  The Past Continuous is used to denote an action going on at some time in the past.

1. The time of the action may or may not be indicated.
2. We were watching TV all evening.
3. It was getting darker.
4. The light went out while I was reading.
5. When I saw him, he was playing chess.

• As in the last two examples above, the Past Continuous and Simple Past are used together when a new action happened in the middle of a longer action. The Simple Past is used forthe new action.
•  This tense is also used with always, continually, etc. for persistent habits in the past.

1. He was always grumbling.

C.Past Perfect Tense

•  The Past Perfect describes an action completed before a certain moment in the past;as,

I met him in New Delhi in 1996. I-had seen him last five years before.

If two actions happened in the past, it may be necessary to show which action happened earlier than the other. The Past Perfect is mainly used in such situations. The Simple Past is used in one clause and the Past Perfect in the other; as,

1. When I reached the station the train had started (so I couldn't get into the train).
2. I had done my exercise when Han came to see me.
3. I had written the letter before he arrived.

D.Past Perfect Continuous Tense

•  The Past Perfect Continuous is used for an action that began before a certain point in the past and continued up to that time; as,

1. At that time he had been writing a novel for two months.
2. When Mr. Mukerji came to the school in 1995, Mr. Anand had already been teaching there for five years.

Exercise in Composition 46

Choose the correct verb form from those in brackets:

1. The earth --- round the sun. (move, moves, moved)
2. My friends --- the Prime Minister yesterday, (see, have seen, saw)
3. I --- him only one letter up to now. (sent, have sent, send
4. She --- worried about something, (looks, looking, is looking)
5. It started to rain while we --- tennis, (are playing, were playing, had played).
6. He --- fast when the accident happened, (is driving, was driving, drove)
7. He --- asleep while he was driving, (falls, fell, has fallen)
8. I'm sure I --- him at the party last night, (saw, have seen, had seen).
9. He --- a mill in this town, (have, has, is having)
10. He --- here for the last five years, (worked, is working, has been working).
11. He thanked me for what I ---. (have done, had done, have been doing)
12. I --- a strange noise, (hear, am hearing, have been hearing).
13. I --- him for a long time, (know, have known, am knowing) '.
14. We ---,English for five years, (study, am studying, have been studying) .
15. Don't disturb me. I --- my homework, (do, did, am doing) .
16. Abdul --- to be a doctor, (wants, wanting, is wanting)
17. The soup --- good, (taste, tastes, is tasting)
18. He --- TV most evenings, (watches, is watch, is watching)
19. He --- out five minutes ago. (has gone, had gone, went)
20. When he lived in Hyderabad, he --- to the cinema once a week, (goes, went,
was going)
21. The baby --- all morning, (cries, has been crying)
22. I --- Rahim at the zoo. (saw, have seen, had seen)
23. I --- Kumar this week, (haven't seen, didn't see, am not seeing)
24. This paper --- twice weekly, (is appearing, appearing, appears)
25. Ashok fell off the ladder when he --- the roof, (is mending, was mending, mended)

Exercise in Composition 47 

Choose the correct alternative from those given in brackets:

1. The Headmaster --- to speak to you. (wants, is wanting, was wanting)
2. I --- a new bicycle last week, (bought, have bought, had bought)
3. Here are your shoes ; I --- them, (just clean, just cleaned, have just cleaned)
4. It --- since early morning, (rained, is raining, has been raining)
5. I --- a lot of work today, (did, have done, had done)
6. I --- something burning, (smell, am smelling, have been smelling)
7. Look ! The sun --- over the hills, (rises, is rise, is rising)
8. She --- unconscious since four o'clock, (is, was, has been)
9. He used to visit us every week, but he --- now. (rarely comes, is rarely coming,
has rarely come)
10. We --- for his call since 4.20. (are waiting, have been waiting, were waiting)
11. Every day last week my aunt --- a plate, (breaks, broke, was breaking)
12. I know all about that film because I --- it twice, (saw, have seen, had seen)
13. Our guests ---; they are silting in the garden, (arrived, have arrived, had
arrived).
14. I --- him since we met a year ago. (didn't see, haven't seen, hadn't seen)
15. We --- our breakfast half an hour ago. (finished, have finished, had finished)
16. She jumped off the bus while it ---. (moved, had moved, was moving
17. When we went to the cinema, the film --- (already started, had already started,
would already start)
18. I --- for half an hour when it suddenly started to rain, (have walked, have
been walking, had been walking)
19. Did you think you --- me somewhere before? (have .seen, had seen, were
seeing)
20. The town --- its appearance completely since 1980. (is changing, changed, has
changed)
21. Sheila --- her case, look. (packed, has packed, had packed)
22. When I was in Sri Lanka. I --- Negombo. Beruwela and Nilaveli. (visited, was visited,have visited)
23. 1 meant to repair the radio, but --- time to do it today (am not having, haven't
had. hadn't)
24. When I --- my dinner I went to bed. (had, have had, had had)
25. Men --- to abolish wars up to now, but maybe they will find a way in the future,
(never managed, have never managed, will have never managed)

