Appendix C
Le Passif
| Please rotate small devices horizontally to view the tables below. |
The Passive Formats (General Discussion)
Links to sections in this Appendix:
The best way to present the French "Passif" to the English-speaking student of French is to begin with a few examples from English. It always helps to know what you're aiming at before you start trying to learn it!
Let's consider the following statements, with special attention to the bold underlined portions:
1) The supplies are delivered every morning.
2) The car was sold yesterday.
3) The cell phone is going to be repaired tomorrow.
4) The soccer players will be told to arrive early.
5) The floor had been polished twice.
6) The workers would have been promised a generous raise.
|
Analysis: Let's look closely at each of the statements above noticing how, in each case, the subject of the verb does not do the action, but rather receives the action. Notice also that the verbs can be in any time frame – present, past, or future. Let's consider each of the above statements in turn: |
1) "The supplies are delivered every morning." – The supplies don't deliver anything. It is they themselves which are delivered – the "delivering" action happens to the supplies. The supplies are the 'passive' receivers of the action.
2) "The car was sold yesterday." – The car did not sell anything, but rather was sold. – the "selling" action happened to the car. The car was the 'passive' receiver of the action.
3) "The cell phone is going to be repaired tomorrow." – The cell phone is not going to repair anything, rather the "repairing" action is going to happen to the cell phone. The phone is going to be the 'passive' receiver of the action.
4) "The soccer players will be told to arrive early." – The soccer players won't tell anything to anyone. Rather something will be told to them – the "telling" action will happen to the soccer players. The soccer players will be the 'passive' receivers of the action.
5) "The floor had been polished twice." – The floor had not polished anything. Rather it is the floor itself which had been polished – the "polishing" action had happened to the floor. The floor had been the 'passive' receiver of the action.
6) "The workers would have been promised a generous raise." – The workers would not have not promised anything to anyone. Rather it is they who would have been promised something – the "promising" action would have happened to the workers. The workers would have been the 'passive' receivers of the action.
And so on.
The dynamics illustrated above are also found in French. The rules are partially different, however.
There are 4 kinds of French passive formats.
They are:
A) Le Passif direct (direct passive).When a Direct object is receiving an action, it can be treated
- in the same way as it is in English (Option 1), or
- by using the indefinite-subject pronoun "On" to drive the main verb (Option 2)
I call these "Passif direct Option 1" and "Passif direct Option 2" everywhere on this site, where applicable. (More on this below)
B) Le Passif indirect (indirect passive). When an indirect object is receiving the action, we have oly one handling option in French. We must use the indefinite subject pronoun "On" to drive the main verb. (More on this below)
C) Le Passif pronominal (pronominal passive). Finally, French permits the use of the pronominal approach to convey a passive meaning. (More on this below)
D) Le Pronominal impersonnel (passif) - The passive pronominal format.
Note: This form is always shown in the pronominal sections of this site.
In each of these approaches, the p.p. (participe prassé), when present, requires the correct handling as regards its eventual agreement (or not) in gender and number with other words. (This is further explained below.)
How to know if a verb takes a direct or indirect object:· First look up any verb in a good English-French, or French dictionary. In the description area, the dictionary will usually show the different combinations or arrangements the verb can be used in. It is very important to look for the way you want to use the verb in context. (Examples: "téléphoner à quelqu'un"; "appeler quelqu'un" – to phone/call somebody) · When you find the combination that fits your context, look for the presence of the preposition "à" between the verb and the object (the action receiver). · If there is an "à", it means that the grammatical object (the action receiver) is indirect because the verb has to make a 'detour' around the preposition "à" to get to the object (that is, to the action receiver). (Ex. 'téléphoner à quelqu'un' (to phone someone); the "quelqu'un" in this particular arrangement is an indirect object because according to the dictionary an "à" is required to link the action to the object, forcing the verb to go 'around' the "à" to get to the "quelqu'un" (the action receiver). · If, however, there is no "à" between the verb and the object in the dictionary combination, that means that the object is direct (ex. 'appeler quelqu'un' (to call someone); the "quelqu'un" in this particular arrangement is a direct object because according to the dictionary, no "à" is required between the verb and the "quelqu'un"). The verb goes 'straight' to the object without needing to make a detour around the preposition "à". It's a 'direct' route. |
Now let's look at some examples in detail:
A) Le Passif direct (Direct passive) |
When a direct object is receiving the verb's action, there are two handling options: Options 1) and Option 2): Let's look at them both below.
Option 1) - Passif direct
Consider the following examples, using the verb-object clause "envoyer quelque chose" (to send something).
(In this combination the "quelque chose" is a direct object because the dictionary shows that there is no "à" required between the verb and the object for this kind of context).
First, look at the examples, and then we'll look at the rules. This approach to the French passive works just like its English counterpart. The French and English equivalents are underlined in each example.
