The Passive Voice in Spanish: Structure and Use
The passive voice represents a fundamental Spanish grammatical contruction that is essential for students at all levels. At iNMSOL, we integrate its teaching within our grammar courses, addressing both its structure and practical applications in real contexts. Below, we explain you what is it and how to form it correctly.
What is the passive voice?
It is a structure in which the subject receives the action instead of performing it. The Spanish language forms it by using the conjugated verb ser + the past participle of the main verb. Optionally, the agent — who performs the action— may be included, introduced by the preposition por.
Structure: [Ser] + [Past Participle] + [por] + [Agent]
Example: El libro fue escrito por el autor (The book was written by the author).
When to use it
Focusing on the action or the subject
In this case, the interest lies in highlighting what happens or what the action falls upon, rather than identifying who performs it.
Example: Las instrucciones fueron dadas claramente (The instructions were given clearly).
Unknown or irrelevant agent It is particularly useufl when who performs the action is unknown or unimportant in the context.
Example: La ventana fue rota (The window was broken).
Formal or academic register It predominates in texts requiring an objective and impersonal tone, such as reports or scientific articles.
Example: Los resultados serán publicados mañana (The results will be published tomorrow).
Grammatical Formation
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The verb ser: conjugated in the verbal tense corresponding to the context.
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Past participle: must agree in gender and number with the grammatical subject.
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Agent (optional): it is introduced by por when it adds relevant imformation.
Example in the present: Los premios son entregados por el jurado (The prizes are delivered by the jury).
Example in the past: El proyecto fue terminado ayer (The project was finished yesterday).
Example in the past: El proyecto fue terminado ayer (The project was finished yesterday).
Colloquial Alternative: the Reflexive Passive
In everyday speech, the Spanish language often prefers the reflexive passive, constructed by the pronoun se and the third – person verb. It proves more agile and natural in informal contexts.
Example: Se venden coches usados. (Used cars are sold / Used cars for sale.)
Practical Learning
At iNMSOL, our grammar courses develop contextualized exercises, allowing students to integrate the passive voice in their daily communication with fluency and accuracy.
Master this construction enriches significantly the oral and written expression. It provides the necessary tools to apply it correclty in different communicative situations.
What are you waiting for? Have a look to our website and choose the best course for you!
