Portuguese Objectivity: Impersonal and Formal Writing (se)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'se' to create formal, objective sentences by removing the specific subject, making your writing sound professional and detached.
- Use 'se' with transitive verbs to make the object the subject: 'Vendem-se casas' (Houses are sold).
- Use 'se' with intransitive or linking verbs to keep the subject unknown: 'Vive-se bem aqui' (One lives well here).
- Ensure the verb agrees with the patient in passive constructions: 'Alugam-se apartamentos' (plural).
Overview
Achieving objectivity in Portuguese, particularly at the C1 level, signifies a crucial shift from personal expression to a more formal, detached presentation of information. This linguistic strategy is indispensable for academic writing, professional communication, and journalistic discourse, where the focus must remain on facts, processes, or observations rather than the individual observer. You learn to abstract away the direct agent, making statements sound universally true or empirically verifiable.
Think of it as constructing an argument or reporting data where the integrity of the information transcends individual biases or perceptions. Mastery of these structures allows you to navigate sophisticated communicative contexts in Portuguese-speaking environments, from understanding complex legal texts in Portugal to analyzing business reports in Brazil.
This register serves to enhance credibility and impartiality. Instead of stating Eu observei que o mercado reagiu mal (I observed that the market reacted poorly), you would formulate Observou-se uma reação negativa do mercado (A negative market reaction was observed). The latter shifts the emphasis from your personal act of observation to the observation itself as a verifiable fact.
This detachment is not merely stylistic; it reflects a core principle of formal communication: to minimize subjective interference and foreground the message itself. In societies that value formality in certain contexts, such as academic institutions or government bodies, employing these objective constructions is a marker of linguistic competence and respect for the register.
How This Grammar Works
se, the passive voice (both synthetic and analytic forms), and nominalization. These strategies collectively allow you to de-emphasize the subject (the 'doer' of the action) and foreground the action, its result, or the concept itself. Each mechanism serves slightly different nuances of objectivity and formality.- 1Impersonal
se(Construção comsede sujeito indeterminado): This construction indicates that the agent of the action is indefinite or unknown, and therefore irrelevant to the statement. The verb is always in the 3rd person singular, regardless of the number of the complement. It typically functions with intransitive verbs or transitive verbs followed by a prepositional object. For instance,Vive-se bem nesta cidade(One lives well in this city) implies that people, in general, live well, without specifying who. The key here is the indeterminacy of the subject.
- 1Passive Voice:
- Passive Voice (Synthetic) (
voz passiva sintética): Formed by a verb in the 3rd person (singular or plural) immediately followed byse. The verb agrees in number with the grammatical subject, which is the patient of the action. This structure is concise and very common in signs, notices, and formal writing. ConsiderVendem-se apartamentos(Apartments are sold). Here,apartamentosis the grammatical subject, and the verbvendemis plural to match it. - Passive Voice (Analytic) (
voz passiva analítica): This is constructed using the auxiliary verbser(to be) conjugated appropriately, followed by the past participle of the main verb. The past participle agrees in gender and number with the grammatical subject. This form allows for the explicit mention of the agent (the 'doer') using the prepositionpororpelo/pela(s). For example,O relatório foi escrito pelo diretor(The report was written by the director). Even when the agent is omitted (O relatório foi escrito), the structure remains analytic and emphasizes the action's recipient.
- 1Nominalization (
nominalização): This involves transforming verbs or adjectives into nouns. This technique reifies actions or qualities into abstract concepts, further removing agency and adding gravitas. Instead of statingEsperamos que a investigação termine(We hope the investigation finishes), you might writeAguarda-se a conclusão da investigação(The conclusion of the investigation is awaited). Nominalization turns dynamic processes into static entities, making statements appear more absolute and less tied to a specific moment or actor. It's particularly prevalent in academic and bureaucratic language, where concepts are discussed as concrete ideas.