- The term p.p. represents the Participe passé.
"Les lettres sont envoyées chaque matin." (present timeframe,)
The letters are sent each morning.
[the p.p. agrees with "lettres" (fém. pl. - féminin pluriel - which in this context is a direct object]
"Les lettres ont été envoyées hier matin." (past timeframe)
The letters were sent yesterday morning.
[the p.p. agrees with "lettres" (fém. pl.) which in this context is a direct object]
"Les lettres vont être envoyées plus tard ce soir." (future timeframe)
The letters are going to be sent later this evening.
[the p.p. agrees with "lettres" (fém. pl.) which in this context is a direct object]
|
And here is the RULE: For the 'Passif direct', Option 1,
|
Option 2) - Passif direct
Formula:
- Two sequences are possible:
A) On + verb + noun, or
B) On + direct-object pronoun + verb
A) "On" (ie. "someone unspecified") + verbe principal (main verb) [in any timeframe] + direct object (direct-object noun)
Examples of this approach (along with translations) are featured throughout the site with every verb tense where applicable.
Note: A direct-object pronoun can also come after the verb, but only when the verb is in the Impératif affirmatif mode – ex: "Envoyez-la. (Send it.)" (Imperative affirmative)
B) The above formula can also be converted into "On" + direct-object pronoun + verbe principal (in any timeframe)
Examples of this approach (along with all their possible translations) are featured throughout the site with every verb tense where applicable.
- Finally, when forming an "Option 2 Passif direct" with a temps composé, the Participe passé (p.p.) agrees in gender and number with the direct object when the direct object comes before the participe passé [the object noun or object pronoun functions as the direct object of the main verb – it is receiving the action from the main verb, even though it may be physically placed ahead of the main verb].
Let's now look at a few examples of the Passif direct Option 2 format using the verb-object phrase 'envoyer quelque chose' (to "send something"). In this particular arrangement, "quelque chose is a direct object because according to the dictionary there is no "à" required between the verb and the object)
In each set of examples below:
- the first example is shown using the "direct-object noun" placed after the verb.
- The second example uses the appropriate "direct-object pronoun" placed ahead of the verb.
- The third example shows the "direct-object noun" placed ahead of the verb.
- In each case, the direct object is underlined.
Temps simple (Présent - Indicatif)
"On envoie les lettres chaque matin."
The letters are sent each morning (by someone unspecified).
"On les envoie chaque matin."
They are sent each morning (by someone unspecified).
" ... les lettres qu'on envoie chaque matin ..."
... the letters that are sent each morning ... (by someone unspecified).
Temps composé (Passé composé)
"On a envoyé les lettres hier matin."
The letters were sent yesterday morning (by someone unspecified).
"On les a envoyées hier matin."
They were sent yesterday morning (by someone unspecified).
Important: In the case of the temps composés (Compound Tenses – Appendix A), the Participe passé (p.p.) of the main verb agrees in gender and number with any direct object when the direct object comes before the participe passé.)
" ... les lettres qu'on a envoyées hier matin ..."
... the letters that were sent yesterday morning ... (by someone unspecified).
Important: In the case of the temps composés (Compound Tenses – Appendix A), the Participe passé (p.p.) of the main verb agrees in gender and number with any direct object when the direct object comes before the participe passé.)
Temps combiné (Futur proche)
"On va envoyer les lettres plus tard ce soir."
The letters are going to be sent later this evening (by someone unspecified).
"On va les envoyer plus tard ce soir."
They are going to be sent later this evening (by someone unspecified).
" ... les lettres qu'on va envoyer plus tard ce soir ..."
... the letters that are going to be sent later this evening ... (by someone unspecified).
B) Le Passif indirect (Indirect passive) |
Now let's take a look at the passive form that is used with indirect objects;
When an indirect object is receiving the verb's action, there is only one handling option, which is the same as Option 2 above, using "On" as the indefinite subject of the main verb:
Formula: (For the Passif indirect)
- "On" (the indefinite subject) + verbe principal (in any timeframe) + object (indirect-object noun)
- Note: An indirect-object pronoun can also come after the verb, but only when the verb is in the Impératif affirmatif mode – ex: "Parlez-leur."
- The above formula can also be converted into "On" + indirect-object pronoun + verbe principal (in any timeframe)
- When using an indirect-object pronoun before the participe passé (p.p.) however, the Participe passé does NOT agree in gender and number with it – the participe passé never agrees with indirect objects, regardless of whether they are in the form of a noun or a pronoun.
Let's look at a few examples using the verb-object clause "enseigner quelque chose à quelqu'un" (to "teach something to someone"). In this particular arrangement, the "quelqu'un" is an indirect object because according to the dictionary, an "à" is required between the verb and the object, for this context)
- In each set of examples below, the first example is shown using the "indirect-object noun" placed after the verb.