Tenses English Grammar : Present with its all uses.

TENSES: INTRODUCTION

210. Read the following sentences:

1.  I write this letter to please you.
2.  I wrote the letter in his very presence.
3.  I shall write another letter tomorrow.

In sentence 1, the Verb write refers to present time.
In sentence 2, the Verb wrote refers to past time.
In sentence 3, the Verb shall write refers to future time.
Thus a Verb may refer

(1) to present time,
(2) to past time, or
(3) to future time.

THE USES OF THE PRESENT 

THE SIMPLE  PRESENT TENSE

217. The Simple Present is used: -
(1) To express a habitual action; as,

1. He drinks tea every morning.
2. I get up every day at five o'clock.
3. My watch keeps good time.

(2) To express general truths; as,

1. The sun rises in the east.
2. Honey is sweet.
3. Fortune favours the brave.

(3) In exclamatory sentences beginning with here and there to express what is actually
taking place in the present; as,

1. Here comes the bus !
2. There she goes !

(4) In vivid narrative, as substitute for the Simple Past; as,

1. Soharab now rushes forward and deals a heavy blow to Rustam.
2. Immediately the Sultan hurries to his capital.

(5) To express a future event that is part of a fixed timetable or fixed programme

1. The next flight is at 7,00 tomorrow morning.
2. The match starts at 9 o'clock.
3. The train leaves at 5.20.
4. When does the coffee house reopen?

218. Note also the other uses of the Simple Present Tense.

(1) It is used to introduce quotations; as,

Keats says, ‘A thing of beauty is a joy for ever’.

(2) It is used, instead of the Simple Future Tense, in clauses of time and of condition; as,

I shall wait till yon finish your lunch.
If it rains we shall get wet.

(3) As in broadcast commentaries on sporting events, the Simple Present is used, instead
of the Present Continuous, to describe activities in progress where there is stress on the
succession of happenings rather than on the duration.

(4) The Simple Present is used, instead of the Present Continuous, with the type of verbs
referred to in § 221 on the next page.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS .

The Present Continuous is used

(1) For an action going on at the time of speaking ; as,

1. She is singing (now).

1. The boys are playing hockey.

(2) For a temporary action which may not be actually happening at the time of speaking;
as,

I am reading ‘Davit! Copperfield’ (but I am not reading at this moment).

(3) For an action that has already been arranged to take place in the near future; as,

1. I am going to the cinema tonight.

1. My uncle is arriving tomorrow.

220. It has been pointed out before that the Simple Present is used for a habitual action.
However, when the reference is to a particularly obstinate habit-something which
persists, for example, in spite of advice or warning- we use the Present Continuous with
an adverb like always, continually, constantly.

My dog is very silly: he is always running out into the road.

221. The following verbs, on account of their meaning, are not normally used in the
continuous form:

(1) Verbs of perception, e.g., see, hear, smell, notice, recognize.
(2) Verbs of appearing . e.g., appear, look, seem.
(3) Verbs of emotion, e.g., want, wish, desire, feel, like, love, hate, hope, refuse, prefer.
(4) Verbs of thinking, e.g., think, suppose, believe, agree, consider, trust, remember,
forget, know, understand, imagine, mean, mind.
(5) have (= possess), own, possess, belong to, contain, consist of, be (except when used in
the passive), e.g.

Wrong -- Right

These grapes are tasting sour -- These grapes taste sour.
I am thinking you arc wrong -- I think you are wrong.
She is seeming sad -- She seems sad.
He is having a cellular phone -- He has a cellular phone.
However, the verbs listed above can be used in the continuous tenses with a change of
meaning:

She is tasting the soup to see if it needs more salt.
(taste= lest the flavour of )
I am thinking of going to Malaysia.
(think of = consider the idea of)
They are having lunch, (have = eat)

PRESENT PERFECT TENSE 
is used
(1) To indicate completed activities in the immediate past (with just): as;

• He has just gone out.
• It has just struck ten.

