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."
Learn how to use Spanish modal verbs with the passive
The modal verb is conjugated in the required tense and then followed by "ser" + past participle (agreeing with the subject).
For example:
Deber + passive
Tener que + passive
Querer + passive
Poder + passive
Necesitar + passive
Remember:
Modal verb (conjugated) + ser + past participle (agreeing with subject)
Note that the passive voice is not as commonly used in Spanish as it is in English. Sometimes, to avoid the formal passive in Spanish, we find alternatives in the active voice or using the passive "se" construction.
For example for:
Las joyas perdidas no pudieron ser localizadas.
we could also say:
No se pudieron localizar las joyas.
or
Nadie pudo localizar las joyas.
without changing the original meaning of the sentence.
Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »
Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics
Examples and resources
La cantante no quiso ser fotografiada por los periodistas después del concierto.The singer didn't want/refused to be photograped by the journalists after the concert.
El ganador no ha querido ser identificado en público.The winner didn't want to be identified publiclly.
Los sacos de harina podrán ser distribuídos por las aldeas pobres.The sacks of flour can be distributed around the poor hamlets. [lit: will be able to be distributed]
Este candidato debería ser considerado para el nuevo puesto de director.This candidate should be considered for the new post of director.
