Question 1

Why is the verb in the plural form limpiaron instead of the singular limpió?

Accepted Answer

In the reflexive passive (pasiva refleja), the thing receiving the action is actually the grammatical subject of the sentence. Because los andenes (the platforms) is plural, the verb must match it and take the plural form limpiaron.

Question 2

Wait, isn't there an 'impersonal se' where the verb always stays singular? Why doesn't that apply here?

Accepted Answer

That is a great distinction! You use the reflexive passive (which changes for singular or plural) when the action happens to non-human things, like los andenes. The impersonal 'se' (which always stays singular) is used when the action happens to specific people preceded by the personal 'a', for example: Se despidió a los empleados (The employees were fired). Since platforms are inanimate objects, we must use the reflexive passive and make the verb agree with them.

Question 3

Can I change the word order and say Los andenes del metro se limpiaron anoche?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is perfectly grammatically correct. However, in Spanish, it is much more natural and common to place the verb before the subject in reflexive passive sentences (like Se limpiaron los andenes). This word order naturally puts the focus on the action itself rather than the platforms.

Question 4

I previously learned the word plataforma. Can I use that instead of andenes for a subway platform?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, el andén (plural los andenes) is the specific and most natural word for a platform at a train, subway, or bus station. While the word plataforma exists, it is usually used for digital platforms, diving boards, or industrial platforms like oil rigs.

Se limpiaron los andenes del metro anoche.

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