The Grammatical Features of Passive Voice and Relative Clause Utilization in Writing by Iraqi EFL University’ Students
Keywords:
English Language, Grammatical Features, Passive Voice, Relative Clause.Abstract
This research investigates how Iraqi EFL University Students utilize Passive Voice and Relative Clause in writing. Given the complexity and importance of these grammatical structures in English, understanding how students use them can provide valuable insights into their language proficiency and areas needing improvement. In addition, the primary aims of this research are: to analyze passive voice and relative clauses in writing and to identify common mistakes in their use. This research applied a qualitative method to assess the accuracy and appropriateness of passive constructions and relative clauses in writing. A percentage calculation was used to determine the frequency of student errors. The research found that a number of factors, such as communication techniques, learning context, and intralingual and interlingual transfer, contribute to the prevalence of errors. This research provides practical recommendations for educators to enhance grammar instruction. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the improvement of English writing skills among Iraqi university students by addressing the identified issues and suggesting effective teaching strategies.
References
1. Agustini, D. P. (2017). “The difficulties of learning passive voice” A. Introduction. 4(2), 54–61.
2. Andrews, A. D. (2007). Relative clauses. Language Typology and Syntactic Description, 2, 206-236.
3. Balcom, P., & Lee, S. (2009). The effect of extensive instruction on learning the passive voice in intermediate ESL. ITL, 15, 45-74.
4. Biber, D., Gray, B., & Poonpon, K. (2011). Should we use characteristics of conversation to measure grammatical complexity in L2 writing development?. TESOL Quarterly, 45, 5-35.
5. Brown, H. D. (2000). Principles of language learning and teaching (Vol. 4). Longman.
6. Brown, K. (2005). Encyclopedia of language and linguistics (Vol. 1). Elsevier.
7. Crystal, D. (1988). Another look at well, you know .... English Today, 13, 47–49.
8. Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
9. Ellis, R. (2006). Researching the effects of form-focused instruction on SLA. AILA Review, 19, 18-41.
10. Hinkel, E. (2002a). Why English passive is difficult to teach (and learn). In E. Hinkel & S. Fotos (Eds.), New perspectives on grammar teaching in second language classrooms (pp. 233-258). Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
11. Idami, Z., & Pratiwi, D. A. P. (2021). A Case Study of Students’ Barriers in Passive Voice Sentences. JL3T (Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Language Teaching), 7(2), 101-109.
12. Kachru, Y. (1987). User reactions to a comprehensive grammar of English. World Englishes, 6(3), 277-279.
13. M. Fogarty. (2008, March 21). Which versus that. Quick and Dirty Tips. Retrieved from http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/which-versus-that-0?page=all
14. Minton, T. D. (2015). In defense of the passive voice in medical writing. The Keio Journal of Medicine, 64(1), 1-10.
15. Nassaji, H., & Fotos, S. (2004). Current developments in research on the teaching of grammar. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 24, 126-145.
16. Norris, J., & Ortega, L. (2000). Effectiveness of L2 instruction: A research synthesis and quantitative meta-analysis. Language Learning, 50, 417-528.
17. Phillipson, R. (1992). Linguistic imperialism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
18. Russell, M. K. (2014). A comparison of linguistic features in the academic writing of advanced English language learner and English first language university students (Master's thesis, Portland State University).
19. Seoane, E., & Loureiro-Porto, L. (2005). On the colloquialization of scientific British and American English. ESP across Cultures, 2, 106-118.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Huda Ameen Ahmed

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.