escrevemse

Escrevemse is a term used in Portuguese grammar to refer to the finite verb form escrevem-se, the third person plural present indicative of the pronominal verb escrever-se. The form combines the verb escrever with the reflexive pronoun se, and in standard orthography it is written as escrevem-se. In grammar, this construction can express reflexive, reciprocal, or impersonal/passive meaning depending on context.

Morphology and function

Escrevem-se arises from a pronominal verb, where the reflexive pronoun se attaches to the verb conjugation. In modern usage, escrevem-se is commonly interpreted as a passive or impersonal construction: a statement about what is written without specifying an agent, as in cartas escrevem-se todos os dias (letters are written every day). The reflexive element can also convey a sense of involvement of the subject with the action, though the primary function in many contexts is to form an impersonal or passive voice rather than to indicate direct reflexivity.

Usage and regional variation

The escrevem-se form appears across Portuguese-speaking regions, with minor stylistic differences between European and Brazilian Portuguese. In formal writing, the hyphen linking the verb and pronoun (se) is typically maintained, though older or informal texts may show variations. The construction is a standard feature of clitic pronouns attached to finite verbs and is taught as part of basic Portuguese syntax.

Examples

Escrevem-se cartas de recomendação para o emprego. (Letters of recommendation are written for the job.) Escrevem-se relatórios com objetividade. (Reports are written with objectivity.)

See also

Portuguese grammar, clitic pronouns, passive se, reflexive verbs.