B2 · Upper Intermediate Chapter 3

Advanced Actions and Impersonal Forms

6 Total Rules
64 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of expressing actions without needing to name the doer.

  • Navigate passive constructions using 'on' and reflexive structures.
  • Describe services performed for you using 'se faire' and 'se voir'.
  • Formulate formal rules and general statements with impersonal expressions.
Speak French naturally: focus on the action, not the actor.

What You'll Learn

Ready to unlock a new level of French fluency? You know how in English we often use passive constructions like it was done or

the decision was made
? French has its own elegant and super common ways to express these ideas – and they're often more natural and less formal than a direct passive translation! In this chapter, we're diving deep into expressing actions where the doer isn't the star, or when you want to talk about something that generally happens. You'll discover why some common English passive sentences don't directly translate into French, and how to avoid those pitfalls. We'll introduce you to the versatile magic of on – an incredibly useful pronoun that effortlessly replaces many passive structures. Then, you'll learn how to express things that happen to you or
are done for you
using constructions like se faire + infinitive and se voir + infinitive. Finally, you'll master how to make general statements and rules, like it is said or it is forbidden, with the elegant se + verb (pronominal passive) and il est + participle forms. Imagine effortlessly saying
my car got fixed
without specifying who fixed it, or
these cookies are made with chocolate
when describing a recipe. Picture yourself reading a museum sign that says
it is forbidden to touch the art
and instantly understanding the impersonal rule. These skills will make your French sound significantly more authentic and native. This chapter isn't just about grammar; it's about giving you the tools to express yourself more naturally and confidently. By the end, you'll be able to describe things that are done or happen with ease, making your conversations smoother and your comprehension sharper. Don't worry, it's easier and more rewarding than you think! Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use the pronoun 'on' to replace passive constructions in daily conversation.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Explain that a service was performed for you using 'se faire'.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome to your next step in mastering French grammar B2! This chapter is designed to elevate your expression beyond direct translations, helping you achieve a truly natural and authentic sound. As you advance in French language learning, you'll notice that native speakers often use elegant, indirect ways to express actions where the "doer" isn't specified, or when describing general truths. This is where impersonal forms French and specialized passive constructions come into play, offering sophisticated alternatives to the English passive voice.
Moving beyond basic sentence structures, we'll explore how French naturally handles situations like "it was done" or "things are said." You'll discover why a literal translation of the English passive often sounds clunky or even incorrect in French, especially with certain verbs. By understanding these nuances, you'll avoid common pitfalls and unlock a more fluid communication style. This isn't just about learning rules; it's about gaining the tools to express yourself confidently and sound more like a native speaker. Get ready to transform your advanced French grammar skills!

