Passive constructions with the verbs which can be followed by prepositions.
| smb | is | spoken about |
| smth | was | laughed at |
Mind the place of the preposition in Russian and in English:
Russian English
О нем часто говорят. He is much spoken about.
Над ним часто смеются. He is often laughed at.
61. Change the following sentences into their passive equivalents
Example: We speak very highly of him. – He is very highly spoken of.
1. Nobody has ever spoken to me like that before.
2. They sent for Ann and told her to prepare a report on that subject.
3. They looked for the newspaper everywhere.
4. They often talk about this experiment.
5. The doctor will operate on her in a week.
6. This young mother looks after her baby with great care.
7. The secretary referred me to the manager.
8. My watch is fast, we cannot rely on it.
62. Translate the sentences into Russian
1. The discovery of the electron was followed by investigations of its properties.
2. The behavior of the stream during the expansion is influenced by a variety of the circumstances.
3. This discussion is followed by brief descriptions of several radar sets.
4. Lead is very slightly acted upon by the oxygen of the air.
5. In mechanics the study of kinematics is followed by the study of dynamics
6. This article describes design characteristics which are followed by the description of the experiment.
63. Translate the sentences into English
1. Его презентацию слушали очень внимательно.
2. Магнитное поле оказывает воздействие на гамма-лучи.
3. Можно ли полагаться на эти данные?
4. Почему об этом эксперименте так много говорят?
5. На его решение стать инженером оказал влияние его брат.
6. О его проекте много говорили.
7. Над вопросом применения сверхпроводников в будущем много работают.
8. В данной статье затронута тема исследования сверхпроводимости (to touch upon).
REVIEW 1-4
1 Complete the sentences, using the I wish… structure
e.g. : I spent all my money. – I wish now that I had saved it.
1. I missed the bus. I wish …
2. He refused the offer. But I wish …
3. I looked everywhere for my book. I wish …
4. His work isn’t going well. I wish …
5. This subject is so difficult. I wish …
6. We left the party early. I wish …