Grammar Unit 8: Science & Technology
Tronc Commun Science
Introduction
This unit focuses on the grammar structures commonly used in scientific and technological contexts. You’ll learn how to describe processes, explain cause-effect relationships, and discuss technological innovations.
Key Topics
• Passive voice
• Conditional sentences
• Technical vocabulary
Applications
• Scientific reports
• Technical manuals
• Research papers
Skills
• Describing processes
• Making hypotheses
• Presenting data
1. Passive Voice in Scientific Writing
Subject + be + past participle + (by agent)
Examples
“The data was analyzed using specialized software.”
“New technologies are being developed to solve this problem.”
“The results will be published in a scientific journal.”
When to use passive voice:
- When the action is more important than the actor
- When the actor is unknown or obvious
- To maintain objectivity in scientific writing
Tense Comparison
| Tense | Active | Passive |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | Scientists conduct experiments | Experiments are conducted |
| Past Simple | They developed a new app | A new app was developed |
| Present Perfect | Researchers have discovered | It has been discovered |
2. Conditional Sentences in Tech Contexts
Zero Conditional (Facts)
If + present simple, present simple
“If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.”
“The system crashes if there is a power failure.”
First Conditional (Real Possibility)
If + present simple, will + base verb
“If we develop this technology, it will revolutionize healthcare.”
Second Conditional (Hypothetical)
If + past simple, would + base verb
“If computers could think like humans, they would solve complex problems.”
Third Conditional (Past Hypothetical)
If + past perfect, would have + past participle
“If the researchers had known about this bug, they would have fixed it earlier.”
3. Technical Vocabulary Building
Word Formation: Prefixes and Suffixes
Common Prefixes
| micro- | microchip, microscope |
| hyper- | hyperlink, hyperspeed |
| auto- | automate, autonomous |
| bio- | biodegradable, biotechnology |
Common Suffixes
| -ology | technology, biology |
| -ify | simplify, modify |
| -able | programmable, scalable |
| -ize | digitize, optimize |
Technical Collocations
4. Describing Technical Processes
Sequence Words
First/Firstly, the data is collected.
Next/Then, it is analyzed.
After that/Subsequently, results are verified.
Finally, conclusions are drawn.
Imperatives in Instructions
“Connect the device to your computer.”
“Press the power button for 3 seconds.”
“Wait for the installation to complete.”
Process Diagram Example
Interactive Exercises
Passive Voice Practice
Convert these active sentences to passive:
- The team designed a new algorithm.
- Engineers are testing the prototype.
Conditional Sentences
Complete these conditional sentences:
- If the temperature (rise) above 100°C, the system will shut down automatically.
- If computers (be) more powerful, we could run more complex simulations.
