Which transitive verbs can form notional passives?

Solution 1:

A notional passive is an active, normally transitive verb that is used with a passive 'meaning'. It is not an actual passive verb, but it resembles one. In general, there is no limit to which transitive verbs can be used with a notional passive; in many cases, you could apply it to new verbs. It does look informal with verbs that are not commonly used this way.

• People read this sentence without effort.

• This sentence is read without effort. — [passive]

• This sentence reads well. — [active, but notional passive]

It could be defined as a verb that is syntactically active but has its subject in the semantic role of a patient—or any other role normally occupied by the object of the verb when it is active.