Passive with reporting verbs
Use it is said that or someone is said to … to report what people in general say, think or believe, without naming them. Common in news, reports and academic writing.
How it works
- Pattern 1: It + passive reporting verb + that: It is believed that the painting is a fake.
- Pattern 2: subject + passive reporting verb + to-infinitive: The painting is believed to be a fake.
- Common verbs: say, think, believe, expect, report, know, consider, claim.
- For an earlier time, use to have + past participle: The thief is thought to have escaped through the window.
- For an action in progress, use to be + -ing: The minister is reported to be considering the plan.
- Future: Prices are expected to rise / It is expected that prices will rise.
Examples
It is said that the temple is over 900 years old.
The temple is said to be over 900 years old.
The storm is expected to reach the coast tomorrow morning.
The driver is thought to have fallen asleep at the wheel.
It is known that lack of sleep affects memory.
Common mistakes
Wrong: The hotel is said
that it ishaunted.Right: The hotel is said to be haunted.
Wrong: He is believed to
stealthe money last year.Right: He is believed to have stolen the money last year.
Wrong: The company is thought
beingin trouble.Right: The company is thought to be in trouble.
Practice
1 of 15Fill the gap.
Level: EGP Passives: it is said/thought that + clause is B2; the personal pattern (he is said to be, is believed to have left) is controlled at B2 to C1. Judged B2 because both patterns are common in news and IELTS reading. Written for Gloss.