B2 Sentence Structure 14 min read Easy

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

In French, you can't be 'talked to' in the passive; use 'On' or active voice instead.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

You cannot turn a sentence into passive voice if the verb requires 'à' (a COI).

  • Only direct objects (COD) can become the subject of a passive sentence.
  • Verbs like 'téléphoner à' or 'obéir à' take an indirect object (COI).
  • If you see 'à' in the active voice, keep it active or use a different structure.
Subject + Verb + à + Person ❌ Passive: Person + être + Verb + par + Subject

Overview

One of the most significant structural differences between English and French grammar concerns the passive voice. In English, we can passively construct a sentence from almost any verb, such as "I was spoken to" or "She was given a prize." French, however, imposes a strict limitation: a personal passive voice cannot be formed with verbs that require the preposition à to connect to their object. This grammatical constraint is not arbitrary; it is rooted in the fundamental distinction between direct and indirect objects.

Verbs that act upon a Direct Object Complement (COD), like manger la pomme (to eat the apple), can be made passive because the object directly receives the action. The apple can become the subject: la pomme est mangée. However, verbs that connect to an Indirect Object Complement (COI) using the preposition à, such as parler à un ami (to talk to a friend), cannot undergo this transformation.

An attempt like un ami est parlé is grammatically impossible and nonsensical in French.

This guide provides a comprehensive explanation of why this rule exists, how it functions, and what alternative structures you should use instead. Mastering this concept is essential for moving beyond direct translation from English and developing an authentic French sentence structure. You will learn to instinctively choose natural-sounding alternatives like the pronoun on or a simple active sentence, which are the preferred solutions in everyday French.

How This Grammar Works

The French passive voice is reserved for verbs that are direct transitive. This linguistic term means the verb's action transfers completely and directly onto an object without an intermediary preposition. Think of it as a physical transaction: in le chasseur a tué l'ours (the hunter killed the bear), the action of killing is fully received by the bear.
This allows the bear to be "promoted" to the subject of a passive sentence: l'ours a été tué par le chasseur.
The preposition à fundamentally changes this dynamic. It functions as a grammatical buffer, indicating that the object is not the direct recipient of the action but rather its destination, target, or beneficiary. In the sentence le professeur répond à l'étudiant (the professor answers the student), the student is not being 'answered' in the same way a bear is 'killed'.
The action of responding is directed towards them. This indirect relationship, marked by à, makes the object grammatically ineligible to become the subject of a personal passive sentence.
This principle holds for a wide range of common verbs. You téléphone à un ami (call a friend), you souris à un inconnu (smile at a stranger), and you plais à tes parents (please your parents). In each case, the preposition à signals an indirect link that blocks the passive construction.
The logic is consistent: if the verb needs à to reach its object, that object cannot be the star of a passive sentence. This is why a direct translation of "He was obeyed" fails; in French, one obéit à quelqu'un, making the passive form il a été obéi incorrect.

Word Order Rules

Understanding the sentence structure of active versus passive voice clarifies why verbs with à are excluded. The key is the role of the direct object (COD) as the only component that can be promoted to the subject position in a passive sentence.
A standard active sentence with a direct object follows this pattern:
  • Sujet + Verbe + COD
  • Example: Le facteur distribue le(m) courrier. (The mail carrier delivers the mail.)
To form the passive voice, the COD is moved to the subject position, the verb être is conjugated in the tense of the original verb, and the past participle is added, which must agree in gender and number with the new subject.
  • COD + être (conjugated) + Participe Passé (accordé) + par + Agent
  • Example: Le(m) courrier est distribué par le facteur. (The mail is delivered by the mail carrier.)
Now, consider an active sentence with an indirect object:
  • Sujet + Verbe + à + COI
  • Example: Le patron a parlé aux employés. (The boss spoke to the employees.)
If you attempt to apply the passive transformation rule, the result is grammatically incoherent because there is no COD to promote. The COI (aux employés) cannot legally take the subject position.
  • Incorrect Attempt: Les employés ont été parlés par le patron. This sentence is meaningless in French.
| Sentence Type | Structure | Example | Passive Status |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Active with COD | Sujet + Verbe + COD | L'entreprise a engagé Marie. | ✅ Passive Possible |
| Passive from COD | COD + être + P.P. + par Agent | Marie a été engagée par l'entreprise. | ✅ Correct |
| Active with COI | Sujet + Verbe + à + COI | Le journaliste a téléphoné à Marie. | ❌ Passive Impossible |
| Passive from COI | COI + être + P.P. + par Agent | Marie a été téléphonée par le journaliste. | ❌ Incorrect |

