Forming Passive Infinitives

Usually, we say things like 'I need to do the work.' In that sentence, 'I' am the star. But what if the work is the most important part? You flip the script. You say 'The work needs to be done.' Now, the work is the subject. The person doing the action disappears into the background. In Portuguese, this involves using the infinitive ser followed by a past participle. It allows you to be objective and detached. It is perfect for when you want to sound professional. Or maybe when you do not want to admit who broke the expensive vase! You are focusing on the result of the action. This structure is common after modal verbs like dever or poder.

1. 1Identify your main verb first. This is usually a modal or auxiliary verb like precisar or querer.
2. 2Add the infinitive of the verb ser immediately after it.
3. 3Choose the past participle of your main action verb.
4. 4Match the past participle to the new subject. This is crucial for gender and number agreement.
5. 5If the subject is as janelas, the participle must be limpas.
6. 6The full formula looks like this: [Main Verb] + ser + [Past Participle (Agreed)].
7. 7Example: As metas precisam ser batidas. (The goals need to be hit.)

This is your go-to for formal writing and professional environments. Use it in job interviews to sound more capable. Instead of 'I can do this,' try 'Isso pode ser feito por mim.' It sounds much more authoritative. Use it when writing reports or academic papers. It is also perfect for instructions or rules. When you are ordering food in a very fancy restaurant, you might hear it. 'O vinho deve ser servido gelado.' It is great for news broadcasts where the event matters more than the person. It helps you sound unbiased and factual. It gives your Portuguese a layer of sophistication that separates you from intermediate learners.

Do not use it while grabbing a quick beer with friends. It sounds a bit too stiff for the bar. 'A cerveja precisa ser pedida' sounds like you are reading a technical manual. Stick to the active voice for casual chats. Also, avoid it if the sentence becomes too clunky. If it takes you five seconds to say a three-word thought, simplify it. Grammar is a tool, not a cage you must live in. If the 'who' is the most important part, stay active. Do not hide the hero of your story behind a passive wall. Avoid it if you are trying to be warm and personal.

The Agreement Trap is the most famous mistake here. Many people forget to change the ending of the participle. They say ser feito when the subject is feminine. Remember, the participle acts like an adjective here. It must mirror the noun perfectly. Another mistake is using the verb estar instead of ser. In the passive voice, ser is the only permanent partner you need. Do not use estar for these constructions. Also, watch out for irregular participles. Verbs like fazer become feito, not fazido. Using the wrong participle is like wearing mismatched shoes to a gala.

You might know the 'Passive Se' already. Vende-se casa is a classic example. This is very common for signs and short notices. The passive infinitive A casa pode ser vendida feels more descriptive and deliberate. It is the difference between a quick snack and a three-course meal. There is also the standard passive voice like A casa foi construída. The difference here is the infinitive. We use the infinitive version after verbs like 'want', 'need', or 'should'. It is about potential or necessity, not just a past fact. It adds a layer of 'modality' to the passivity.