Understanding the Passive Voice in Swedish

What is Passive Voice?

In Swedish, much like in English, the passive voice is used to shift the focus from the subject that performs the action to the object that receives the action. This can be crucial for stylistic and rhetorical purposes in both formal and everyday language.

Formation of Passive Voice in Swedish

The Swedish passive voice can be formed in two primary ways: either by adding -s to the active form or using the verb bli (to become) plus a past participle.

The -s Passive Form

This is a more common way to form passive sentences in Swedish, especially in written language. You add an -s to the infinitive form of the verb. Here is how it works:

The Bli Passive Form

This form is often used to emphasize the change in state rather than the ongoing nature of an action. It consists of using bli followed by the past participle of the verb.

When to Use the Passive Voice

Use the passive voice when the action's performer is unknown or not important, when focusing on the action itself is required, and to avoid mentioning the subject for stylistic or rhetorical reasons.

Common Passive Voice Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One of the most common mistakes learners make is using the -s and the bli forms interchangeably without understanding their nuances. Always consider the context and the emphasis needed for the sentence.