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B2 · English Grammar

Passive Reporting
Structures

These games are said to increase self-awareness.

It is said that… …is said to…
The idea

Reporting without a source

We use a passive reporting verb to pass on information, opinions or rumors in a formal, cautious way — without saying who said it.

Same idea, two ways

It is said that this behavior is completely normal.

This behavior is said to be completely normal.

The structure

1  It + be + past participle + that…

2  Subject + be + past participle + to…

assume · believe · claim · consider · estimate · know · recommend · report · say · suppose · think · understand

Pattern 1

Start with it

An empty subject it, then a full that-clause with its own subject and verb.

It is believed that the ruins are over two thousand years old.
It was reported that nobody had been injured in the fire.
It is estimated that forty percent of all food is wasted.
Pattern 2

Start with the subject

The subject moves to the front and the verb becomes a to-infinitive.

The ruins are believed to be over two thousand years old.
Two paintings are reported to have been stolen from the gallery.
The company is not thought to be in serious trouble.
Watch the time

Which infinitive?

Pattern 2 has no tense to work with, so the form of the infinitive shows when it happened.

Same time

to + base verb

He is said to live in Lisbon.

She is thought to be working abroad.

Earlier

to have + past participle

The ship is believed to have sunk in 1782.

He is said to have been a spy.

⚠ Watch out

Common mistakes

He is said that he is very wealthy.

Correct: He is said to be very wealthy.

The virus is believed to has spread quickly.

Correct: to have spread quickly.

The team ^ said to be ready for the final.

Correct: The team is said to be ready.

The paper is thought to being much older.

Correct: is thought to be much older.

Now it's your turn

Let's
practice.

Say the answer out loud — then tap to check.

Practice 1
tap the blank to reveal

Fill the gap

It is (report) that the company will cut 300 jobs.
The temple is (believe) to be three thousand years old.
The hikers are thought to have (take) the wrong path.
It (be) reported last night that two people had been injured.
Is the author (say) to have written the book alone?
Practice 2
tap a sentence to reveal the error

Spot the mistake

The suspect is thoughtA toB have fleeC the country, althoughD the police have no proof.

Chave flee → have fled

✓ have + past participle

The evidences are saidA toB be conclusive, althoughC the defense disagreesD strongly.

AThe evidences are said → The evidence is said

✓ evidence is uncountable → is

It is expectedA thatB the results will be announcedC on Monday, and the minister is expect to attendD.

Dand the minister is expect to attend → and the minister is expected to attend

✓ is + past participle

Practice 3
tap to reveal a model answer

Complete the sentence

It is thought that she lives abroad. → She is
It is said that the castle was built in 1340. → The castle is
People believe the drug is safe. → The drug
They report that the talks are continuing. → It is
Speak & write

Your turn

Use It is said that… or …is said to…

What is your town or region famous for? Report it without naming a source.
Tell us a health claim about a food or drink that you don't quite believe.
Describe a historical mystery using to have + past participle.
What is recommended at your school or workplace? Start with It is recommended that…
Recap

Remember this

Pattern 1
It + be + past participle + that + clause
Pattern 2
Subject + be + past participle + to + infinitive
Same time
to be / to be working
Earlier
to have been / to have gone

One sentence, one pattern — never that and to together.

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