(2) To express past actions whose time is not given and not definite; as,

Have you read "Gulliver's Travels'?
I have never known him to be angry.
Mr. Hari has been to Japan.

(3) To describe past events when we think more of their effect in the present than of the
action itself; as,

Gopi has eaten all the biscuits (i.e., there aren't any left for you).
I have cut my finger (and it is bleeding now).
I have finished my work (= now I am free).

(4) To denote an action beginning at some time in the continuing up to the present
moment (often with since- and/or-phrases); as,

• I Have known him for a long time.
• He has been ill since last week.
• We have lived here for ten years.
• We haven't seen Padina for several months.

223. The following adverbs or adverb phrases can also be used with the Present Perfect
(apart from those mentioned above): never, ever (in questions only), so far, till now, yet
(in negatives and questions), already, today, this week, this month, etc.

Note that the Present Perfect is never used with adverbs of past time.
We should not say,
for example, 'He has gone to Kolkata yesterday'. In such cases the Simple Past should be
used ('He went to Kolkata yesterday').

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS 
is used for an action which began at some time in the past and is still continuing; as,

He has been sleeping for five hours (and is still sleeping).
They have been building the bridge for several months.
They have been playing since four o'clock.

225. This tense is also sometimes used for an action already finished. In such cases the
continuity of the activity is emphasized as an explanation of something.
'Why are your clothes so wet?' - 'I have been watering the

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRONOUNS

1.REFLEXIVE  PRONOUNS

132. When -self is added to my, your, him, her, it, and -selves to our, your, them, we get
what are called Compound Personal Pronouns.
They are called Reflexive Pronouns when the action done by the subject turns back
(reflects) upon the subject; as,

1. I hurt myself.
2. We hurt ourselves.
3. You will hurt yourself.
4. You hurt yourselves.
5. He hurt himself.
6. She hurt herself.
7. They hurt themselves.
8. The horse hurt itself.

It will be noticed that each of these Reflexive Pronouns is used as the Object of a verb,
and refers to the same person or thing as that denoted by the Subject of the verb.
133. Sometimes, in older English, especially in poetry, a simple pronoun was used
reflexively; as;
Now I lay me down to sleep.

2.EMPHATIC PRONOUNS

135. Now look at the following sentences:-

1. I will do it myself.
2. I myself saw him do it.
3. We will see to it ourselves.
4. You yourself can best explain.
5. He himself said so.
6. She herself says so.
7. It was told so by the teacher himself.
8. We saw the Prime Minister himself.
9. The town itself is not very large.
10. They themselves admitted their guilt.

It will be seen that here Compound Personal Pronouns are used for the sake of emphasis,
and are therefore called Emphatic Pronouns.

3.DEMONSTRATIVE, INDEFINITE AND DISTRIBUTIVE
PRONOUNS
136. Consider the following sentences:-
This is a present from my uncle.

1. These are merely excuses,
2. Both cars are good; but this is better than that
3. Mumbai mangoes are better than those of Bangalore.
4. Make haste, that's a good boy. [Here that - one who makes haste.]
5. There is no period in ancient-Indian history so glorious as that of the Guptas. [Do not
6. write, “as the Guptas”]
7. My views are quite in accordance with those of the University Commission.
8. I may have offended, but such was not my intention.
9. He was the representative of the King, and as such (= the representative of the King)
10. they honored him.
11. The stranger is welcomed as such.
12. That is the Red Fort.

will be noticed that the Pronouns in italics are used to point out the objects to which they refer, and are, therefore, called Demonstrative Pronouns. (Latin demonstrare, to show clearly).
A work from S. CHAND & COMPANY LTD.

137. This, that, etc. are (Demonstrative) Adjectives when they are used with nouns; as,

1. This book is mine.
2. That pen is yours.
3. These books are mine.
4. Those pens are yours.
5. What was that noise?
6. This horse is better than that horse.,
7. All such people ought to be avoided.

138. This refers to what is close at hand, and nearest to the thought or person of the
speaker; that refers to what is 'over there', farther] away, and more remote.

    This is better than that.

