John breaks the glass. (Passive)

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abo.omar

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John breaks the glass. (Passive)
The glass is broken by John.
I know the simple answer.
But I don't 't like the meaning.
Is it OK to say such a sentence 'John breaks the glass.'?
I think if we say such a sentence ,we mean that it is John 's habit to break glass.
 
The sentence is possible in the right context.
 
The sentence is possible in the right context.
Do you mean if I am speaking about John 's habits?
This is the only context I can imagine.Do you have another possible contexts?
 
Do you mean if I am speaking about John 's habits?
This is the only context I can imagine.Do you have another possible contexts?

Do you remember that scene in the movie? The glass is broken by John. He is so embarrassed that he leaves the party without telling anyone.
 
Do you remember that scene in the movie? The glass is broken by John. He is so embarrassed that he leaves the party without telling anyone.
I hope I could remember the movie to be able to remember the scene.:lol:
 
John breaks the glass. (Active)

The glass is broken by John. (Passive)

I know the simple answer. (Active)

But I don't 't like the meaning. (Active)

They mean the same thing.

Is it OK to say such a sentence as 'John breaks the glass.'?

Yes.

I think if we say such a sentence, we mean that it is John's habit to break glass.

No. Maybe it is a habit, maybe it isn't. Neither sentence tells us.

You can add the adverb habitually to either sentence. Then it's a habit.
The two sentences are just different ways to say the same thing.

Some people like the active voice better. It's often more economical, but passive is useful, too.
 
Last edited:
abo.omar,

I just want to say that your claim in your signature line I am not native is not right.
 
Sure,I corrected it.
 
The two sentences are just different ways to say the same thing.

Some people like the active voice better. It's often more economical, but passive is useful, too.

So,now I can say that" John breaks the glass." is a right simple present sentence.
 
Sorry, I was not asking.I was summarizing what I got.
So, now I can say that "John breaks the glass" is a right correct simple present sentence.
 
Sorry, I was not asking.I was summarizing what I got.
So, now I can say that "John breaks the glass" is a [STRIKE]right[/STRIKE] correct simple present sentence.
It's grammatically correct. It would only be used in a narrative or other rather rare situation.
 
It's grammatically correct. It would only be used in a narrative or other rather rare situation.

That is what I wanted to make sure of. We can not use such a sentence without a context of talking about habits .We say it by itself.
 
That is what I wanted to make sure of. We can not use such a sentence without a context of talking about habits. We say it by itself.
I'm sorry but I don't understand.

Remember to put the space after​ a period ("full stop" in BrE), not before it.
 
That is what I wanted to make sure of. We can not use such a sentence without a context of talking about habits .We can not say it by itself.

I am sorry. I forgot to write CAN NOT
 
That is what I wanted to make sure of. We can not use such a sentence without a context of talking about habits .We say it by itself.

I suggest you forget about habits. The sentence could not be used for that. (You may be thinking about John breaks glasses.)

I imagine that John breaks the glass could be used as part of a narrative somehow. For example, as a stage direction in a film script.
 
Omar, no sentence makes sense outside of context. However, some are more likely to be used than others.

:)
 
Omar, no sentence makes sense outside of context. However, some are more likely to be used than others.

:)

You are right.When I write a sentence,I choose the suitable tense according to every tense's usage.I form my sentence according to that.If there is a context the task will be easier.
Y
 
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