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ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > To be + PP or - ing
To be + PP or - ing

hanhxuanthao
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To be + PP or - ing
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Good evening ,
Here is a sentence that really puts me in a can of worms . Could you please help me out why the answer for the sentence is D?
" If more than five thousand dollars in monetary instruments is transported into the United States, a report needs____________ with the customs office . A. file B. filing C. to file D. to be filed
I have chosen both B and D . Is it correct ?
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24 Jul 2013
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micheleblima
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Hi!!! 
I guess only option D is right cause it �s a passive voice sentence.
People need to file a report with the customs office if ...
or
If ... , a report needs to be filed with the customs office.
Guys...if I made a mistake, correct me please.  |
24 Jul 2013
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yanogator
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Yes, Michele, your answer is good.
Hanh, "needs filing" is an informal structure, and this sentence seems to be in a formal context, so "needs to be filed" is the best answer here.
Bruce |
24 Jul 2013
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hanhxuanthao
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Thank you , Micheal and Bruce . Have a good night !
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24 Jul 2013
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FrauSue
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I agree with Bruce - both B and D are correct, but D is more formal. As with many structures in English, there are local variations in what is acceptable. I can say "The plants need watered/watering/to be watered" and all sound correct to me, whereas my husband (who is from a different part of the UK) finds the first option abhorrent! When in doubt, use the most correct version, which is D in this case. |
28 Jul 2013
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