Passive with reporting verbs
B2 Upper IntermediateThe passive with reporting verbs allows speakers to discuss general beliefs, rumors, or opinions without naming a specific source. It is commonly used in formal journalism and academic writing to maintain an objective tone.
Overview
Reporting verbs like claim, believe, say, and think are often used in the passive voice to distance the speaker from the information. This structure focuses on the information itself rather than who provided it. There are two main patterns: the impersonal it construction and the personal subject construction.
The Impersonal Construction
It + is/was + past participle + that + clause
This structure uses it as a dummy subject followed by the passive reporting verb and a that-clause. It is used to report a general fact or opinion.
The Personal Construction
Subject + is/was + past participle + to-infinitive
This structure starts with the subject of the report. The reporting verb is followed by an infinitive. Use the perfect infinitive (to have + past participle) if the reported action happened before the reporting.
Examples
Common mistakes
He is said that he lives in London.
He is said to live in London.
When the sentence starts with a person, use an infinitive, not a 'that' clause.
It is believed him to be a genius.
It is believed that he is a genius.
The 'it' construction requires a full clause starting with 'that'.
Practice
Rewrite using 'It': 'People believe that the economy is improving.'
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It is believed that the economy is improving.
Answer:It is believed that the economy is improving.
Why:The impersonal construction uses 'It' + passive verb + 'that' clause.
Rewrite using 'The company': 'They say the company is losing money.'
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The company is said to be losing money.
Answer:The company is said to be losing money.
Why:When starting with the subject, the verb 'say' becomes 'is said' followed by the infinitive 'to be'.
Complete the sentence: 'The thief is thought ____ (escape) through the window last night.'
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to have escaped
Answer:to have escaped
Why:Use the perfect infinitive (to have + past participle) because the escape happened in the past relative to the thinking.