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Passive Using "Get"



In English, the passive can always be made using the verb "to be". In informal English, "get" is also often used to construct passive sentences. But it's not always possible.

We use "get" in a passive sentence when we talk about something that happened or something that changed, so it is NOT used for verbs such as 'like', 'believe' or 'say'.

Examples:

That tree was/got blown over in the storm last night.
This criminal is known to police in five different countries. (gets known isn't possible here.)

For each sentence, use the passive with "get" whenever possible.

1. I don't know why this class is always so dirty. It (clean) every morning.

2. The murder suspect told the police a complicated alibi but it (believe) by them and he was charged with the murder.

3. "Whose is that computer in the corner of the office?" "I don't know - it (never use) by anyone."

4. When foreign films are dubbed into English, usually a lot of the original meaning (lose) in the translation.

5. Humans (think) to have originated in the east of Africa.

6. If my car (damage) by you, you will pay for the repairs.

7. Glenn Miller (kill) in an aircrash in England in the 1940s.

8. When I am older, I (know) as a famous scientist.

9. The films of Charlie Chaplin (love) all over the world.

10. The new factory will open next July and the company says that over 250 employees (need) initially.

11. Did you hear that Jane (promote) to a management position at work! What great news.

12. (pay) for a job you enjoy doing must be the definition of a happy life!



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