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2.4.- Impersonal passive.

Think about it

Have you ever used the Spanish expression “Se dice que …” or “Se sabe que ….”?

Look at these sentences and try and make any difference between them.

  • People say that he has 3 jobs.
    • It is said that he has 3 jobs.
  • They know that she is a millionaire.
    • It is known that she is a millionaire.
  1. Is there any difference in meaning?
  2. Which is the impersonal passive?
  3. How do we form the impersonal passive?
Viñedos.

The impersonal passive is commonly used in official or formal reports and newspapers.

When we talk about what other people think, know, say, expect, … we normally use this passive form.

We normally use this construction with verbs of perception and saying: Say, think, know, expect, believe, report, consider, claim.

  • If the main verb is in the present, we use the verb “to be” in the present form.
    • They believe English is here to stay.
      • It is believed English is here to stay.
  • If the main verb is in the past, the impersonal construction changes to the past.
    • People said that the best vines are grown in the south of France.
      • It was said that the best vines are grown in the south of France.
  • The same happens with any other tenses.
    • People have always known that Chinese people eat a lot of rice.
      • It has always been known that Chinese people eat a lot of rice.
    • They will think my two cousins are lovers.
      • It will be thought my two cousins are lovers.

Note how we can drop the word “that” with no change in meaning.

Ejercicio Resuelto

Click to read the Spanish translation.