How This Grammar Works

This chapter introduces six key constructions that help you express actions and impersonal statements in sophisticated ways. First, a crucial distinction: No Passive Voice with 'à' Verbs (Passif impossible avec COI). Unlike English, verbs followed by à (like obéir à - to obey, or téléphoner à - to call) cannot be directly put into the passive voice. You wouldn't say *Il a été obéi* (He was obeyed); instead, you'd use an active construction or an impersonal form, such as On lui a obéi (He was obeyed / One obeyed him).
Next, meet The Magic 'On': The Easy Alternative to the Passive. The pronoun on is incredibly versatile, often translating as "one," "we," "they," or simply an impersonal "people." It frequently replaces the passive voice. For instance, instead of *La porte a été ouverte* (The door was opened), you'd more naturally hear On a ouvert la porte (The door was opened / One opened the door).
To express "getting things done to you," French uses se faire + infinitif. This construction implies that someone else performs the action for you, or that you experience something passively. For example, Je me suis fait couper les cheveux (I had my hair cut). Similar in concept but often more formal, se voir + infinitif (The Pronominal Passive: Being 'Seen' Doing) describes experiencing an action or being subjected to something, like Il s'est vu refuser l'entrée (He was refused entry / He saw himself refused entry).
For general statements or rules, French often employs the Verbes pronominaux à sens passif (French Passive Reflexive: Saying 'It is done'). Here, a reflexive verb takes on a passive meaning. Think of Ça se dit (It is said / That is said) or Ces livres se vendent bien (These books sell well / These books are sold well). Finally, for formal or general impersonal statements, we use La forme passive impersonnelle (It is said: French Impersonal Passive), typically with il est + participle/adjective, such as Il est interdit de fumer (It is forbidden to smoke) or Il a été décidé de partir (It was decided to leave). These forms are essential for sounding truly fluent.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: *Le professeur a été obéi par les élèves.*
✓ Correct: Les élèves ont obéi au professeur. OR On a obéi au professeur.
*Explanation:* Verbs that take an indirect object (COI) introduced by à in the active voice generally cannot form a passive construction in French. Instead, rephrase actively or use an impersonal on.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: *La décision a été prise par eux.*
✓ Correct: Ils ont pris la décision. OR On a pris la décision.
*Explanation:* While technically grammatically correct, the direct passive with par is far less common in spoken French than in English. On or an active construction is almost always preferred for a more natural sound.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: *Il s'est fait refuser l'entrée.*
✓ Correct: Il s'est vu refuser l'entrée.
*Explanation:* While se faire + infinitif is common, se voir + infinitif is specifically used for experiencing an action that is imposed or happens to you, especially when it's something negative or beyond your control, making it more appropriate here.

Real Conversations

A

A

J'ai besoin de faire réparer ma voiture. (I need to have my car repaired.)
B

B

Ah, on ne la répare pas ici. Il est recommandé d'aller au garage en bas de la rue. (Ah, they don't repair it here. It is recommended to go to the garage down the street.)
A

A

Ces gâteaux se vendent très bien, n'est-ce pas? (These cakes sell very well, don't they?)
B

B

Oui, ils se mangent sans faim! Par contre, il est interdit de les toucher avant de payer. (Yes, they are eaten even when not hungry! However, it is forbidden to touch them before paying.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How does on differ from nous in B2 French grammar?

On is more informal and versatile, often meaning "we," "one," or "people in general," and can replace the passive. Nous strictly means "we" and is more formal or specific.

Q

Can all reflexive verbs be used in the pronominal passive sense?

No, only certain reflexive verbs naturally take on a passive meaning, typically when describing a process or a general truth, like se vendre (to be sold) or se dire (to be said).

Q

When should I use se faire + infinitif versus se voir + infinitif?

Se faire + infinitif implies having something done *by someone else* (e.g., se faire couper les cheveux - to have one's hair cut). Se voir + infinitif implies *experiencing* an action or being subjected to something, often an official decision or an unwelcome event (e.g., se voir refuser - to be refused).

Cultural Context

Native French speakers frequently employ these impersonal and indirect constructions, making your understanding of them crucial for truly authentic communication. The "magic on" is ubiquitous in everyday conversation, often replacing both "we" and the passive voice, contributing to a more fluid and less formal tone. The pronominal passive and impersonal forms are particularly common in public notices, official announcements, and general statements, providing an elegant way to convey information without specifying an agent. Mastering these patterns will make your French sound significantly more natural and less like a direct translation from English.

Key Examples (8)

1

On m'a téléphoné ce matin.

I was called this morning (Someone called me).

No Passive Voice with 'à' Verbs (Passif impossible avec COI)
2

On m'a dit que tu partais en vacances.

I was told that you were going on vacation.

No Passive Voice with 'à' Verbs (Passif impossible avec COI)
3

On dit que la pizza ici est incroyable.

They say the pizza here is amazing.

The Magic 'On': The Easy Alternative to the Passive
4

On m'a envoyé un message sur WhatsApp.

I was sent a message on WhatsApp.

The Magic 'On': The Easy Alternative to the Passive
5

Je me fais couper les cheveux à midi.

I'm getting my hair cut at noon.

Getting Things Done to You (se faire + infinitif)
6

Elle s'est fait voler son sac dans le métro.

She had her bag stolen in the subway.