Formation Pattern

1
Since you cannot form a personal passive with à-verbs, you must use alternative constructions. These are not simply "workarounds"; they are the natural and correct way to express these ideas in French. There are three primary strategies.
2
1. The On Strategy (Most Common)
3
The indefinite pronoun on is the most versatile and common solution. It functions as an active subject, meaning "someone," "they," or people in general, effectively reversing the sentence and eliminating the need for a passive structure.
4
Instead of: "I was told a secret."
5
Structure: On + pronom COI + verbe (conjugué) + ...
6
Correct French: On m'a dit un secret.
7
2. The Active Voice Swap
8
This straightforward strategy involves simply using a standard active sentence and naming the person or thing performing the action. It is more direct and often more informative than a passive construction.
9
Instead of: "She was written to by her brother."
10
Structure: Sujet (Agent) + verbe (conjugué) + ...
11
Correct French: Son frère lui a écrit.
12
3. The Pronominal se faire or se voir Strategy (Advanced)
13
For situations where the subject experiences an action, often with a negative or passive connotation, you can use a pronominal structure with an infinitive. se faire + infinitif is very common, while se voir + infinitif is slightly more formal.
14
Instead of: "He was refused access."
15
Structure: Pronom Réfléchi + faire/voir (conjugué) + infinitif
16
Correct French: Il s'est fait refuser l'accès. (More common) or Il s'est vu refuser l'accès. (More formal).
17
Here is a summary of the rescue patterns:
18
| English Passive Idea | Forbidden French Passive | Correct Alternative(s) |
19
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
20
| "I was answered." | J'ai été répondu. | On m'a répondu. (On-Strategy) |
21
| "She was smiled at." | Elle a été sourie. | Quelqu'un lui a souri. (Active Swap) |
22
| "They were lied to." | Ils ont été mentis. | On leur a menti. (On-Strategy) |
23
| "He was denied his request." | Il a été refusé sa demande. | Il s'est vu refuser sa demande. (se voir) |

When To Use It

Choosing the right alternative depends on the context, level of formality, and what you want to emphasize. The rule of avoiding the passive with à-verbs applies universally, from casual texting to formal writing.
In Casual and Everyday Spoken French:
The pronoun on is your most reliable tool. It is used constantly by native speakers to express ideas that would be passive in English. It's fast, efficient, and perfectly natural.
  • On m'a dit que la réunion est annulée. (I was told the meeting is canceled.)
  • Regarde, on t'a envoyé un message ! (Look, you were sent a message!)
In Standard and Professional Contexts (Emails, Reports):
Both the on strategy and a direct active sentence are appropriate. Using a specific, active subject (le département, ma collègue) can sound more precise and accountable than the slightly more ambiguous on.
  • Using on: On a répondu favorablement à votre demande. (A favorable response was given to your request.)
  • Using Active Voice: Le(m) service client a répondu à votre e-mail. (The customer service department has answered your email.) This is often preferred for clarity.
Common verbs that follow this pattern include:
  • parler à qqn (to speak to s.o.)
  • téléphoner à qqn (to phone s.o.)
  • écrire à qqn (to write to s.o.)
  • répondre à qqn/qqch (to answer s.o./s.t.)
  • mentir à qqn (to lie to s.o.)
  • sourire à qqn (to smile at s.o.)
  • plaire à qqn (to please s.o.)
  • nuire à qqn/qqch (to harm s.o./s.t.)
  • obéir/désobéir à qqn/qqch (to obey/disobey s.o./s.t.)
  • ressembler à qqn/qqch (to resemble s.o./s.t.)

