Sometimes we use the infinitive to be with a past participle such as met or considered to construct the passive voice.
For example:
- “I expect to be met by the chauffeur at the airport” the businessman said to his assistant.
- The eye witness’s account needs to be considered by the investigators.
The sentence formation is often used to show that something is correct or that something is possible, in the passive voice.
For example:
- They are hoping to be given this years law firm of the year award.
- “I need to be left alone, I can’t think with all of you around” said the politician.
- The meat has to be eaten by the end of the week.
- The conflict is to be resolved by the team leader.
Keep in mind that you will see bare infinitives when modal auxiliaries are being used in the sentence. A bare infinitive, is an infinitive without the particle to so instead of using to be met or to be considered, you may see be met or be considered.
Here are some examples, notice the modal auxiliary in the example sentences:
- The team’s proposal may be considered by the chairman of the board.
- The children should be met by their parent or by their guardian.
- “I could be given ten years in prison by the Judge.” The criminal anxiously thought to himself.
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More for you:
How To Use The Passive Voice With Helpful Examples
Causative Form: Causative Verbs Examples
Polite Expressions in English: Words, Phrases and Questions to be Kind
List of Verbs Followed by Both Gerunds and Infinitives!
List of Verbs Followed by ING Form or Infinitive!
