Learn and Practice the Impersonal Passive | Advanced Grammar

Summary

Jennifer from 'English with Jennifer' explores the concept of 'doppelgänger' and its usage in English. She explains the passive voice and impersonal passive constructions, demonstrating how they can be used to report information without attributing it to a specific source. Jennifer provides examples and exercises to help viewers understand and use these grammatical structures effectively, emphasizing their commonality in written English, academic talks, and news reports.

Takeaways

• 😀 A 'doppelgänger' is a term used to describe someone who looks very similar to another person.
• 📚 The video explains the use of the passive voice in English, particularly the impersonal passive.
• 🗣️ The impersonal passive voice is used to report information without emphasizing the source, making statements seem more objective.
• 👥 The structure of the impersonal passive often involves 'it' as the subject, followed by a passive reporting verb and a that-clause.
• 🔍 Examples of impersonal passive include phrases like 'It is said that...', 'It is believed that...', and 'It has been argued that...'.
• 📝 The impersonal passive is common in academic talks, news reports, and documentaries, providing a neutral way to present information.
• 🌐 YouGlish.com is mentioned as a resource to find examples of the impersonal passive used in different contexts.
• 📊 The video provides quizzes to practice forming the impersonal passive, enhancing understanding through active learning.
• 🌐 The impersonal passive can also be formed using a subject, reporting verb, and infinitive, as shown in the example 'Venice is often said to be the most beautiful of all.'
• 📚 The video concludes with a reminder of the importance of grammar as the foundation of language and encourages continued learning.

Q & A

What is a doppelgänger?

A doppelgänger is someone who looks a lot like another person, essentially their double.

How does Jennifer describe the similarities between her and Winona Ryder?

Jennifer mentions having dark hair, dark eyes, and being about the same age as Winona Ryder as the similarities.

What is the passive voice, and how does it differ from the active voice?

The passive voice shifts the focus from the doer to the receiver of the action, using a form of 'be' plus the past participle. It contrasts with the active voice, which emphasizes the doer of the action.

Can you provide an example of the passive voice from the script?

An example from the script is 'I've been told that I look like Winona Ryder.' Here, the focus is on Jennifer receiving the comments rather than who gave them.

What is the impersonal passive, and how is it used?

The impersonal passive is a form of the passive voice where the subject is 'it' and is used to report information without connecting the speaker to the source or claim. It can be used to maintain neutrality or when the source is unknown or uncertain.

How does the impersonal passive serve in academic and formal contexts?

The impersonal passive is often used in academic talks, news reports, and documentaries to report information objectively without attributing it to a specific source.

What are some examples of impersonal passive structures mentioned in the script?

Examples include 'It's been said that Jennifer looks like Winona Ryder,' 'It's believed that doppelgängers are spirits,' and 'It's often said that there's no use in worrying about the future.'

How can you form the impersonal passive using an infinitive?

The impersonal passive using an infinitive is formed with a subject, a reporting verb, and an infinitive verb. For example, 'Turmeric is considered to be helpful for digestion.'

What is the difference between 'It is said that' and 'It is believed that' in the context of the impersonal passive?

Both 'It is said that' and 'It is believed that' are forms of the impersonal passive, but 'It is said that' is used when reporting a claim or statement, while 'It is believed that' is used when reporting a belief or opinion.

How can the impersonal passive be used to report without 100% conviction?

The impersonal passive can be used to report information when there is a lack of evidence or certainty, allowing the speaker to present the information without fully endorsing it.

What is the significance of grammar in language learning according to the script?

Grammar is said to be the foundation of language, and the script emphasizes the importance of mastering it for effective language learning.