Common Mistakes

Learners of French frequently make errors by directly translating passive structures from English. Recognizing these specific patterns is key to avoiding them.
1. The demander COD/COI Confusion
The verb demander is a classic trap because it can take both a COD and a COI. You demande quelque chose (COD) à quelqu'un (COI). Only the 'something' can be the subject of a passive sentence.
  • Correct Passive: Une augmentation a été demandée. (A raise was asked for.) Here, une augmentation is the COD.
  • Incorrect Passive: J'ai été demandé une augmentation. (I was asked for a raise.)
  • How to fix it: On m'a demandé une augmentation.
2. The aider vs. obéir Overcorrection
Once learners grasp this rule, they sometimes over-apply it to verbs that are direct transitive. Aider (to help) is a direct verb: aider quelqu'un. Therefore, its passive form is perfectly correct.
  • Correct: J'ai été aidé par mes voisins. (I was helped by my neighbors.)
  • Incorrect Assumption: Thinking all English passives are wrong. In contrast, obéir à quelqu'un is indirect, so Le général a été obéi is incorrect. You must say On a obéi au général.
3. The plaire à Inversion Error
English uses the structure "I am pleased," which looks passive. The French equivalent, plaire à, has an inverted structure: quelque chose plaît à quelqu'un. The thing that pleases is the subject. Trying to form a passive is a fundamental misunderstanding of the verb.
  • Incorrect: Je suis plu par ce cadeau.
  • How to say it: Ce cadeau me plaît. (This gift pleases me / I like this gift.)
4. The General Direct Translation Error
This is the most common mistake, where any English passive sentence is translated word-for-word, especially with verbs of communication.
  • Incorrect: Il a été pardonné par son ami.
  • How to fix it: Son ami lui a pardonné. (Active) or On lui a pardonné. (On)

Contrast With Similar Patterns

To solidify your understanding, it's crucial to contrast this impossible structure with other, valid passive and passive-like forms in French.
Personal Passive (Valid) vs. Impossible Passive
The dividing line is the presence or absence of a preposition. Verbs without a preposition connecting to their object are typically direct transitive and can form a standard passive.
| Verb Type | Structure | Passive Formation | Example |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Direct Transitive | inviter qqn (COD) | Possible | Marie est invitée à la fête. |
| Indirect Transitive | parler à qqn (COI) | Impossible | Marie est parlée à. (Incorrect) -> On parle à Marie. |
The On Pronoun vs. se faire + infinitif
Both are alternatives to the passive, but they carry different nuances. On is a neutral, all-purpose solution. Se faire often implies the subject experienced the action more directly, sometimes with a negative or submissive connotation.
  • On m'a critiqué. - I was criticized. (A general, factual statement.)
  • Je me suis fait critiquer. - I got criticized. (Emphasizes the experience of being criticized; sounds more personal and impactful.)
Verbs with de
The rule is not limited to à. Other prepositions, like de, also block the personal passive construction. For a verb like parler de quelqu'un (to talk about someone), you cannot make that person the subject of a passive sentence.
  • Incorrect: Ce politicien est beaucoup parlé.
  • Correct: On parle beaucoup de ce politicien. (This politician is talked about a lot.)
Impersonal Passive
Do not confuse the impossible personal passive with the valid impersonal passive. The impersonal passive uses the pronoun il as a dummy subject and is common in formal and administrative language. It does not promote an object.
  • Il a été décidé que... (It was decided that...)
  • Il est interdit de fumer. (It is forbidden to smoke.)

Real Conversations

Observing how these structures are used in natural, modern contexts is the best way to internalize them.

S

Scenario 1

Texting about a social situation

This conversation shows the default use of on to mean "I was..."

> Léa: Alors, des nouvelles de Marc ? Il t'a répondu ? (So, any news from Marc? Did he reply to you?)

> Hugo: Non rien... J'pense que je me suis fait ghoster. (No, nothing... I think I've been ghosted.)

> Léa: Sérieux ? On lui avait pourtant dit de te rappeler ! (Seriously? We even told him to call you back!) - Note on used for 'we'.

S

Scenario 2

Professional context on Slack

This illustrates the choice between the precise active voice and the slightly more passive-feeling on.

> Project Manager: @channel Bonjour, est-ce qu'on a répondu à la demande du client ABC ? (Hello, has client ABC's request been answered?)

> Team Member 1: Oui, on lui a répondu ce matin. (Yes, he was answered this morning.) - Uses on for a quick, general update.

> Team Member 2: Oui, c'est bon. Thomas lui a envoyé un mail à 9h. (Yes, it's done. Thomas sent him an email at 9am.) - Uses active voice for a more specific, accountable report.

S

Scenario 3

Complaining to a friend

This demonstrates a preference for the direct, active voice, which is often more dramatic and engaging.

> Speaker A: Je suis dégoûté. Le propriétaire a refusé mon dossier. (I'm disgusted. The landlord rejected my application.) - Active voice is more powerful than saying 'My application was rejected.'

> Speaker B: Sans raison ? Il t'a menti ou quoi ? (For no reason? Did he lie to you or what?) - The natural question is active, not 'Were you lied to?'

