The document discusses the proper use of passive verbs and how to recognize active and passive voice. It provides examples of incorrect passive verb forms, such as "The portrait was painting by a famous artist." It also explains that in the active voice, the subject performs the action of the verb, while in the passive voice, the subject receives the action. Determining whether a verb should be in the active or passive voice depends on the meaning of the sentence.

1. PROBLEMS WITH
PASSIVE VERBS
Skills 37-38

2. Skill 37: Use the correct form of the
passive
The form of the passive is:
BE + Past Participle (By + Object)
The following are examples of passive errors
that might appear on the TOEFL test:
The portrait was painting by a famous artist.
The project will finished by Tim.

3. THE FORM OF THE PASSIVE
BE + Past Participle (BY + object)

4. Skill 38: Recognize Active and
Passive Meaning
In the active, the subject does the action of
the verb.
We mailed the letter at the post office.
In the passive, the subject receives the
action of the verb.
The letter was mailed by us today before noon.
The letter was mailed today before noon.

5. When there is no object (with or without by) after
a verb, you must look at the meaning of the
sentences to determine if the verb should be
active or passive.
The letter mailed today before noon
The letter was mailed today before noon.
We was mailed today before noon.
We mailed today before noon.

6. ACTIVE AND PASSIVE MEANINGS
ACTIVE The subject does the action od the verb.
PASSIVE The subject receives the action of the verb.