TOEFL Find the error tips

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LEARNING SPACE
TOPIC: The passive - Introduction
Many sentences in English can be written in either the ACTIVE VOICE or the PASSIVE
VOICE. The ACTIVE VOICE simply tells us that the subject (somebody or something) is
actively engaged in doing something (verb). Whereas the PASSIVE VOICE tells us that the
subject IS NOT actively engaged in the action, but rather receiving the action.
ACTIVE VOICE
Example: Margaret wrote the letter.
In this example, it is clear that Margaret (the subject) did something. She wrote a letter. This
sentence is written in the ACTIVE VOICE because there’s action here. The SUBJECT DID THE
ACTION.
PASIVE VOICE
Example: A letter was written by Margaret.
In this example, the subject is A LETTER. This subject cannot do the action (write a letter.) It is
not responsible for the action, but rather it is the receiver of the action done by Margaret. So in
this case where the subject is not doing the action, we say that the sentence is in the PASSIVE
VOICE, meaning, no action on the part of the subject.
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NOTE THE FOLLOWING
In the passive voice:
1) The subject does not do the action, but it receives the action.
2) The verb consists of two important parts: the verb “to be” (in any tense); & the
past participle of the main verb.
3) Whenever a sentence uses the phrase “by somebody” or “by something,” it is a
passive voice sentence.
CHECK FOR THE 3 POINTS IN THESE EXAMPLES:
1. Spending programs that initiate expansion are typically embraced by conservatives,
even if these programs lead to inflation.
2. A person’s sense of taste can be deadened by excessive seasoning.
In sentence 1, the subject is “spending programs.” The verb is “are embraced.” Observe
that the verb consists of “to be” + the past participle (embraced). Observe by whom – “by
conservatives.”
In sentence 2, the subject is “A person’s sense of taste.” The passive verb “can be” +
“deadened.” Both sentences are in the passive voice.