Quick FAQ

Q: So to be 100% clear, if a verb uses à, I can never use the passive voice?

For the personal passive voice (where a person or object becomes the subject), that is the most reliable rule a learner can follow. While you might find rare or archaic literary exceptions, this rule holds true for 99.9% of modern French usage. Stick to it.

Q: Why can I say la lettre a été écrite but not la mère a été écrite?

Because the verb écrire has two different structures. You écrire une lettre (COD), making the letter a direct object that can be made passive. But you écrire à sa mère (COI), making the mother an indirect object that cannot.

Q: Is using on all the time considered informal or bad style?

Not at all. On is standard in all but the most formal and academic written French. In spoken French, it has almost completely replaced nous for "we" and is the default way to express passive ideas. It is not informal; it is simply standard.

Q: Does this rule also apply to verbs followed by de, contre, or other prepositions?

Yes. Any preposition (à, de, sur, contre) between the verb and its object complement typically blocks the personal passive transformation. For example, méditer sur un problème (to meditate on a problem) cannot become un problème est médité.

Q: What about a verb like pardonner? Can I say j'ai été pardonné?

While pardonner à quelqu'un is the standard structure today, the verb also has an older, direct transitive use (pardonner une faute). Because of this ambiguity, you will sometimes hear j'ai été pardonné, but it is far more common and safer to say on m'a pardonné or il m'a pardonné.

Q: How do I say "I was helped" then?

The verb aider is a direct transitive verb (aider qqn). It does not use à. Therefore, its passive form is perfectly correct and common: J'ai été aidé(e) par beaucoup de gens.

Q: Does this rule apply to all verb tenses?

Yes, the structural rule is independent of tense. Whether in the present, futur simple, or plus-que-parfait, if the verb's structure involves à + COI, the personal passive is impossible.

Active vs. Passive Possibility

Verb Type Example Passive Possible? Reason
Direct (COD)
Manger (la pomme)
Oui
Has a direct object
Indirect (COI)
Téléphoner (à Marie)
Non
Requires 'à'
Direct (COD)
Voir (le film)
Oui
Has a direct object
Indirect (COI)
Parler (à Jean)
Non
Requires 'à'
Direct (COD)
Aimer (le chocolat)
Oui
Has a direct object
Indirect (COI)
Obéir (à la loi)
Non
Requires 'à'

Meanings

This rule explains that French verbs followed by the preposition 'à' (indirect transitives) cannot be transformed into the passive voice because they lack a direct object to act as the new subject.

1

Indirect Transitive Restriction

Verbs requiring 'à' (COI) cannot undergo passive transformation.

“Je parle à ma mère.”

“Il obéit à son patron.”

Reference Table

Reference table for No Passive Voice with 'à' Verbs (Passif impossible avec COI)
Form Structure Example
Active
Sujet + Verbe + à + COI
Je parle à Marie.
Passive (Attempted)
COI + être + Verbe + par + Sujet
Marie est parlée par moi (X)
Corrective
Rephrase with direct verb
J'ai contacté Marie.
Negative
Sujet + ne + Verbe + pas + à + COI
Je ne parle pas à Marie.
Question
Est-ce que + Sujet + Verbe + à + COI ?
Est-ce que tu parles à Marie ?
Inversion
Verbe + Sujet + à + COI ?
Parles-tu à Marie ?

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Je téléphone au directeur.

Je téléphone au directeur. (Professional)

Neutral
Je téléphone au directeur.

Je téléphone au directeur. (Professional)

Informal
J'appelle le directeur.

J'appelle le directeur. (Professional)

Slang
Je passe un coup de fil au boss.

Je passe un coup de fil au boss. (Professional)

The Passive Voice Gatekeeper

Verb

Direct (COD)

  • Manger To eat
  • Voir To see

Indirect (COI)

  • Téléphoner à To call
  • Parler à To speak
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Examples by Level

1

Je parle à Marie.

I speak to Marie.

2

Il téléphone à son père.

He calls his father.

3

Elle obéit à sa mère.

She obeys her mother.

4

Nous écrivons à nos amis.

We write to our friends.

1

Je ne peux pas dire 'Marie est parlée par moi'.

I cannot say 'Marie is spoken to by me'.

2

Il faut dire 'Je parle à Marie'.

You must say 'I speak to Marie'.

3

Le client répond au vendeur.

The customer answers the seller.

4

Je ressemble à mon frère.

I look like my brother.

1

Il est impossible de passiviser 'téléphoner à'.