- The second example uses the appropriate "indirect-object pronoun" placed ahead of the verb.
- The third example shows the "indirect-object noun" placed ahead of the verb. In each case, the indirect object is underlined.
Examples of this approach (along with all their possible translations) are featured throughout the site with every verb tense where applicable.
Temps simple (Présent - Indicatif)
"On enseigne les règles aux apprenants."
The learners are being taught the rules (by someone unspecified).
The learners are taught the rules (by someone unspecified).
"On leur enseigne les règles."
They are being taught the rules (by someone unspecified).
They are taught the rules (by someone unspecified).
" ... les apprenants à qui on enseigne les règles ...
... the learners who are being taught the rules ... (by someone unspecified).
... the learners to whom the rules are being taught ... (by someone unspecified).
... the learners who are taught the rules ... (by someone unspecified).
... the learners to whom the rules are taught ... (by someone unspecified).
Temps composé (Passé composé)
"On a enseigné les règles aux apprenants."
The learners were taught the rules (by someone unspecified).
The learners have been taught the rules (by someone unspecified).
"On leur a enseigné les règles."
They were taught the rules (by someone unspecified).
They have been taught the rules (by someone unspecified).
" ... les apprenants à qui on a expliqué les règles ..."
... the learners who were taught the rules... (by someone unspecified).
... the learners to whom the rules were taught... (by someone unspecified).
... the learners who have been taught the rules ... (by someone unspecified).
... the learners to whom the rules have been taught ... (by someone unspecified).
In this case (and also with all the "temps composés" - Compound Tenses – Appendix A), the Participe passé in our example "expliqué" does not agree in gender and number with "apprenants" or with "leur" (to them) because "aux apprenants", "leur", and "à qui" are all indirect-object situations ("expliquer quelque chose à quelqu'un").
The Participe passé never agrees with indirect objects.
Temps combiné (Futur proche)
"On va enseigner les règles aux apprenants."
The learners are going to be taught the rules. (by someone unspecified)
"On va leur expliquer les règles."
They are going to be taught the rules. (by someone unspecified)
" ... les apprenants à qui on va enseigner les règles ..."
... the learners who are going to be taught the rules ... (by someone unspecified)
... the learners to whom the rules are going to be taught ... (by someone unspecified)
Note: THE EFFECT OF MORE THAN ONE OBJECT ON P.P. AGREEMENT
It can often happen that a thought will include both a direct object AND an indirect object in sequence.
This can have a small effect in English, as in the difference in the handling of the two following sentences which have the same meaning:
"André sent the document to them." compared to
"André sent them the document." (The "to" is not needed in the second sentence.)
In French, however, it is the handling of the agreement of the Participe passé (p.p.) that is an ongoing concern. Let's look at a few more examples with comments.
|
Permanent Rule: The agreement of the p.p. with any direct object – whether in the form of a noun or in the form of a pronoun – is always in force when the direct object of the main verb comes ahead of the p.p. of that main verb. |
In the following examples, OD = direct object, OI = indirect object.
Direct-object approach (Passif direct Option 1, above)
- Using a noun as the direct object:
"La lettre a été envoyée (passé composé) aux participants." (The p.p. agrees with the OD because the OD comes before the p.p.)
The letter was sent to the participants. / The letter has been sent to the participants.
La lettre = direct object
aux (à + les) participants = indirect object
Note: the p.p. never agrees with an OI.
- Using a pronoun as the direct object:
La lettre leur (to them) a été envoyée. (passé composé) (p.p. agrees with the OD, and NOT with the OI)
They were sent (passive) the letter./The letter was sent to them./The letter has been sent to them.
Elle leur a été envoyée. (passé composé) (p.p. agrees with the OD, and NOT with the OI)
It (the letter) was sent to them./ It (the letter) has been sent to them.
Indirect-object approach (Option 2 above using the unspecified subject pronoun "On")
On a envoyé la lettre aux participants.
lettre = OD, but comes after the p.p., therefore there is NO agreement in gender and number between the direct object and the p.p..
On la leur a envoyée. - It was sent (passive) to them (by someone unspecified)
la (= pronoun representing la lettre) = OD, but this time it comes before the p.p., therefore it forces the agreement of the p.p. in gender and number with the direct object (féminin singulier in this case).
|
The above examples using pronouns are provided as an illustration of the ongoing consideration which must be given to the agreement (or not) of the participe passé – p.p. – in French. The consistent, correct use of pronouns is a sign of mastery in the French language, and is practised elsewhere on this site to enable the learner to master this challenging component of French in its multiple variations with many verb tenses. |
C) Le Passif pronominal (Pronominal passive) |
The third way that a passif can be done in French is by means of the pronominal format.
