那里的人缺乏食物。
正：People there lack food.
误：Food is lacked by people there.
从形式上看，第2句是第1句的相应的被动形式，既然第1句为正句，那么第2句从理论上说应该是成立的。而事实上第2句却是个错句。
在英语中，并不是所有的及物动词都可以用于被动语态的，有些动词(尤其是那些静态动词)尽管它们可以带宾语，但却不用于被动语态，这种动词考生容易弄错，其中主要的有：have，lack，fit，suit，cost，let，like等：
他有一台电脑。
正：He has a computer.
误：A computer is had by him.
他当时正在洗澡。
正：He was taking a bath.
误：A bath was being had by him.
我的鞋不适合。
正：My shoes dont fit me.
误：I am not fitted by my shoes.
这架钢琴花了她6000美元。
正：The piano cost her 6000 dollars.
误：She was cost her 6000 dollars.
误：6000 dollars was cost her.
这件衣服他穿很合适。
正：The coat suits him very well.
误：He is well suited by the coat.