139. That, with its plural those, is used to avoid the repetition of a preceding Noun; as,

1. The climate of Belgaum is like that of Pune.
2. The streets of this city are worse than those of Ahmedabad.
3. Our soldiers were better drilled than those of enemies.
4. The rivers of America are larger than those of Europe.

140. When two things which have been already mentioned are referred to, this refers to
the thing last mentioned, that to the thing first mentioned; as,
Virtue and vice offer themselves for your choice; this (i.e., vice) leads to misery, that
(i.e., virtue) to happiness,

Alcohol and tobacco are both injurious; this perhaps, less than that.

4.INDEFINITE PRONOUNS

141. Consider the following sentences:
One hardly knows what to do.

1. One does not like to say so, but it is only too true.
2. One cannot be too careful of one's (not, his) good name.
3. One must not boast of one's own success.
4. One must use one's best efforts if one wishes to succeed.
5. One must not praise one's self.
6. None of his poems are well known.
7. None but fools have ever believed it.

[None is a shortened form of not one; yet it is commonly used with plural verbs].
They (= people in general) say he has lost heavily.
They say that one of the local banks has stopped payment. [They say = it is said by some
persons.]

1. All were drowned.
2. Some are born great.
3. Some say he is a sharper.
4. Somebody has stolen my watch.
5. Nobody was there to rescue the child.
6. Few escaped unhurt.
7. Many of them were Gurkhas.
8. We did not see any of them again.
9. One or other of us will be there.
10. Do good to others.
11. Did you ask anybody to come?
12. What is everybody's business is nobody's business.
13. His words are in everyone's mouth.

All these Pronouns in italics refer to persons or things in a general way, but do not refer
to any person or thing in particular. They are, therefore, called Indefinite Pronouns.

142. Most of these words may also be used as Adjectives.

1. • I will take you there one day.
2. • Any fool can do that.
3. • He is a man of few words.
4. • Some milk was spilt.

143. In referring to anybody, everybody, everyone, anyone, each etc., the pronoun he or
she is used according to the context; as,

I shall be glad to help everyone of my boys in his studies.
Note that today it is more usual to use a plural pronoun (they/ them/their) except in very
formal English.
Anybody can do it if they try.
Each of them had their share.

5.DISTRIBUTIVE PRONOUNS

144. Consider the following sentences:-

1. • Each of the boys gets a prize.
2. • Each took it in turn.
3. • Either of these roads leads to the railway station.
4. • Either of you can go.
5. • Neither of the accusations is true.

Each, either, neither are called Distributive Pronouns because they refer to persons or
things one at a time. For this reason they are always singular and as such followed by the
verb in the singular.

Note:- Each is used to denote every one of a number of persons or things taken singly.

• Either means the one or the other of two.
• Neither means not the one nor the other of two. It is the negative of either.
Hence either and neither should be used only in speaking of two persons or things. When
more than two are spoken of, any, no one, none should be used.

145. The position of the pronoun each should be noticed. It may have three positions.

1. Each of the men received a reward.
Each of these horses cost five thousand rupees.
I bought each of these mangoes for three rupees.
2. These men received each a reward.
These horses cost each five thousand rupees.
3. These horses cost five thousand rupees each.
I bought these mangoes for three rupees each.
The third order is usual after a numeral. We do not say, 'The men received a reward each';
but we say, 'The men received five hundred rupees each'.

146. In the following sentences, each, either and neither are used as Adjectives; they are
followed by nouns of the singular number:-
Each boy took his turn. Neither accusation is true.
At either end was a marble statue. (Here either = each or both.)

147. Study the following sentences :-

1. The two men hate each other.
2. They cheated one another.
If we analyse them, they mean-
1. The two men hate, each hates the other.
2. They cheated, one cheated another.
Each and one really belong to the subject, other and another are objects. But each other
and one another have become in practice compound pronouns (called Reciprocal
Pronouns) and are rarely separated even by a preposition. Thus we say:
The brothers quarrelled with each other.
They all gave evidence against one another.
Note - The one-time rule that each other should be used in speaking of two persons or
things, one another in speaking of more than two is no longer strictly observed. 'The three
brothers quarrelled with each other' is now accepted as idiomatic.

6.RELATIVE PRONOUNS

148. Read the following pairs of sentences:
1. I met Hari. Hari had just returned.
2. I have found the pen. I lost the pen.
3. Here is the book. You lent me the book.