Formation Pattern
se (Sujeto Indeterminado)
se serves to create a general statement about an activity.
se (+ Preposition) | Precisa-se de voluntários. | Precisa-se de voluntários. | Volunteers are needed. |
se + Verb (3rd Sg) (+ Preposition) | (Less common in PT-PT formal) | Se vive bem aqui. | One lives well here. |
Faz-se + Infinitive | Faz-se necessário agir. | Faz-se necessário agir. | It becomes necessary to act. |
voz passiva sintética)
se. The verb must agree in number with the grammatical subject.
se + Sg Subject | Vende-se casa. | Vende-se casa. | A house is for sale. |
se + Pl Subject | Vendem-se casas. | Vendem-se casas. | Houses are for sale. |
se + Verb (3rd Sg) + Sg Subject | (Less common in PT-PT formal) | Se compram livros. | Books are bought. |
se + Verb (3rd Pl) + Pl Subject | (Less common in PT-PT formal) | Se fazem pesquisas. | Research is done. |
Faz-se o trabalho. | Faz-se o trabalho. | Se faz o trabalho is common in spoken PT-BR, but avoided in formal writing. |
Tem-se feito progresso. | Tem-se feito progresso. | |
Não se faz. Quando se faz. | Não se faz. Quando se faz. | Always proclitic. |
voz passiva analítica)
ser (to be) followed by the past participle of the main verb. The participle agrees in gender and number with the grammatical subject.
ser + Past Participle | A decisão foi tomada. | A decisão foi tomada. | The decision was taken. |
ser + Past Participles | Os dados foram analisados. | Os dados foram analisados. | The data were analyzed. |
ser + Past Participle + por Agent | A obra foi escrita por ele. | A obra foi escrita por ele. | The work was written by him. |
ser Conjugation (Present Simple):
o relatório foi escrito, a proposta foi aprovada, os artigos foram publicados, as ideias foram apresentadas.
nominalização)
analisar | a análise | Eles analisaram os dados. | A análise dos dados foi feita. | The analysis of the data was performed. |
decidir | a decisão | Quando se decidiu o projeto? | A data da decisão do projeto... | The date of the project's decision... |
construir | a construção | Construímos uma ponte. | A construção de uma ponte. | The construction of a bridge. |
importante | a importância | É importante notar. | A importância da observação é clara. | The importance of the observation is clear. |
desenvolver | o desenvolvimento | O país desenvolveu-se. | O desenvolvimento do país. | The country's development. |
se or analytic passive constructions.
Constata-se que... | Stating an observed fact or conclusion | Constata-se que a adesão aumentou. | It is noted that adherence increased. |
Observa-se que... | Presenting an empirical observation | Observa-se um padrão nos resultados. | A pattern is observed in the results. |
Verificou-se que... | Reporting a finding or verification | Verificou-se que o sistema funciona. | It was verified that the system works. |
É necessário que... | Expressing a requirement (subjunctive) | É necessário que se implementem medidas. | It is necessary that measures be implemented. |
Considera-se que... | Introducing a generally held view | Considera-se que a política é eficaz. | It is considered that the policy is effective. |
Sugere-se que... | Proposing an idea or course of action | Sugere-se que a análise seja revista. | It is suggested that the analysis be reviewed. |
When To Use It
- Academic and Scientific Writing: In theses, research papers, and scholarly articles, objectivity is paramount. You use these structures to present findings, describe methodologies, and draw conclusions without personalizing the research process. For example, instead of
Nós realizamos o experimento(We performed the experiment), you would writeO experimento foi realizado(The experiment was performed) orRealizou-se o experimento(The experiment was performed). This distances the researchers from the results, emphasizing the process and data.
Neste estudo, analisou-se o impacto das redes sociais.(In this study, the impact of social media was analyzed.)Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com a literatura existente.(The obtained results were compared with existing literature.)A hipótese formulada é sustentada pelas evidências.(The formulated hypothesis is supported by the evidence.)
- Formal Business and Professional Communication: Reports, official emails, proposals, and presentations benefit from an objective tone. This register conveys professionalism and focuses on facts, decisions, or corporate actions rather than individual opinions. When discussing company policies or project outcomes, these constructions maintain a consistent, authoritative voice.
Comunicam-se as novas diretrizes de segurança.(The new safety guidelines are communicated.)Solicita-se a colaboração de todos os departamentos.(The collaboration of all departments is requested.)O prazo para entrega do projeto será reavaliado.(The deadline for project delivery will be re-evaluated.)
- Journalism and News Reporting: News articles, editorials, and official statements aim for impartiality. The passive voice and impersonal
seallow reporters to present events as they occurred, without inserting their personal presence. This helps in framing information as factual and universally understood, even if the ultimate source is identifiable.
Verificou-se um aumento significativo no número de turistas.(A significant increase in the number of tourists was verified.)Discute-se a proposta no parlamento.(The proposal is discussed in parliament.)As medidas foram implementadas para conter a inflação.(The measures were implemented to contain inflation.)
- Legal and Bureaucratic Documents: Laws, regulations, contracts, and official notices are inherently objective. These texts use the impersonal
seand passive voice extensively to establish universal rules and consequences, removing any personal agency from the pronouncements. The language is precise, formal, and unambiguous to ensure consistent interpretation.
Aplica-se a lei nos termos definidos.(The law is applied under the defined terms.)É proibida a entrada a menores de idade.(Entry is prohibited to minors.)O presente documento foi elaborado em conformidade com a legislação.(The present document was prepared in accordance with the legislation.)
- Technical Instructions and Manuals: To describe procedures or functions, an objective voice ensures clarity and focuses on the action itself, rather than who performs it. This makes instructions universal and applicable to any user.
Premir-se o botão para iniciar o processo.(Press the button to start the process.)Os dados são inseridos na tabela correspondente.(The data are inserted into the corresponding table.)Recomenda-se a calibração periódica do equipamento.(Periodic calibration of the equipment is recommended.)
ser + past participle) often offers more clarity, especially if the agent is known but de-emphasized. The synthetic passive (verb + se) is typically more concise.se is ideal when the agent is genuinely unknown or irrelevant, making a general statement.Common Mistakes
- 1Confusion of
seagreement (Impersonal vs. Synthetic Passive): This is arguably the most pervasive error. You must distinguish between the impersonalse, where the verb is always singular (because the subject is indeterminate), and the synthetic passivese, where the verb agrees with the grammatical subject (the patient of the action).
- Incorrect:
*Aluga-se apartamentos.(The verbalugarshould agree with the plural subjectapartamentos.) - Correct (Synthetic Passive):
Alugam-se apartamentos.(Apartments are rented.) - Correct (Impersonal
sewith preposition):Precisa-se de funcionários.(Employees are needed – herefuncionáriosis a prepositional object, not the grammatical subject.) - Why this happens: Learners often perceive
seas a generic
Passive vs. Indeterminate 'Se'
| Type | Verb Type | Agreement | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Passive
|
Transitive
|
With Object
|
Vendem-se casas
|
|
Indeterminate
|
Intransitive
|
Always Singular
|
Vive-se bem
|
Meanings
The particle 'se' is used in formal Portuguese to create passive voice constructions or to indicate an indeterminate subject, effectively removing the need for a specific person or entity to perform the action.
Passive 'se'
Used with transitive verbs where the object becomes the grammatical subject.
“Vendem-se produtos importados.”
“Construíram-se novas pontes.”
Indeterminate Subject
Used with intransitive, linking, or prepositional verbs to indicate a general, non-specific subject.
“Vive-se com pouco dinheiro.”
“Precisa-se de funcionários.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + se
|
Vende-se
|
|
Negative
|
Não + se + Verb
|
Não se vende
|
|
Interrogative
|
Verb + se + ?
|
Vende-se?
|
|
Plural Passive
|
Verb (pl) + se + Obj (pl)
|
Vendem-se casas
|
|
Indeterminate
|
Verb (sg) + se
|
Precisa-se de ajuda
|
Formality Spectrum
Vendem-se casas. (Real estate)
Estamos vendendo casas. (Real estate)
Tô vendendo casa. (Real estate)
Tem casa pra vender. (Real estate)
The 'Se' Decision Tree
Transitive
- Passive Object becomes subject
Intransitive
- Indeterminate General subject
Examples by Level
Aluga-se casa.
House for rent.
Vende-se carro.
Car for sale.
Fala-se português.
Portuguese is spoken.
Come-se bem aqui.
One eats well here.
Precisa-se de ajuda.
Help is needed.
Aceitam-se cartões.
Cards are accepted.
Procura-se funcionário.
Employee wanted.
Não se fuma aqui.
Smoking is not allowed here.
Discutem-se os problemas.
The problems are discussed.
Vive-se melhor no campo.
