How to Use the Passive Voice in French

Understanding the Passive Voice

In English, the passive voice is used to highlight the object of an action rather than the subject. Similarly, in French, the passive voice shifts the focus to the receiver of the action.

Forming the Passive Voice in French

To form the passive voice in French, use the appropriate form of the verb être followed by the past participle of the main verb. The past participle should agree in gender and number with the subject.

Using 'Par' with the Passive Voice

In many passive constructions, the agent (or the doer) is introduced by the word par. However, when the agent is a means or a tool, the preposition de rather than par is often used.

Exceptions and Alternatives to Passive Voice

When the passive voice feels awkward or overly complex, French speakers might use the active voice or reflexive verbs instead. Reflexive verbs, in particular, allow the subject to appear to receive the action on itself.

Using Reflexive Verbs as an Alternative

Reflexive verbs in French can sometimes express similar meanings to those found in passive constructions but with an active voice framework. This is particularly common in everyday speech.