Understanding the Passive Voice in English
The passive voice is a fundamental grammatical structure in English that allows the speaker or writer to shift focus from the agent (the doer) to the recipient of the action. This is particularly useful in formal, academic, or journalistic writing where the emphasis is on the action or its outcome rather than the performer.
A typical English passive sentence follows this structure:
Subject + to be (conjugated) + past participle (+ optional agent introduced by “by”).
Example:
“The report was written by the manager.”
While this construction is widely accepted in English, a direct translation into French can often sound unnatural or overly formal. This is because French tends to favor the active voice or alternative structures that avoid excessive passivity.
Challenges in Translating the Passive Voice into French
French does have a passive voice structure similar to English, using the verb être followed by the past participle. However, overuse of this construction can make sentences feel heavy or overly bureaucratic. Native French speakers often prefer alternative structures that convey the same meaning in a more fluid and natural way.
Some challenges include:
- Direct translations sounding overly formal or rigid.
- Excessive reliance on the verb être making sentences less dynamic.
- Needing to introduce an agent when English omits it.
Strategies for Translating the Passive Voice Naturally
1. Using the Active Voice
The most straightforward and natural way to translate an English passive sentence into French is by reformulating it in the active voice. This often requires identifying the agent, even if it is omitted in English.
Example:
English: “A decision was made.”
❌ French (too literal): “Une décision a été prise.”
✅ Better French alternative: “On a pris une décision.”
The use of “on” makes the sentence more fluid and idiomatic in French.
2. Using “On” for an Indeterminate Subject
French frequently employs “on” as a neutral or indefinite subject to replace a passive construction. This is common in news reports, general statements, and formal writing where the agent is either unknown or unnecessary.
Example:
English: “A new policy was introduced last year.”
❌ French (rigid passive): “Une nouvelle politique a été introduite l’année dernière.”
✅ Better French alternative: “On a introduit une nouvelle politique l’année dernière.”
3. Using Reflexive Verbs
Another effective technique is using reflexive verbs, which create an impersonal tone while avoiding direct passivity. Many passive constructions in English can be smoothly translated using this approach.
Example:
English: “French is spoken here.”
❌ French (awkward passive): “Le français est parlé ici.”
✅ Better French alternative: “Le français se parle ici.”
This structure is particularly useful when referring to general facts, rules, or customs.
4. Using “Se Faire” for Certain Actions
The phrase “se faire” followed by an infinitive can be another useful tool for translating passive sentences, especially when the focus is on the recipient of an action.
Example:
English: “He was scolded by his teacher.”
❌ French (literal passive): “Il a été grondé par son professeur.”
✅ Better French alternative: “Il s’est fait gronder par son professeur.”
This formulation is often more natural in conversational French.
When the Passive Voice is Acceptable in French
Despite the general preference for active structures, there are cases where the passive voice is commonly used in French:
- Scientific and technical writing: “Les données ont été analysées avec précision.”
- Legal and official contexts: “Le contrat a été signé par les deux parties.”
- Historical statements: “La tour Eiffel a été inaugurée en 1889.”
In these contexts, the passive voice adds formality and authority, making it the preferred choice.
Conclusion
Translating English passive voice into French without sounding unnatural requires an understanding of both languages’ stylistic preferences. While the passive structure exists in French, it is often best replaced with an active formulation, the use of “on,” reflexive verbs, or “se faire.” Recognizing when to use these alternatives will make your translations smoother, more idiomatic, and easier to read. By applying these strategies, translators can ensure that their work resonates naturally with French audiences while maintaining the intended meaning of the original text.
