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Niue Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Be being ~ed (continuous passive)

Hi!
I lisnted to the following TOEIC question choice:

"D. Tires are being displayed outside."

And there was a picture in which several tires are stacked on some tables. (In the picture, I couldn't see any person.) Some people say D is the correct answer because a certain 'continuous passive' (like the above "are being displayed") CAN express a STATE. However, I do NOT think 'continuous passive' can express a STATE. (It can ONLY express an ACTION.)

What do you think? Do you agree with me?
Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

When you think about it, any passive statement expresses an action. Transitive verbs express actions. Intransitive verbs express states.

— Avangi

  • When you think about it, any passive statement expresses an action.
  • Transitive verbs express actions.
  • Intransitive verbs express states.
  • Only transitive verbs may be used in passive voice.
  • The actor may or may not be stated.
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38 Answers
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When you think about it, any passive statement expresses an action.
Transitive verbs express actions. Intransitive verbs express states.
Only transitive verbs may be used in passive voice. The actor may or may not be stated.

In my opinion, D accurately describes the scenario you present.

I'm not prepared to dispute TOEIC, but it seems like a bending of th
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Are you asked to choose the description that best fits the picture? If so, what are the other options?
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Sorry, I can't remember the other choices. Anyway, it is a question that asks the best choice among four choices.
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Niue Do you agree with me?
Yes. I consider these correct instead of option D:

Tires are displayed outside.
Tires are on display outside.

CB
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I agree with CB that his "substitute" sentences may be said to accurately describe the scenario. Other sentences may do the same.

I may not understand "instead," but I don't believe he has said whether or not he considers option D correct.

Permit me to paraphrase: If you were to substitute my sentences for option D, I would consider them correct.

The poster
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From my point of view it is a "cLassic" sample of the present progressive passive ...
if an active sentence sounds as :
"Someone is dispLaying tires outside",, then.. the passive wiLL be:
"Tires are being displayed outside."
The object(the undergoer;the patient) of the active clause appears in the passive clause as subject.....
The subject ("Someone
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Thanks, but let me make my question clearer.

I'll show you (almost) the original question and anwer:

(Sorry, I can't remember the other three choices.

I just want to know whether you say "Tires are being displayed outside" for the following picture:



TOEIC Part 1



Directions: For each question in this part, you will hear four
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Niue
I don't think D is correct expression for the above picture.

The correct expression for above picture is "Tires are/were displayed outside."

What do you think

In my opinion, "Tires are being displayed outside" is acceptable, even if no one and nothing is currently visibly or actively displaying them. "displayed" can
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'Tires are being displayed outside' is correct and is a normal sort of answer for TOEIC listening questions. The present continuous is a common way to express a present state with this sort of verb: The man is sitting in a rocking chair. Three lamps are hanging from the ceiling. The lady is being given a menu.
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Thanks, My Wordy.

Now I understand why D is the correct answer.

I've realized that there are TWO DIFFERENT TYPES of sentences regarding the 'ACTION vs. STATE' matter:

Type A: ACTIVE VOICE (ACTION) & PASSIVE VOICE (ACTION)

Example: They are stacking tires outside. (ACTION) & Tires are being stacked outside. (ACTION)

Type B: ACTIVE VOICE (S
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