Let us now combine each of the above pairs into one sentence. Thus :-

1. I met Hari who had just returned.
2. I have found the pen which I lost.
3. Here is the book that you lent me.

Now let us examine the work done by each of the words, who, which and that.
The word who is used instead of the noun Hari. It, therefore, does the work of a Pronoun.
The word who joins or connects two statements. It, therefore, does the work of a
Conjunction.
The word who, therefore, does double work-the work of a Pronoun and also the work of a
Conjunction.
We might, therefore, call it a Conjunctive Pronoun.
It is, however, called a Relative Pronoun because it refers or relates (Le., carries us back)
to some noun going before (here, the noun Hari), which is called its Antecedent.
Let the pupil show why which and that are also Relative Pronouns in the second and third
sentences.
• What is the Antecedent of which in the second sentence?
• What is the Antecedent of that in the third sentence?

7.INTERROGATIVE PRONOUNS

169. Consider the following sentences :-

1. Who is there? Who are you?
2. About whom you are thinking? / Who are you thinking about?
3. Whom do you want? / Who do you want?
4. Whose is this book?
5. Which is the house?
6. Which do you prefer, tea or coffee?
7. What is the matter?
8. What do you want?
9. What will all (he neighbors say?

It will be noticed that the Pronouns in italics are similar in form to Relative Pronouns.
But the work which they do is different. They are here used for asking questions, and are,
therefore, called Interrogative Pronouns.

170. In the following sentences the Interrogative Pronouns are used in asking indirect
questions.

1. I asked who was speaking.
2. I do not know who is there.
3. Tell me what you have done.
4. Ask what he wants.
5. Say which you would tike best.

171. Again consider the following sentences: -

Whose is this book? (Possessive)
Whom did you see? / Who did you see?, To whom were you speaking? / Who were you
speaking to? (Accusative)
What is that? (Nominative)
What do you want? (Accusative)
Which is he? (Nominative)
Which do you prefer? (Accusative)
Nominative: who, Possessive: whose, Accusative: whom/who --Masc. and Fem. Singular
and Plural.
Today the accusative who is more usual than whom, especially in spoken English.
What and which do not have different forms for different cases.

172. Who is used of persons only.

Who spoke? (We expect the answer to be the name of a person.)
Who goes there? Who made the top score? Who is knocking at the door? Who says so?
Whose is this umbrella? Whom did you see?

173. Which is used of both persons and things. It implies selection, that is, it implies a
question concerning a limited number.

1. Which is your friend? Which are your books?
2. Which of the boys saw him?
3. Which of you has done this?
4. Which of these books is yours?
5. Which of the pictures do you like best?
6. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Which will you take?

174. What is used of things only.

1. What have you found? (We expect the answer to be the name of a thing.)
2. What do you want? What did you say?
3. What was it all about?
4. What is sweeter than honey?
5. What are those marks on your coat?

175. In such expressions as, 'What are you?' 'What is he?' What is this man?' the word
what does not refer to the person but to his profession or employment (Today it is more
usual to say, ‘What do you do?’ etc).
What are you? --- I am a doctor.
What is he? --- He is an engineer.
But-
Who is he? (= What is his name and family?) -He is Mr. K.P. Roy.

176. In the following sentences which and what are used as Interrogative Adjectives:-
• Which book are your reading?
• Which way shall we go?
• What books have you read?
• What pranks are you playing?
• What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

177. In the following sentences the words in italics are used as Compound Interrogative
Pronouns :-
Whoever told you so?
Whatever are you doing?
Note.- The forms whoever, whichever, whatever, are intensive.

Exercise:

Join together each of the following pairs of sentences by means of a Connective:-

1. I know a man. The man has been to Iceland.

2. The thief stole the watch. The thief was punished.

3. Show the road. The road leads to Delhi.

4. Here is the doctor. The doctor cured me of malaria.

5. J met a boy. He was very cruel.

6. He does his best. He should be praised.

7. The man is honest. The man is trusted.

8. My father is dead. I loved my father.

9. The teacher sent for the boy. The boy came at once.

10. Wellington was a great general. He defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

11. The dog bit the burglar. The burglar had broken into the house.

12. Once upon a time there lived a giant. The giant was very powerful and cruel.

13. We met a girl. The girl had lost her way.

14. Kalidas is famous. He wrote some fine dramas.

15. He is a rogue. No one trusts him.

16. The child is dead. The child came here yesterday.

17. The child is dead. I saw the child yesterday.

18. I know the man. He stole the bicycle.

19. The man stole the bicycle. He has been arrested.

20. I have found the umbrella. I lost it.

Exercise in Grammar 28

Tell which Pronouns in the following sentences are Reflexive and which Emphatic:-

[Emphatic Pronouns are also called Emphasizing Pronouns.]

