A Comparative Syntactic Analysis of Passivization in English and French

Abstract

This study conducts a comparative analysis of passivization in English and French, focusing on their structural features and formation rules. Key differences, such as agreement patterns and agent expression, are shown to significantly influence both syntactic theory and language pedagogy. The analysis demonstrates that features like participle agreement in French and agent omission in English have direct implications for language acquisition and instructional strategies. Comparative analysis is therefore essential for advancing both theoretical understanding and practical application. Drawing on empirical data and student perspectives, this research identifies patterns and distinctions not addressed in foundational studies, including Siewierska (1984) and Péry-Woodley (2008), and connects grammatical structures to specific educational outcomes. The findings indicate that awareness of cross-linguistic distinctions can enhance curriculum design and inform targeted interventions for linguists, educators, and curriculum developers.