Problem
Write out the passive versions of the following statements.
The little dog buried the dirty old bone. My nasty uncle Pete fired the servant. The archaeologist on the dig uncovered the ruins of the ancient city. Sailors consume large quantities of fish. Good music soothes our souls. That teacher taught chemistry and physics. The local newspaper published my letter complaining about trash collection. The cat cornered the terrified mouse. An honest stranger returned my lost wallet. Your attitude surprises me.
What does it mean to say that to be functions as an auxiliary? What is its function?