B2Lesson 3: Passive Constructions & Alternatives
Brazilian Portuguese expresses passive voice through multiple constructions including ser + past participle (formal passive), reflexive se (common alternative), indeterminate subject, and active reformulations, with the choice depending on formality, region, and whether you want to hide, reveal, or be vague about who performed the action.
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Brazilian Portuguese offers multiple ways to express passive meaning, each with distinct uses:
| Construction | Example | Usage | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ser + participle | Foi construído | Action passive | Very formal |
| Estar + participle | Está construído | State passive | Neutral |
| Se + verb | Construiu-se | Reflexive passive | Formal |
| 3rd plural | Construíram | Indeterminate | Informal |
| A gente | A gente construiu | Active alternative | Very informal |
The textbook passive, using ser + past participle with agreement:
Formation Rules:
