Formation de la voix passive dans les faits divers du Parisien

Abstract

This qualitative and descriptive research examines the formation and use of the passive voice in the “Faits divers” section of the online newspaper Le Parisien. The aim is to remedy a lack of understanding among UNIMED students by describing passive constructions that highlight the victim or object of the event. To this end, 155 articles published between May and June 2025 were analyzed. The results reveal three main forms: (1) the construction “to be” + past participle; (2) the past participle in the passive sense; (3) the pronominal form. Of the 93 texts using the passive voice, the first form is the most frequent with 44 occurrences, closely followed by the second with 43 and the third with 4. In conclusion, the passive voice is crucial for refocusing the narrative on the victim, creating a dramatic effect, and preserving objectivity. Mastery of these forms is therefore essential for students.