Grammar: Discourse & Style
C1 Lesson 5: How Grammar Shapes Meaning & Tone
Why Grammar Choice Matters
At an advanced level, grammar is not just about being "correct"—it's about making strategic choices. Notice how a simple change from active to passive voice can completely change the tone and focus of a sentence.
"A careless tourist damaged the ancient carvings."
"The ancient carvings were damaged."
Strategic Grammar Choices 📖
Let's explore three key areas where your grammatical choices can shape your message.
1. Tense Choice and Narrative Tone
The tenses you choose can change the feeling of a story or description.
Standard Past Chronology (Factual, narrative tone):
"The guide explained that the temple had been built in the 12th century. While she was speaking, a monkey stole a banana from a tourist."
The Historical Present (Vivid, exciting tone):
"It is the 12th century. King Suryavarman II orders the construction of a magnificent temple. For the next 30 years, thousands of workers build what will become Angkor Wat."
2. Voice and Assigning Responsibility
Your choice of active or passive voice can subtly assign or hide blame.
Active (Directly blames the agent):
"A careless tourist damaged the ancient carvings."
Passive (Hides the agent; sounds more official):
"The ancient carvings were damaged."
3. Modality and Authorial Certainty
The modal verbs (must, might, could, etc.) you choose reveal your level of certainty and authority.
High Modality (Confident, authoritative tone):
"We must protect these temples. They are a vital part of our heritage and will inspire future generations."
Low Modality (Cautious, academic tone):
"The decline of the empire might have been caused by drought. It is thought that a change in climate could have led to agricultural failure."
💡 The Discourse Analyst's Checklist
When you read or write, ask yourself these strategic questions:
- Why did the author choose this specific tense? What effect does it create?
- Why did they use the passive voice here? Who or what is being hidden?
- What does the choice of modal verbs tell me about the author's certainty or attitude?
Practice Your Analytical Skills 🎯
Quiz: Analyze the Language
- A government report says: "Mistakes were made during the project's planning phase." Why was the passive voice likely used here?
→ To sound objective and to avoid assigning specific blame to any person or department. - A historian writes: "In 1431, the Siamese army attacks Angkor. The Khmer court flees south to Longvek." What is the effect of using the Present Simple here?
→ It makes the historical events feel more vivid and immediate (this is the Historical Present). - Which sentence sounds more certain? (a) It seems that this could be the best solution. (b) This is, without a doubt, the best solution.
→ (b). It uses high modality ('is') and assertive language.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
The Editor's Job
Read the short paragraph below. Identify at least two grammatical choices the writer made and explain the effect they have on the tone.
"It is often said that the temples of Angkor are Cambodia's greatest treasure. If we do not act decisively, however, this precious heritage could be lost forever. Rarely have we faced such a critical moment; therefore, new protection laws must be enacted immediately."
(Example Analysis)
1. Choice: The writer uses the impersonal passive "It is often said that...". Effect: This makes the opening statement feel like a universally accepted fact, not just a personal opinion.
2. Choice: The writer uses inversion: "Rarely have we faced...". Effect: This adds strong emphasis and drama, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Key Vocabulary
- Discourse Analysis The study of how language is used in texts and conversations to create meaning.
- Tone The general character or attitude of a piece of writing.
- Modality The expression of a speaker's certainty, often through modal verbs (must, might, should).
- Authoritative Sounding confident, reliable, and respected.