1. I will go myself.

2. Rama has hurt himself.

3. We often deceive ourselves.

4. I myself heard the remark.

5. You express yourself very imperfectly.

6. I wash myself when I get up.

7. The boys hid themselves.

8. They have got themselves into a mess.

9. Boadicea poisoned herself.

10. They loved themselves so much that they thought of no one else.

11. The prisoner hanged himself.

12. The poor widow poisoned herself.

13. They enjoyed themselves.

14. Don't you deceive yourself?

15. I myself heard the remark.

16. He set himself a hard task.

17. We exerted ourselves.

18. The dog choked itself.

19. They gave themselves a lot of trouble.

20. We seldom see ourselves as others see us.

21. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

22. He that wrongs his friend wrongs himself more.

23. Some people are always talking about themselves.

Exercise in Grammar 

Name the Relative Pronouns in the following sentences, tell the case of each, and

mention its antecedent:-

1. The pen that you gave me is a very good one.

2. The answer which you gave is not right.

3. I know the woman whose child was hurt.

4. Bring me the letters which the postman left.

5. This is the house that Jack built.

6. Hari saw the man who had been hurt.

7. We met the sailors whose ship was wrecked.

8. Here are the books which I found.

9. The cat killed the rat that ate the com.

10. Bring me the books which lie on the table.

11. Here is the book that you lent me.

12. I hate children who are cruel.

13. Show me the knife that you have bought.

14. He has not brought the knife that I asked for.

15. Dogs soon know the persons by whom they are kindly treated.

16. This is the juggler whom we saw yesterday.

17. They that seek wisdom will be wise

Exercise in Composition 

Fill the blanks with suitable Relative Pronouns:-

1. We always like boys --- speak the truth.

2. We saw the dog --- worried the cat.

3. He ---, does his best shall be praised.

4. I know ---. you mean.

5. She has gone to Chennai, --- is her birthplace.

6. I have seen the bird --- you describe.

7. I do not know the man --- hit the boy.

10. Here is the pen --- you lost.

11. Most people get --- they deserve.

12. Time --- is lost is never found again.

13. I did not know the person --- called.

14. He is a man --- you can trust. .

15. Where is the book --- I gave you?

16. Is this the street --- leads to the station? .

17. The letter --- you wrote never arrived.

18. Listen to --- I say.

19. He --- is merciful shall meet mercy.

20. Did you receive the letter --- I sent yesterday?

21. --- I have said, I have said.

22. --- he was I could never find out.

23. --- do you believe him to be?

24. Do you know --- has happened?

25. --- is done cannot be undone.

26. Do the same --- I do.

27. For my purpose I need such a man --- he is.

28. God helps those --- help themselves.

29. No man can lose --- he never had.

30.You should not imitate such a boy --- he.

Exercise in Composition 

Fill the blanks with suitable Relative Pronouns:-

1. That man --- wilt not work must starve.

2. Such a man --- he should be honoured.

3. These mangoes are not such --- I bought yesterday.

4. It is not such a pretty place --- I had expected.

5. We have need of more such men --- he.

6. He plays the game --- he likes best.

7. I do not believe --- you say.

8. My uncle, --- I loved, is dead.

9. The farmer is cutting the corn--- has ripened.

10. --- you say is not true.

11. A lady --- I know nursed the child.

12. He says--- he means, and means --- he says.

13. --- pleases you wilt please me.

14. I gave it to the man --- I saw there.

15. I know --- you are seeking.

16. They --- touch pitch will be defiled.

17. You have not brought the book --- I asked for.

18. Only he --- bears the burden knows its weight.

19. Such books --- you read are not worth reading.

20. When you speak to him remember to --- you are speaking.

21. I regard that man as lost --- has lost his sense of shame.

22. Wealth is not his --- has it, but his --- enjoys it.

23. People --- are too sharp cut their own fingers.

24. Truth provokes those --- it does not convert.

25. We do not know --- he intends to do.

26. It is an ill wind --- blows nobody good,

27. Is this a dagger --- I see before me? .

28. I know to --- you are alluding.

29. --- the gods would destroy they first make mad.

30. He is the very man --- we want.

31. Place recite --- you have learned.

32. They always talk --- never think.

33. Such --- have pure hearts shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Exercise in Composition 

Join together each of the following pairs of sentences by means of a Connective:-

1. I know a man. The man has been to Iceland.

2. The thief stole the watch. The thief was punished.

3. Show the road. The road leads to Delhi.

4. Here is the doctor. The doctor cured me of malaria.

5. J met a boy. He was very cruel.

6. He does his best. He should be praised.

7. The man is honest. The man is trusted.

8. My father is dead. I loved my father.

9. The teacher sent for the boy. The boy came at once.

10. Wellington was a great general. He defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

11. The dog bit the burglar. The burglar had broken into the house.

12. Once upon a time there lived a giant. The giant was very powerful and cruel.

13. We met a girl. The girl had lost her way.

14. Kalidas is famous. He wrote some fine dramas.

15. He is a rogue. No one trusts him.

16. The child is dead. The child came here yesterday.

17. The child is dead. I saw the child yesterday.

18. I know the man. He stole the bicycle.

19. The man stole the bicycle. He has been arrested.

20. I have found the umbrella. I lost it.

21. I saw a soldier. He had lost an arm.

22. This is the path. He came by this path.

23. The horse was lame. We saw the horse. . . .

24. Those boys were kept in. They had been very lazy.

25. I saw a girl. She was singing.

26. That boy bowls very well. You see him there.

27. Here is the book. You were asking for the book.

28. Here is the pencil. You lost it yesterday. .

29. The man is deaf. You spoke to the man.

30. Coal is found in Bengal. It is a very useful mineral.

Exercise in Composition 

Join together each of the following pairs of sentences by means of a Connective:-

1. This is the building. It was built in a single month.

2. The letter reached me this morning. You sent the letter.

3. Karim is always idle. He was punished.

4. I met my uncle. He had just arrived.

5. This is the house. Jack built it.

6. The boy is my cousin. You see him there.

7. The ladies have arrived. I was speaking of them.

8. The boys clapped heartily. They were watching the match.

9. The boy tells lies. He deserves to be punished.

10. I heard a song. The song pleased me.

13. Here is a book. The book contains pictures.

14. Give me the ruler. The ruler ts on the desk.

15. The bicycle is a new one. Hari rode it.

16. We got into a bus. It was full of people.

17. He has a friend. He is a clever artist.

18. He is a well-known man. His generosity is the talk of the town.

19. The cat caught the mouse. The cat was pursuing the mouse.

20. Can I borrow the book? You are reading it.

21. The boy was very proud. He had won the first prize.

22. Little Red Riding Hood went lo visit her grandmother. Her grand mother was ill in

bed.

23. This is my cousin. I was speaking of him.

24. We all despise a cowardly boy. He is one.

25. This is the cat. It killed the rat.

26. Those grapes were very sweet. You brought them.

27. Hari spoke to the soldier. The soldier's arm was in a sling.

28. The captain praised Balu. Balu's bowling was very good.

29. A man came running up. He heard me calling.

Exercise in Composition 

Split each of the following sentences into two:-

1. The boys gave a loud shout, which was heard across the river.

2. Bring me the book that is on the table.

3. It was a wretched hut in which she lived.

4. The boy who fell off his bicycle has hurt his leg.

5. The elephant 'hat was sick died.

6. The farmer is cutting the corn which has ripened.

7. Napoleon, whom (he French honour, died at St. Helena.

8. The crow dropped the cheese, which the fox immediately snapped up.

9. John, who is my cousin, is a diligent boy.

10. Where is the parcel that I left here yesterday?

11. I have found the book which I lost.

12. We visited Cox's Bazar, which is the most attractive spot in Bangladesh.

13. The boy whom you see there made the top score in the last match.

14. Dadabhai Naoroji, who was the First Indian to enter the British Parliament, was a

Parsee.

15. He is a poet whose works arc widely known.

16. The Taj Mahal, which was built by Shah Jahan, is the finest mausoleum in the world.

17. Last year we visited the Moti Masjid. which is a mosque of great architectural beauty.

18. The meeting, which was held in the Town Hall, was a great success.

19. The rope, which was old, snapped.

20. The task which you have to do is easy.

21. People who live in glass houses must not throw stones.

 GOOD LUCK DEARS