español · B2 · grammar · 4 minutes
Passive se or ser
Choose the passive that fits the agent and information focus.
Understand the choice
Spanish chooses among active, passive se, and ser + participle according to information focus. Passive se is compact and agentless; the ser passive is heavier but makes tense, result, and an explicit agent easy to foreground.
Core rule: Use passive se when the event matters more than the agent; use ser + participle when naming or contrasting the agent is useful.
Notice it in context
Se publicaron los resultados y fueron revisados por un experto.
The results were published and were reviewed by an expert.
Use passive se when the event matters more than the agent; use ser + participle when naming or contrasting the agent is useful.
Se construyó el puente en 1998.
The bridge was built in 1998.
Passive se presents the event without an agent.
El informe fue escrito por Ana.
The report was written by Ana.
Ser passive allows por + agent.
What to remember
- The ser participle agrees with the subject: fue revisado; fueron revisadas.
- Everyday Spanish often prefers an active or se-construction where English prefers a passive.
Common trap: Do not add por + agent to passive se: se publicó por el comité is awkward for the intended passive. Use fue publicado por el comité when the agent matters.