Ser + past participle for passive voice

The passive voice in Spanish is primarily constructed using the verb “ser” (to be) followed by the past participle of the main verb. This structure lets you emphasize the action or the recipient of the action, instead of the person or thing performing it.

Formation

1. Conjugate “ser” according to the tense and subject.
2. Add the past participle of the main verb.
3. Make sure the past participle agrees in gender and number with the subject.

Common Examples

1. Present: “Las noticias son transmitidas a las 8.” (The news is broadcast at 8.)
2. Preterite: “La ciudad fue fundada en 1850.” (The city was founded in 1850.)
3. Imperfect: “Los exámenes eran corregidos por el profesor.” (The exams were graded by the teacher.)
4. Future: “El nuevo edificio será inaugurado el próximo mes.” (The new building will be inaugurated next month.)
5. Present Perfect: “El problema ha sido resuelto.” (The problem has been solved.)

Usage

The passive voice with “ser” is commonly used to:

1. Focus on the action rather than the doer (the person or thing performing the action).
2. Describe official or formal situations.
3. Report news or historical events.

Contrast with “Estar” + Past Participle

While “ser” + past participle focuses on the action itself, “estar” + past participle emphasizes the resulting state or condition:

• “El parque es cerrado a las 10 PM.” (The park is closed at 10 PM.) – Describes the action, it’s a routine.
• “El parque está cerrado ahora.” (The park is closed now.) – Focuses on the current state, it’s closed at this moment.

Key Points

• The passive voice is less common in Spanish than in English.
• In many cases, Spanish prefers active voice or reflexive constructions.
• Use the passive voice carefully to ensure your Spanish sounds natural.

Understanding and using the passive voice with “ser” + past participle improves your ability to express ideas precisely in Spanish, especially in formal or written communication.

• Find complete information about the conjugation of past participles in Latin American Spanish here.
• Find complete information about the conjugation of past participles in Castilian Spanish here.