Explaining rules and possibilities

Prepositions link a noun phrase to another part of the sentence. At often marks a precise time or point, on a day or surface, and in a month, year or enclosed area. Movement words such as into and across express direction rather than a static position. These are useful patterns, but many combinations are conventional and need to be learned in context. A natural phrase is more reliable than a word-for-word translation.

In directions, give one clear step at a time and use landmarks that the listener can recognise. Between usually connects distinct things, and among relates to membership within a group. Distinguish a starting point from a destination and a duration from a deadline. After writing, trace the route or timeline yourself: a grammatically possible sentence may still give confusing practical information.

Use this lesson to move from isolated correct sentences to a connected account. The model combines an accurate form with a clear situation. Compare what is stated directly with what depends on context, and keep the intended time relationship clear.

වැඩි විස්තර අවශ්‍ය විට පමණක් මෙම කොටස කියවන්න.

A conditional sentence links a condition with a result. The zero conditional often uses present simple in both clauses for general relationships. The first conditional commonly uses if plus present simple with will plus a base verb for a possible future result. A modal such as may or can can replace will when its meaning is appropriate. When the if-clause comes first, a comma normally separates it from the main clause.

Do not put will in the if-clause simply because the whole sentence concerns the future. The form depends on the meaning of that clause. Unless often means if not, so an extra negative can accidentally reverse the message. Check the real-world relationship as well as the grammar: the proposed result should follow logically from the condition. Use conditional language to explain choices, plans and precautions clearly.

Use this lesson to move from isolated correct sentences to a connected account. The model combines an accurate form with a clear situation. Compare what is stated directly with what depends on context, and keep the intended time relationship clear.

වැඩි විස්තර අවශ්‍ය විට පමණක් මෙම කොටස කියවන්න.

A passive clause usually makes the receiver of an action its subject. Form it with the appropriate tense of be and a past participle. A by-phrase can identify the agent, but it is often omitted when the agent is unknown, obvious or unimportant. Changing active to passive should preserve the original tense and meaning. Not every verb has an object that can become a passive subject.

The passive is useful in notices, reports and descriptions of processes when the result or procedure matters more than the person acting. It should not hide responsibility when naming the agent would make the message clearer. First identify subject, verb and object in the active sentence, then choose singular or plural agreement for the new subject. Keep a process in a consistent time frame unless the meaning requires a change.

Use this lesson to move from isolated correct sentences to a connected account. The model combines an accurate form with a clear situation. Compare what is stated directly with what depends on context, and keep the intended time relationship clear.

වැඩි විස්තර අවශ්‍ය විට පමණක් මෙම කොටස කියවන්න.