Intermediate English Grammar for ESL Learners - Robin Torres-Gouzerh 2016

The progressive form vs. the stative passive
11 The stative passive

When the progressive form of be is used with past participles, the sentence is in the true passive voice. It is only with the simple conjugation of be that a stative passive structure can exist. In addition, a by phrase is never used in a stative passive structure. Compare these sets of example sentences.

Exercise 11.3 Complete each sentence, using the appropriate form of be, if needed, and the appropriate form of a verb in the list below.

1. The meeting ... for tomorrow at nine.

2. Let’s find another bar. This one ... too ... . It will take us way too long to get a drink.

3. Excuse me. Could you give me directions? I ... .

4. Painting the house is hard work! I don’t know how much longer I can help you. I ... . We need to rest and just finish up tomorrow.

5. I don’t understand the plot of this movie. I thought this was supposed to be a comedy, not a horror movie. I ... .

6. Peter is probably sleeping. The light in his room ... .

7. Her house is very expensive. It ... for one million dollars.

8. I can’t open the garage door. It ... .

9. They were happily married for ten years, but now they ... .

10. I thought I had left my wallet on the table, but it’s not there. It ... . I wonder where I could have left it.

11. Mr. Keller, I regret to inform you that you ... not ... for the job. We need someone who is more eloquent and organized.

12. I adore Lisa. Every day I think to myself: “I ... to a wonderful woman.”

13. Tell Jamie not to eat that fruit. It ... . Throw it away.

14. I am so tired of having to call the neighbor to move his truck. I am going to be late again for work, because my car ... .

15. St. Thomas ... in the Virgin Islands.

16. The Internet connection doesn’t seem to be working on my computer either. Maybe it’s the Ethernet cable. ... it ...?

17. Sorry, the chicken ... not ... yet. I know you’re hungry, but you’ll have to wait a little longer.