It is impossible to passivize 'to call'.

2

Au lieu de la voix passive, gardez la voix active.

Instead of passive voice, keep the active voice.

3

Le professeur a parlé aux étudiants.

The teacher spoke to the students.

4

Elle a succédé à son père.

She succeeded her father.

1

La structure passive est exclue pour les verbes transitifs indirects.

The passive structure is excluded for indirect transitive verbs.

2

On ne peut pas dire 'Il est téléphoné par moi'.

One cannot say 'He is called by me'.

3

Il faut privilégier une tournure active.

One must favor an active phrasing.

4

Cette règle s'applique à tous les verbes avec 'à'.

This rule applies to all verbs with 'à'.

1

La transitivité indirecte bloque la promotion du complément au sujet.

Indirect transitivity blocks the promotion of the complement to the subject.

2

L'absence de COD rend la transformation passive impossible.

The absence of a direct object makes the passive transformation impossible.

3

Il convient d'éviter toute tentative de passivisation ici.

It is advisable to avoid any attempt at passivization here.

4

La structure dative impose le maintien de l'actif.

The dative structure imposes the maintenance of the active.

1

La contrainte syntaxique sur les verbes en 'à' est absolue.

The syntactic constraint on verbs with 'à' is absolute.

2

Le passif est réservé aux verbes régissant un accusatif.

The passive is reserved for verbs governing an accusative.

3

Toute tentative de passivisation d'un COI est un solécisme.

Any attempt at passivizing a COI is a solecism.

4

La structure active demeure la seule option viable.

The active structure remains the only viable option.

Easily Confused

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

Learners think all verbs can be passive.

No Passive Voice with 'à' Verbs (Passif impossible avec COI) vs Direct vs Indirect Objects

Confusing COD and COI.

No Passive Voice with 'à' Verbs (Passif impossible avec COI) vs Causative 'faire'

Using 'faire' to force a passive meaning.

Common Mistakes

✗

Il est téléphoné par moi.

✓

Je lui téléphone.

Cannot passivize COI.
✗

Elle est parlée par le prof.

✓

Le prof lui parle.

Cannot passivize COI.
✗

Le chien est obéi par l'enfant.

✓

L'enfant obéit au chien.

Cannot passivize COI.
✗

Le livre est écrit à par moi.

✓

J'écris le livre.

Confusing COD/COI.
✗

La loi est obéie par tous.

✓

Tous obéissent à la loi.

Cannot passivize COI.
✗

Le client est répondu par le vendeur.

✓

Le vendeur répond au client.

Cannot passivize COI.
✗

Il est ressemblé par son père.

✓

Il ressemble à son père.

Cannot passivize COI.
✗

Les parents sont succédés par les enfants.

✓

Les enfants succèdent aux parents.

Cannot passivize COI.
✗

Le patron est téléphoné par l'employé.

✓

L'employé téléphone au patron.

Cannot passivize COI.
✗

La question est répondue par lui.

✓

Il répond à la question.

Cannot passivize COI.
✗

Le directeur est succédé par son adjoint.

✓

L'adjoint succède au directeur.

Cannot passivize COI.
✗

La règle est obéie par les citoyens.

✓

Les citoyens obéissent à la règle.

Cannot passivize COI.

Sentence Patterns

Je ___ à ___.

Il ___ à la loi.

Je ne peux pas dire '___ est ___ par moi'.

La structure passive est impossible avec les verbes qui ___.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

Je téléphone à maman.

Job Interview very common

Je réponds aux besoins des clients.

Social Media common

Je parle à mes abonnés.

Travel occasional

Je ressemble à mon frère.

Food Delivery App common

Je réponds au livreur.

Email very common

Je réponds à votre demande.

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💡

Check the preposition

Always look for 'à' after the verb. If it's there, no passive!
⚠️

Don't translate literally

English allows passive with many verbs that French does not.
🎯

Use synonyms

If you need passive, find a direct verb synonym.
💬

Sound native

Native speakers never use passive with 'à' verbs.

Smart Tips

Check for 'à'. If present, stop.

Il est téléphoné par moi. → Je lui téléphone.

Use active voice for clarity.

La question est répondue par moi. → Je réponds à votre question.

Don't trust English passive.

Le patron est obéi par les employés. → Les employés obéissent au patron.

Learn if it's COD or COI.

Apprendre 'téléphoner'. → Apprendre 'téléphoner à'.

Pronunciation

aux-étudiants [o-ze-ty-dja]

Liaison

Ensure liaison between 'aux' and following vowels.