One lives better in the countryside.
Construíram-se novas escolas.
New schools were built.
Confia-se nos dados.
The data is trusted.
Observam-se mudanças climáticas.
Climate changes are observed.
Espera-se uma decisão em breve.
A decision is expected soon.
Notam-se melhorias no sistema.
Improvements are noted in the system.
Pensa-se que a economia vai crescer.
It is thought that the economy will grow.
Requerem-se conhecimentos avançados.
Advanced knowledge is required.
Alega-se que houve irregularidades.
It is alleged that there were irregularities.
Conclui-se que o projeto é viável.
It is concluded that the project is viable.
Admitem-se exceções à regra.
Exceptions to the rule are admitted.
Depreende-se do texto uma crítica social.
A social critique is inferred from the text.
Postula-se a existência de variáveis ocultas.
The existence of hidden variables is postulated.
Verificam-se discrepâncias nos resultados.
Discrepancies are verified in the results.
Reconhece-se a importância do legado.
The importance of the legacy is recognized.
Easily Confused
Both use 'se'.
Common Mistakes
Vende-se casas
Vendem-se casas
Precisa-se de funcionários
Precisam-se de funcionários
Se vende casas
Vendem-se casas
Alugam-se de apartamentos
Alugam-se apartamentos
Sentence Patterns
___-se ___ (plural object).
Real World Usage
Aluga-se apartamento.
Precisa-se de cozinheiro.
Discutem-se novas leis.
Não se pise na grama.
Observa-se que...
Espera-se uma resposta.
Check the object
Don't use with direct objects
Formal tone
Regional differences
Smart Tips
Use the impersonal 'se' to maintain objectivity.
Use the passive 'se'.
Use the indeterminate 'se'.
Always look for the plural object.
Pronunciation
Clitic placement
In formal European Portuguese, the 'se' is often placed after the verb (enclisis).
Formal statement
Vende-se a casa ↘
Neutral, objective statement.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Se is the key to hide the 'who'.
Visual Association
Imagine a person wearing a mask labeled 'Se'. Because they are wearing a mask, you cannot see who they are (the subject is hidden).
Rhyme
If the object is plural, the verb must be too, add 'se' to the end, and the sentence is true.
Story
A detective is writing a report. He doesn't know who stole the cookies. He writes: 'Roubaram-se os biscoitos'. He uses 'se' because he doesn't want to blame anyone specific yet. The report sounds very professional.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 signs for a fictional store using the 'se' construction.
Cultural Notes
In Brazil, the 'se' is often dropped in speech, but kept in formal writing.
The 'se' is strictly maintained in both speech and writing.
Derived from Latin 'se'.
Conversation Starters
Como se diz 'hello' em português?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
___-se casas nesta rua.
Find and fix the mistake:
Aluga-se apartamentos.
Qual é a forma correta?
Eles vendem carros.
O 'se' passivo concorda com o sujeito.
A: O que se faz aqui? B: ___.
Construir / se / pontes
Qual é passivo?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises___-se casas nesta rua.
Find and fix the mistake:
Aluga-se apartamentos.
Qual é a forma correta?
Eles vendem carros.
O 'se' passivo concorda com o sujeito.
A: O que se faz aqui? B: ___.
Construir / se / pontes
Qual é passivo?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesIt is necessary to analyze the results.
que / Verificou-se / erro / houve / um
Which one sounds more academic?
Acredita-___ que a economia irá recuperar no próximo trimestre.
Eu vi que o site caiu.
Match these pairs:
Translate 'One needs to be careful':
Sabe-se ___ a educação é a base do progresso.
concluiu / o / relatório / se / Não
Diz-se muitas coisas sobre a nova lei.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It's better to avoid it in casual speech as it sounds too formal.
Because 'casas' is plural.
Yes, it's an indeterminate construction.
Then the verb is singular.
Yes, very frequently.
Only transitive or intransitive.
Check if the subject is performing the action on themselves.
Yes, it's standard in journalism.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
se vende/se venden
Placement rules differ slightly.
on
Portuguese uses 'se' + verb.
man
Portuguese uses a particle.
passive form
Portuguese uses a particle.
passive voice
Portuguese uses a particle.
被 (bèi)
Portuguese uses 'se'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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