The Common Error about Passive Verbs

In the sentence "He expects to promote next year," the error is in the verb "promote." The intended meaning is that he expects to be promoted (to receive a promotion), but "promote" here is incorrectly used as an active verb, which implies that he would be promoting someone else. However, he is the one who is expected to receive the promotion, so the passive form "to be promoted" should be used:

• "He expects to be promoted next year."

Many English learners confuse verbs that imply receiving an action (passive meaning) with those that imply doing an action (active meaning). This often occurs with verbs that describe actions being done to a person, such as "promote," "appoint," "select," or "invite." These verbs typically require the passive voice when the subject is receiving the action or when an action that is done to the subject rather than by the subject.

How to Make the Passive Voice 
The passive voice is commonly structured as follows:

• Subject + be + past participle of the verb 
• Example: Lyra was given the "Novel of the Year" award.

Then what is "to be" + past participle? 
This is called the passive infinitive, and it is commonly used to express expectations, desires, and obligations.

• Subject + expects/desires/etc. + "to be" + past participle
• Example: Lyra expects to be given the "Novel of the Year" Award.

More Examples of This Common Error with Passive Verbs:

1. Incorrect: She hopes to appoint as team leader.

• Correct: She hopes to be appointed as team leader.

2. Incorrect: They want to select for the project.

• Correct: They want to be selected for the project.

3. Incorrect: I invited to the ceremony last year.

• Correct: I was invited to the ceremony last year.

4. Incorrect: He hopes to recognize for his achievements.

• Correct: He hopes to be recognized for his achievements.

5. Incorrect: Edith assigned to a new role.

• Correct: Edith was assigned to a new role.

6. Incorrect: The report needs to finish by Friday.

• Correct: The report needs to be finished by Friday.

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In each corrected sentence, the passive form is used to show that the subject is receiving the action, not performing it. Using the passive form makes the sentences both grammatically correct and clearer in meaning.

Grammar Exercise. Correct the errors in the following sentences.
1. The author wants to remember as sharp and quick-witted. 
2. The recommendations need to submit next month. 
3. The sculpture stolen by an unknown guest last night.
4. Those trees brought down by the strong hurricane a few weeks ago.
5. Amy expects to praise for doing a great job. 

_________________
Answers (jumbled)
3. The sculpture was stolen by an unknown guest last night.
5. Amy expects to be praised for doing a great job.
2. The recommendations need to be submitted next month.
4. Those trees were brought down by the strong hurricane a few weeks ago.
1. The author wants to be remembered as sharp and quick-witted.