动词的语态
语态也是动词的一种形式，英语有两种语态：主动语态和被动语态。主动语态表示主语是动作的执行者，而被动语态表示主语是动作的承受者。
1）We use electricity to run machines. （主动语态）
2）Electricity is used to run machines. （被动语态）
1. 不能用于被动语态的动词和短语
（1）在英语中，不及物动词不能用于被动语态，但有些不及物动词（包括短语）容易引起误用。如：appear， belong， belong， die， escape， fall， happen， last， remain， succeed， occur， come true， take place， consist of.
（2）某些表示状态或特征的及物动词，如：become， contain， cost， fit， have， resemble， suit也没有被动语态。
2. 被动语态的时态形式
常用的被动语态有表1 所列的几种时态形式。
表1
时间 一般时 进行时 完成时
现在 am asked am being asked
is asked is being asked
are asked are being asked
过去
was be asked was being asked
were be asked were being asked
将来 shall be asked shall have been asked
will be asked will have been asked
过去 should be asked should have been asked
将来 would be asked would have been asked
3. 短语动词的被动语态
短语动词转换为被动语态时，通常被看作是一个动词，后面的介词或副词不能拆开或省略。例如：
1）So far no correct conclusion has arrived at.
2）All the rubbish should be got rid of.