It is done with an inanimate (non-living) subject (which must at the same time be the direct object of the main verb) and the mirror pronoun "se" (or " s'" in front of a vowel).
- In the temps composés (Compound Tenses – defined in Appendix A), the Participe passé (p.p.) will agree with the subject in gender and number because the subject is also playing the role of the direct object of the main verb.
- The p.p. always agrees in gender and number with its direct object if that direct object comes before the p.p.
Examples:
Temps simples (Futur simple)
"Cette maison-là se vendra avant demain!"
"That house will be sold before tomorrow!"
"That house will get sold before tomorrow!"
"That house will sell before tomorrow!"
Temps composés (Passé composé)
"Une lumière s'est allumée dans le salon." (lumière = féminin singulier)
"A light was turned on in the living room."
- In the temps composés (Compound Tenses – defined in Appendix A), the Participe passé (p.p.) will agree with the subject in gender and number because the subject is also playing the role of the direct object of the main verb.
- The p.p. always agrees in gender and number with its direct object if that direct object comes before the p.p.
Temps combinés (Futur proche)
"Un cri d'opposition va s'entendre dans la rue si cette loi entre en vigueur!"
"A shout of opposition is going to be heard in the street(s) if that law goes into effect!"
D) Le Pronominal impersonnel (passif) |
NOTE: This form is always shown in the pronominal sections of this site.
There is yet one more type of passive format that is included throughout the VerbExpress.net website.
It is called the "Pronominal impersonnel (passif)" and is shown in the pronominal section of each verb tense where applicable.
Below you will find the formula and a few examples in different time frames and tenses along with their English translations.
Formula:
The Pronominal impersonnel is created with:
- the impersonal subject "il",
- the mirror pronoun "se", or "s'" before a vowel, and
- the inanimate direct object of the main verb.
Here are a few examples.
First, consider the following ideas:
"Construire beaucoup d'appartements dans ce quartier." – Build many apartments in this neighbourhood.
"Vendre plusieurs produits électroniques." – Sell several electronic products.
"Dire des choses importantes." – Say (some) important things.
"Entendre des bruits étranges." – Hear (some) strange noises.
"Produire ici les meilleurs vins de la région." – Produce the best wines of the region here.
In the examples below, we'll look at the above ideas in a few of the Temps simples, Temps composés, and Temps combinés. (All defined in Appendix A)
- The "il" and the "se/s'" have been underlined in each example.
Temps simples (Defined in Appendix A) |
||
| Verb Tense Name | Examples | Translations |
|
Présent-Indicatif |
"Il se construit beaucoup d'appartements dans ce quartier." |
Many apartments are built/are being built in this neighborhood. |
|
Futur simple |
"Il se vendra plusieurs produits électroniques." |
Several electronic products will be sold/will get sold/will sell. |
|
Conditionnel présent |
"Il se dirait des choses importantes." |
(Some) Important things would be said/would get said. |
|
Imparfait |
"Il s'entendait des bruits étranges." |
Strange sounds were being heard. |
|
Subjonctif présent |
"Ce n'est pas surprenant qu'il se produise ici les meilleurs vins de la région." |
It is not surprising that the best wines of the region are produced/are being produced here. |
Temps composés (Defined in Appendix A) |
||
| Verb Tense Name | Examples | Translations |
|
Passé composé |
"Il s'est construit beaucoup d'appartements dans ce quartier." |
Many apartments have been built/were built in this neighborhood. |
|
Futur antérieur |
"Il se sera vendu plusieurs produits électroniques." |
Several electronic products will have sold/will have been sold/will have gotten sold. |
|
Conditionnel passé |
"Il se serait dit des choses importantes." |
(Some) Important things would have been said. |
|
Plus-que-parfait |
"Il s'était entendu des bruits étranges." |
Strange sounds had been heard. |
|
Subjonctif passé |
"Ce n'est pas surprenant qu'il se soit produit ici les meilleurs vins de la région." |
It is not surprising that the best wines of the region have been produced/were produced here. |
Temps combinés (Defined in Appendix A) |
||
|
Présent continu |
"Il est en train de se construire beaucoup d'appartements dans ce quartier." |
Many apartments are in the process of being built/are in the process of getting built in this neighborhood. |
|
Futur proche |
"Il va se vendre plusieurs produits électroniques." |
Several electronic products are going to be sold/are going to sell. |
|
Passé récent |
"Il vient de se dire des choses importantes." |
(Some) Important things have just been said/were just said. |
|
Passé récent à l'Imparfait |
"Il venait de s'entendre des bruits étranges." |
(Some) Strange sounds had just been heard. |
|
Futur proche au passé |
"Il allait se produire ici les meilleurs vins de la région." |
The best wines of the region were going to be produced here. |