Using modal verbs in the passive voice Flashcards
Modal verbs can be combined with the passive voice in Spanish, the same way as in English, e.g “He should be put in prison” or “I had to be taken to hospital.”
The modal verb is conjugated in the required tense and then followed by “ser” + participle (agreeing with the subject).
She must be transferred to another hospital.
Ella debe ser trasladada a otro hospital.
This candidate should be considered for the new post of director.
Este candidato debería ser considerado para el nuevo puesto de director.
Lidia had to be taken care of by the hotel director.
Lidia tuvo que ser atendida por el director del hotel.
They had to be accompanied home because it was very late.
Ellas han tenido que ser acompañadas a casa porque era muy tarde.
The singer didn’t want/refused to be photographed by the journalists after the concert.
La cantante no quiso ser fotografiada por los periodistas después del concierto.
The winner didn’t want to be identified publicly.
El ganador no ha querido ser identificado en público.
The lost jewels couldn’t be found.
Las joyas perdidas no pudieron ser localizadas.
The sacks of flour can be distributed around the poor hamlets. [lit: will be able to be distributed]
Los sacos de harina podrán ser distribuidos por las aldeas pobres.
The product needs to be coded.
El producto necesita ser codificado.
The flowers will need to be sent soon.
Las flores necesitarán ser enviadas pronto.
