Reflexive Verbs in Passive Sentences

In French, reflexive verbs are commonly used to indicate actions performed by the subject on themselves. However, they can also be used to form passive sentences, shifting the focus onto the action rather than the subject. This allows us to express a more general statement or avoid specifying who performed the action.

To form a passive sentence using reflexive verbs, you need to follow these steps:

1. Start with a reflexive verb in its infinitive form (ending in -se or -s' for reflexive verbs). For example, "se laver" (to wash oneself).

2. Drop the reflexive pronoun and add the corresponding conjugation of the auxiliary verb "être" (to be).

3. Combine the auxiliary verb with the past participle of the reflexive verb.

Let's take a closer look at each step.

Step 1: Start with a reflexive verb in its infinitive form

Reflexive verbs are verbs that are accompanied by a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) to indicate that the action is being performed on oneself. Here are some examples of reflexive verbs:

• "se laver" (to wash oneself)
• "se réveiller" (to wake up)
• "se souvenir" (to remember)

Step 2: Drop the reflexive pronoun and add the auxiliary verb "être"

In the passive voice, we use the auxiliary verb "être" (to be) to indicate that the action is being performed on the subject. The conjugation of "être" should agree with the subject of the sentence. Here are the conjugations of "être" in the present tense:

• je suis (I am)
• tu es (you are)
• il/elle/on est (he/she/it is)
• nous sommes (we are)
• vous êtes (you are)
• ils/elles sont (they are)

Step 3: Combine the auxiliary verb with the past participle of the reflexive verb

To form the past participle of a reflexive verb, remove the reflexive pronoun and add the appropriate ending (é, i, u, or s depending on the verb). Once you have the past participle, combine it with the conjugated form of the auxiliary verb "être". Here's an example:

• Reflexive verb: "se laver" (to wash oneself)
• Past participle: lavé (washed)

Now, let's put it all together to form a passive sentence:

• Active sentence: "Il se lave." (He washes himself.)
• Passive sentence: "Il est lavé." (He is washed.)

Tips and Notes

• Remember that conjugating the auxiliary verb "être" is essential for forming the passive voice. Practice conjugating "être" in different tenses to become more comfortable with this verb.

• Pay attention to the gender and number agreement between the subject and the past participle. The past participle must agree with the subject in gender and number.

• It's important to note that not all reflexive verbs have a passive form. Some reflexive verbs are inherently reflexive and cannot be used in the passive voice.

• The passive voice is less commonly used in French compared to English. Active constructions are often preferred for expressing actions.

With these guidelines, you can now use reflexive verbs to form passive sentences in French. Practice with different verbs and tenses to become more comfortable with this concept.