sont servis

Question

Regarding the expression "sont servis", used in "Les plats froids sont servis avec une salade":

I don't understand this conjugation. Is this a reflexive form of the verb servir? Or is it just how menus are written?

Accepted Answer

Hi Matt,
This is called 'the passive voice' when the subject of the sentence is undergoing an action rather than doing the action.
Please take a look at the following lesson -
Forming La Voix Passive with simple tenses in French (French Passive Voice)
Bonne Continuation !

Answer

Bonjour Matt,https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/action-vs-being-verbs/This conjugation can be found in the passive voice   --  "Ils sont servis  ..."or être as a state of being where the past participle agrees with the subject as would an adjective.The state is that the meals are being served with salad -- perhaps this is a non-standard option?Hope this helps.Bonne journéeJim