Datapoint Haitian Creole/Passive constructions

The prototypical passive construction is only used with one verb (fè/fèt). It is never possible to mention an agent. The construction is realized through morphological marking.

Values

Passive without verbal coding Frequency: 70.0%

Example 49-276:
Yo kraze machin lan.
Yo
3sg
kraze
demolish
machin
car
lan.
def
They have demolished the car.
French: Ils/Elles ont démoli la voiture.

Source: DeGraff 2007: 112

Example 49-277:
Machin lan kraze.
Machin
car
lan
def
kraze.
demolished
The car is demolished.
French: La voiture est démolie.

Source: DeGraff 2007: 112

Example 49-278:
Lakou a bale deja.
Lakou
courtyard
a
def
bale
sweep
deja.
already
The court has already been swept.
French: La cour est déjà balayée.
Confidence:
Very certain

Typical passive construction Frequency: 30.0%

Example 49-274:
Mwen fè kabann lan rapid-rapid maten an.
Mwen
1sg
fè
make
kabann
bed
lan
def
rapid-rapid
quick-quick
maten
morning
an.
def
I made my bed very quickly this morning.
French: J'ai fait très rapidement mon lit ce matin.

Source: DeGraff 2007: 112

Example 49-275:
Kabann lan fèt rapid-rapid maten an.
Kabann
bed
lan
def
fèt
made
rapid-rapid
quick-quick
maten
morning
an.
def
The bed was made very quickly this morning.
French: Le lit a été fait très rapidement ce matin.

Source: DeGraff 2007: 112

Confidence:
Very certain