Getting Things Done to You (se faire + infinitif)
7

Je me vois offrir un nouveau smartphone.

I am being offered a new smartphone.

The Pronominal Passive: Being 'Seen' Doing (se voir + infinitive)
8

Tu te vois refuser l'accès.

You are being refused access.

The Pronominal Passive: Being 'Seen' Doing (se voir + infinitive)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Check the preposition

Always look for 'à' after the verb. If it's there, no passive!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: No Passive Voice with 'à' Verbs (Passif impossible avec COI)
💡

Consistency

Don't mix 'on' and 'nous' in the same sentence. It sounds messy.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Magic 'On': The Easy Alternative to the Passive
💡

Invariance

Always remember: 'fait' never changes. It is the golden rule of this structure.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Getting Things Done to You (se faire + infinitif)
💡

Agreement is Key

Always check if your subject is feminine or plural. 'Vu' must agree!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Pronominal Passive: Being 'Seen' Doing (se voir + infinitive)

Key Vocabulary (5)

on we/one/someone se faire to have something done interdit forbidden se voir to have something happen to one pronominal pronominal

Real-World Preview

car

At the Mechanic

Review Summary

  • S + V + à + O
  • On + V (3rd pers sing)
  • S + se faire + inf
  • S + se voir + inf
  • S + se + V
  • Il est + participe passé

Common Mistakes

You cannot passivize 'parler à'. Avoid direct English translations.

Wrong: Le livre est parlé par lui.
Correct: Il parle du livre.

Missing the reflexive pronoun changes the meaning.

Wrong: J'ai fait couper mes cheveux.
Correct: Je me suis fait couper les cheveux.

Do not mix impersonal structures; pick one.

Wrong: Il est dit-on.
Correct: On dit.

Next Steps

You've successfully unlocked a huge piece of native-level French! Keep practicing these structures in your daily writing and you'll soon use them without even thinking.

Listen to a French news broadcast and count how many times 'on' is used.

Continue to: Looking Back: The Past Subjunctive

Quick Practice (10)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ils s'est vus offrir un poste.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ils se sont vus offrir.
Subject-verb agreement.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Pronominal Passive: Being 'Seen' Doing (se voir + infinitive)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

On mangeons au restaurant.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: On mange au restaurant.
On takes 3rd person singular.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Magic 'On': The Easy Alternative to the Passive

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

La loi est obéie par les citoyens.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Les citoyens obéissent à la loi.
Cannot passivize COI.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: No Passive Voice with 'à' Verbs (Passif impossible avec COI)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Il se mange le pain.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Le pain se mange.
Inanimate subject.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Passive Reflexive: Saying 'It is done' (Verbes pronominaux à sens passif)

Which sentence is correct?

a) Il est téléphoné par moi. b) Je lui téléphone.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Cannot passivize COI.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: No Passive Voice with 'à' Verbs (Passif impossible avec COI)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il s'est vu refuser.
Infinitive follows 'se voir'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Pronominal Passive: Being 'Seen' Doing (se voir + infinitive)

Choose the correct pronoun.

___ va au cinéma.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: On
On is the most natural choice.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Magic 'On': The Easy Alternative to the Passive

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Elle s'est faite punir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Elle s'est fait punir.
Infinitive required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Getting Things Done to You (se faire + infinitif)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Le livre se lit.
Correct conjugation.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Passive Reflexive: Saying 'It is done' (Verbes pronominaux à sens passif)

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'se voir'.

Elle ___ ___ offrir un cadeau.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: s'est vue
Agreement with feminine subject.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Pronominal Passive: Being 'Seen' Doing (se voir + infinitive)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

Because it takes 'à'. Passive requires a direct object.
No, it's a hard rule.
It is better to use 'nous' in formal writing. 'On' is for speech.
No, it can also mean 'people' or 'someone'.
It is a grammatical rule that in this causative structure, the past participle 'fait' is considered invariable.
No, only when you are the recipient of an action.
Previous Chapter
Handling Multiple Pronouns and Special Verbs
Next Chapter
Looking Back: The Past Subjunctive
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