Are there any differences between them?

Status
Not open for further replies.

羡鱼-Xianyu

Junior Member
Joined
Jan 11, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
Why is 'they could be saved so much misery and expense...' not 'they could save so much misery and expense...' in this sentence? If I wrote it, I would choose 'they could save so much misery and expense...'. Is passive voice necessary in here? Or are there any differences between them?
Here is the original passage: My friend fails to mention the long and friendless winter evenings in front of the TV--virtually the only form of entertainment. He says nothing about the poor selection of goods in the shops, or about those unfortunate people who have to travel from the country to the city every day to get to work. Why people are prepared to tolerate a four hour journey each day for the dubious privilege of living in the country is beyond my ken. They could be saved so much misery and expense if they chose to live in the city where they rightly belong. Thanks a lot, in advance. :)
 

euncu

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2009
Member Type
Other
Native Language
Turkish
Home Country
Turkey
Current Location
Turkey
'cos, they don't save... .Living in the city saves them.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top