La carpa fue instalada por dos guías de la reserva.

The tent was set up by two guides from the reserve.

Breakdown of La carpa fue instalada por dos guías de la reserva.

• ser: to be
• de: from
• por: by
• dos: two

Questions & Answers about La carpa fue instalada por dos guías de la reserva.

Why is it “instaladA” and not “instaladO”?

Because carpa is a feminine singular noun. In the passive with ser, the past participle works like an adjective and must agree with the subject: instalada. Examples:

• La carpa fue instalada...
• Las carpas fueron instaladas...
• El toldo fue instalado... (masculine)

What grammar structure is “fue instalada”?

It’s the passive voice with ser in the preterite: ser (fue) + past participle. It presents a completed action in the past. The active equivalent is: Dos guías de la reserva instalaron la carpa.

Could I use “se” instead of the “ser” passive?

Yes, very common in Spanish (especially in Latin America): Se instaló la carpa. However, with the “se” passive (pasiva refleja) you normally don’t include the agent, so avoid adding por dos guías there. If you want to name the doer, use the ser passive or the active voice.

Why is it “por” and not “para” before “dos guías”?

In the passive voice, por introduces the agent (the doer): fue instalada por dos guías = “was installed by two guides.” Para would mean “for” (purpose/recipient): La carpa fue instalada para dos guías = “The tent was set up for two guides.”