4

Let's bring a sentence here, "You do not know that I love you", and I want to remove a word, "that". When describing this, which is correct to say "that is a word to be removed" or "that is a word to remove"?

"something to remove" vs "something to be removed"

Improve this question
3
  • 2
    Both are correct to me.
    – user178049
    Aug 31, 2017 at 14:11
  • It can go both ways, and is an element of my writing that I'm always playing around with.
    – user30379
    Aug 31, 2017 at 16:03
  • It can go both ways, and is an element of my writing I'm always playing around with. ;)
    – user30379
    Aug 31, 2017 at 16:03

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

The difference is that word can be removed is a passive voice structure. But that word to remove sounds grammatically wrong. Instead, I can say, This word is difficult to remove, It's amazing to learn, It's difficult to learn, It's too close to handle.....etc here the to+Vinf. post-modifies the adjective phrase.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .