Why "Ils sont punis..."?

Maren W.C1Kwiziq community member

Why "Ils sont punis..."?

In the micro quiz, the first question is "Ils sont punis pour avoir sali leur chambre." Why is être used with punir? In the second question, it uses avoir (as I expected). Thanks in advance!

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Maren, 

Ils sont punis They are punished

is in the passive voice which always takes être.

Take a look at the following Kwiziq lesson for further information-

https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/revision/grammar/how-to-form-the-passive-voice-with-simple-tenses-la-voix-passive

Otherwise, the verb punir would take avoir used as in -

J'ai puni les enfants = I have punished the children

I hope this helps!

Maren W. asked:

Why "Ils sont punis..."?

In the micro quiz, the first question is "Ils sont punis pour avoir sali leur chambre." Why is être used with punir? In the second question, it uses avoir (as I expected). Thanks in advance!

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