B1 French GrammarPassive Voice
Form passive sentences in French using être + past participle, and understand when to use passive vs active voice.
1Passive Formation
The French passive is formed with être + past participle. The participle agrees with the subject.
Passive Structure
| Active | Passive | English |
|---|---|---|
| On construit la maison | La maison est construite | The house is built |
| Le chef prépare le repas | Le repas est préparé | The meal is prepared |
Examples
Le livre est écrit par l'auteur.
The book is written by the author.
par = by
La porte est fermée.
The door is closed.
state (no agent)
Les repas sont préparés par le chef.
The meals are prepared by the chef.
plural agreement
Elle est aimée de tous.
She is loved by everyone.
de = by (with emotions)
2Passive in Different Tenses
Change the tense of être to form passive in different tenses. The past participle stays the same.
Tense Variations
| Tense | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| Present | est construit | is built |
| Imparfait | était construit | was being built |
| Passé composé | a été construit | was built |
| Futur | sera construit | will be built |
Examples
Le château a été construit en 1200.
The castle was built in 1200.
passé composé passive
Le projet sera terminé demain.
The project will be finished tomorrow.
future passive
La lettre était écrite à la main.
The letter was written by hand.
imparfait passive
Les résultats seront annoncés bientôt.
The results will be announced soon.
future passive plural
3Par vs De (By)
Use 'par' for physical actions and specific agents. Use 'de' for emotions, states, and general expressions.
Par vs De
| Use | Preposition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Action/agent | par | construit par l'architecte |
| Emotion | de | aimé de tous |
| Known/covered | de | couvert de neige |
| Accompanied | de | accompagné de sa femme |
Examples
Il est respecté de ses collègues.
He is respected by his colleagues.
de with emotions
La ville est entourée de montagnes.
The city is surrounded by mountains.
de with entouré
Le document a été signé par le directeur.
The document was signed by the director.
par with action
Elle est connue de tout le monde.
She is known by everyone.
de with connu
4Avoiding Passive
French often avoids passive voice using 'on' (one/they) or reflexive constructions.
Passive Alternatives
| Passive | Alternative | English |
|---|---|---|
| Le français est parlé | On parle français | French is spoken |
| Ça se mange | reflexive | It is eaten |
| Les billets se vendent | reflexive | Tickets are sold |
Examples
On parle français ici.
French is spoken here.
on = impersonal
Ça ne se fait pas.
That's not done.
reflexive alternative
Ces livres se vendent bien.
These books sell well.
reflexive for passive
On m'a dit que tu partais.
I was told that you were leaving.
on for passive meaning