agent

Cyrus the Great

Registered Senior Member
With increasing x, y is shifted toward c.

With an increase in x, y shifts toward c.



My professor has told me the difference between those is about to have agent or not.

But, I am so confused
 
I suppose he means that "y is shifted" implies that there is an agent causing the shift. Whereas "y shifts toward c" implies that y performs the shift under its own power.

But I disagree. In both sentences, it can be said that the increase in x is the agent that causes the shift in y.
 
Great. Thank you so much.

I agree with you.

Nevertheless, what about the following?

Y shifts towards c.

Y is shifted towards c.
 
I suppose he means that "y is shifted" implies that there is an agent causing the shift. Whereas "y shifts toward c" implies that y performs the shift under its own power.

But I disagree. In both sentences, it can be said that the increase in x is the agent that causes the shift in y.

Shifting of Y predicates an agent of change even if indirect. Without it Y will stay put. In certain schools of Indian Philosophy, it is called IMPLICATION.
 
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