LONGMAN COMPLETE COURSE FOR THE TOEFL TEST SKILL 37: USE THE CORRECT FORM OF PASSIVE

LONGMAN COMPLETE COURSE FOR THE TOEFL TEST

STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION

SKILL 37: USE THE CORRECT FORM OF PASSIVE

One way that the passive can be tested on the TOEFL test is simply with an incorrect form of the passive.

The portrait was painting by a famous artist	The passive is formed incorrectly because the past participle painted should be used rather than the present participle painting.
The project will finished by Tim	The verb be has not been included and some form of be is necessary for a passive verb. The verb in the second sentence should be will be finished.

 

The following chart outlines the way to form the passive correctly.
 

EXERCISE 37: Each of the following sentences has a passive meaning. Underline twice the verbs that should be passive. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

……………	3	Money is lending by the credit union to those who want to buy homes.
……………	4	The record had been chose by dancers near the jukebox.
……………	5	The topic for your research paper should have been approved by your advisor.
……………	6	That song has been playing over and over again by Steve.
……………	7	Their utility bills have been increased again and again.
……………	8	The patients who are too sick to sit up are being assisted by the orderlies.
……………	9	The offices were thoroughly clean last evening by the night crew.
……………	10	The car that was struck in the intersection yesterday is being repaired today.

 

ANSWER KEY

1	I	(be should be been)
2	C
3	I	(lending should be lent)
4	I	(chose should be chosen)
5	C
6	I	(playing should be played)
7	C
8	C
9	I	(clean should be cleaned)
10	C