Scientific Register: Systematic Passive and Impersonal Use
In Italian scientific writing, the focus shifts from the researcher to the phenomenon. This is achieved through the systematic use of the si passivante, si impersonale, and the passive voice with venire.
How It Works
The scientific register (linguaggio scientifico) requires a high degree of formality and objectivity. Unlike modern English, which has partially embraced the active voice ('We found...'), Italian remains deeply rooted in impersonal constructions.
1. The Si Passivante & Si Impersonale
The si passivante is the most frequent tool. It is restricted to transitive verbs, allowing the object of the study to function as the grammatical subject: Si osservano i risultati (The results are observed). The si impersonale is used for general procedures where no direct object is present: Si procede all'analisi (One proceeds to the analysis).
2. Compound Tenses and Auxiliaries
In compound tenses, the si impersonale construction always requires the auxiliary essere, even for verbs that normally take avere (e.g., si è proceduto). Furthermore, when using the impersonal form with verbs that take essere, the past participle takes the masculine plural ending -i: si è andati (one went).
3. Passive with Venire
While passivo con essere is common, the passivo con venire is preferred in scientific contexts to emphasize the process or action itself rather than a resulting state. Note that venire is only used in simple tenses.
4. Reflexive Verbs (Ci si)
When a verb is already reflexive, the impersonal form uses the cluster ci si to avoid the repetition of 'si'. For example, avvalersi (to make use of) becomes ci si avvale di....
5. Stylistic Choice
Using 'io' (I) is strictly avoided. 'Noi' (We) is occasionally used as a 'plural of modesty', but the impersonal 'si' remains the gold standard for describing methodology and results.
Examples (5)
- In questa fase si rilevano variazioni significative nella pressione.
In this phase, significant variations in pressure are detected.
Word by Word: In this phase [si] detect variations significant in the pressure.
Example of 'si passivante'. The verb 'rilevano' is plural to agree with 'variazioni'.
- Il reagente viene aggiunto goccia a goccia per evitare reazioni violente.
The reagent is added drop by drop to avoid violent reactions.
Word by Word: The reagent comes added drop by drop for to avoid reactions violent.
Use of 'venire' to emphasize the dynamic process of adding the reagent.
- Dall'analisi dei grafici si evince che la temperatura è costante.
From the analysis of the graphs, it is evident that the temperature is constant.
Word by Word: From the analysis of the graphs [si] deduces that the temperature is constant.
Example of 'si impersonale' used to present a logical deduction objectively.
- I campioni sono stati analizzati mediante spettroscopia.
The samples were analyzed by means of spectroscopy.
Word by Word: The samples are been analyzed by means of spectroscopy.
Passive with 'essere' in a compound tense (Passato Prossimo), where 'venire' cannot be used.
- Ci si avvale di un protocollo standardizzato per la raccolta dati.
A standardized protocol is used for data collection.
Word by Word: [Ci si] avails of a protocol standardized for the collection [of] data.
Use of 'ci si' with the reflexive verb 'avvalersi' to maintain an impersonal tone.
Common Mistakes
Failing to agree the verb with the plural subject in 'si passivante'.
Si analizza i dati ottenuti.Si analizzano i dati ottenuti.In the 'si passivante' construction, the verb must agree in number with the object (i dati), which functions as the subject.
Using 'venire' in compound tenses.
Il campione è venuto analizzato ieri.Il campione è stato analizzato ieri.The auxiliary 'venire' can only be used in simple tenses. For compound tenses like the Passato Prossimo, you must use 'essere'.
Using 'abbiamo' for a general statement.
Different MeaningAbbiamo osservato che la pressione aumenta.Si è osservato che la pressione aumenta.'Abbiamo osservato che la pressione aumenta' is correct and common. The impersonal 'si è osservato' sounds more neutral in scientific writing.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn the systematic use of passive and impersonal forms in scientific Italian, a learner must first understand how to construct the passive voice (using 'essere' or 'venire') and how to use the particle 'si' for both impersonal and passive functions. These grammatical structures are the building blocks of the objective, process-oriented style required in technical and academic writing.
- si (passivante)Passive 'Si' (Si Passivante)
The 'si passivante' is a core component of scientific writing used to describe procedures and observations objectively.
Level 3 - si (impersonale)Impersonal 'Si'
The impersonal 'si' is used systematically in technical texts to maintain a neutral, agentless tone.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- venire + Past ParticiplePassive Voice with 'Venire'
Used to emphasize the dynamic nature of scientific processes in simple tenses.
Level 3 - essere + Past Participle + da + AgentPassive Voice with 'Essere'
The standard passive construction, used especially in compound tenses.
Level 3 - Nominalization (Verb → Noun for Formal Style)
Another key feature of the scientific register, often used alongside impersonal forms.
Level 5 - Advanced Bureaucratic Formulas
Shares the same requirement for high formality and depersonalization.
Level 6
Sources
Practice Scientific Register: Systematic Passive and Impersonal Use in Bubblegum
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