Declarative

Je téléphone à Marie ↘

Standard statement

Memorize It

Mnemonic

If you see 'à', keep it away from the passive bay.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'No Entry' sign on a gate labeled 'Passive Voice' whenever you see the preposition 'à'.

Rhyme

If the verb needs an 'à', the passive goes away.

Story

Marie wanted to be the subject of a passive sentence. She tried to join the 'Passive Club' with the verb 'téléphoner'. The bouncer at the door saw the 'à' and said, 'Sorry, you're an indirect object, you can't come in!' Marie stayed in the active voice forever.

Word Web

téléphoner àparler àobéir àrépondre àressembler àsuccéder à

Challenge

Write 5 sentences using 'à' verbs, then try to turn them into passive and realize why you can't!

Cultural Notes

French speakers are very sensitive to the COD/COI distinction. Using a passive construction with a COI sounds very 'foreign'.

The passive voice in French evolved from Latin, which had a synthetic passive. French moved to an analytic passive using 'être'.

Conversation Starters

“

À qui téléphones-tu souvent ?

“

Obéis-tu toujours à tes parents ?

“

À quel personnage historique ressembles-tu ?

“

Est-il possible de passiviser le verbe 'répondre' ?

Journal Prompts

Décris une personne à qui tu ressembles.
Raconte un appel téléphonique important.
Explique pourquoi on ne peut pas dire 'Il est téléphoné par moi'.
Discute de l'importance d'obéir aux règles.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Cannot passivize COI.
Fill in the blank.

Je ___ à mon ami.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: parle
Active voice is required.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

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.
Transform to active. Sentence Transformation

Le client est répondu par le vendeur.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Le vendeur répond au client.
Active voice.
True or False? True False Rule

Can we passivize 'ressembler à'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It takes 'à'.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Il est téléphoné par toi? B: Non, ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: je lui téléphone.
Active voice.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

obéir / à / les enfants / la loi

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Les enfants obéissent à la loi.
Active voice.
Sort the verbs. Grammar Sorting

Which can be passive?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Manger, Voir
Direct transitives only.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Cannot passivize COI.
Fill in the blank.

Je ___ à mon ami.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: parle
Active voice is required.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

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.
Transform to active. Sentence Transformation

Le client est répondu par le vendeur.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Le vendeur répond au client.
Active voice.
True or False? True False Rule

Can we passivize 'ressembler à'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It takes 'à'.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Il est téléphoné par toi? B: Non, ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: je lui téléphone.
Active voice.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

obéir / à / les enfants / la loi

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Les enfants obéissent à la loi.
Active voice.
Sort the verbs. Grammar Sorting

Which can be passive?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Manger, Voir
Direct transitives only.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fix the passive mistake Error Correction

Marie a été répondue par le prof.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Le prof a répondu à Marie.
Translate to French: 'They wrote to me.' Translation

They wrote to me.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: On m'a écrit.
Which sentence is grammatically correct? Multiple Choice

Select the correct option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: On m'a parlé du projet.
Order the words: 'We were told no.' Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: On nous a dit non
Complete the sentence Fill in the Blank

___ a téléphoné hier soir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: On m'
Match the English to the correct French Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I was told:On m'a dit, I was called:On m'a téléphoné, I was invited:J'ai été invité
Translate: 'I was asked a question.' Translation

I was asked a question.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: On m'a posé une question.
Identify the IMPOSSIBLE sentence Multiple Choice

Which one is WRONG?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je suis parlé par Pierre.
Choose the correct pronoun Fill in the Blank

On ___ a répondu sur Instagram.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: lui
Fix the Instagram caption Error Correction

J'ai été écrit par ma marque préférée !

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ma marque préférée m'a écrit !

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Because it takes 'à'. Passive requires a direct object.

No, it's a hard rule.

Use a different verb or a cleft sentence.

Yes, all indirect transitives.

Yes, it's standard French.

Check the dictionary for 'transitif indirect'.

No, 'par' is for passive agents.

No, they do it naturally.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Pasiva refleja

Spanish uses 'se' for impersonal structures.

German partial

Passiv

German is more permissive with dative passives.

English low

Passive voice

English is much more flexible with passive voice.

Japanese low

Ukemigata

Japanese passive is much broader.

Arabic moderate

Majhul

Arabic does not distinguish between COD/COI in the same way.

Chinese low

Bei

Chinese passive is not about transitivity.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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

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