Cuándo usar la voz pasiva (Informar noticias y rumores)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the reported passive to share information without naming a specific source, common in news and gossip.
- Use 'It + is/was + past participle + that' for general claims (e.g., 'It is said that...').
- Use 'Subject + is/was + past participle + to-infinitive' for specific people (e.g., 'He is thought to be...').
- Common verbs include: say, think, believe, consider, report, know, and rumor.
Overview
Someone says that... (Alguien dice que...). Sin embargo, para alcanzar un nivel B1 sólido y sonar más profesionales o naturales, debemos dominar el uso de la voz pasiva para el reporte impersonal.People say that the show will be cancelled.It is said that the show will be cancelled. Esta forma gramatical permite distanciar al narrador de la información, atribuyéndola a un consenso general o a una fuente anónima pero creíble. Dominar este patrón te permitirá navegar con confianza por textos formales, informes académicos y situaciones sociales donde el chisme o la especulación requieren un toque de sutileza y elegancia lingüística.Se dice que..., Se cree que... o Se rumorea que....Dicen que va a llover.
se impersonal de la misma manera. Para lograr ese mismo efecto, el inglés recurre a estructuras de voz pasiva con reporting verbs (verbos de reporte). Estos son verbos que expresan pensamiento, creencia, conocimiento o comunicación, tales como say, think, believe, know, report, understand, expect, allege y claim.- 1La estructura con
It(El sujeto preparatorio): Esta es la más parecida al español. UsamosItcomo un sujeto vacío que simplemente sostiene la frase.
- Ejemplo:
It is believed that...(Se cree que...). - Aquí, el foco está totalmente en el mensaje que sigue a la palabra
that.
- 1La estructura con sujeto personal (Pasiva personal): Esta es la que suele ser más extraña para nosotros los hispanohablantes. En lugar de empezar con
It, empezamos con la persona o cosa de la que estamos hablando.
- Ejemplo:
He is said to be very rich(Se dice que él es muy rico). - Literalmente, estaríamos diciendo algo como
Él es dicho ser muy rico
, lo cual no tiene sentido en español, pero en inglés es la forma más común y elegante de reportar algo sobre alguien específico.
People say o They say, que pueden sonar un poco infantiles o poco precisos en contextos profesionales o académicos.to be en el tiempo correcto, seguido del participio pasado del verbo de reporte.It + passive reporting verb + that + clausethat no cambia su forma original. Solo tenemos que conjugar la parte inicial.It is + participio | It is reported that the strike is over. | Se informa que la huelga ha terminado. |It was + participio | It was thought that the earth was flat. | Se pensaba que la tierra era plana. |It has been + participio | It has been claimed that the cure exists. | Se ha afirmado que la cura existe. |Subject + passive reporting verb + to + infinitive- Simple Infinitive (
to + verb): Para acciones que ocurren al mismo tiempo que el reporte o en el futuro. The CEO is expected to resign tomorrow.(Se espera que el CEO renuncie mañana).- Continuous Infinitive (
to be + -ing): Para acciones que están ocurriendo en este preciso momento. The actors are rumored to be filming in Spain.(Se rumorea que los actores están filmando en España).- Perfect Infinitive (
to have + past participle): Para acciones que ocurrieron antes del momento del reporte (el pasado). The thief is believed to have escaped through the roof.(Se cree que el ladrón escapó por el techo).- Passive Infinitive (
to be + past participle): Cuando la acción reportada también es pasiva. The document is thought to be hidden in the safe.(Se piensa que el documento está escondido en la caja fuerte).
- 1En el entorno laboral (Oficina/Negocios):
It is understood that the budget will be reduced next year.(Se entiende que el presupuesto se reducirá el próximo año).- Si usas
Management says they will cut the budget, suenas muy directo. La pasiva suaviza el mensaje y lo hace sonar como una realidad corporativa.
- 1Reportando noticias o eventos actuales:
The player is said to have signed a new contract with Real Madrid.(Se dice que el jugador ha firmado un nuevo contrato...).- Aquí, el foco es el jugador, por eso usamos la estructura personal.
- 1Evitando la responsabilidad (Distanciamiento):
It is often claimed that coffee is bad for your health, but new studies say otherwise.(A menudo se afirma que el café es malo...).
- 1Rumores y chismes (Social/Netflix/Series):
The show is expected to return for a third season.(Se espera que la serie regrese para una tercera temporada).
- Omitir el
It: En español podemos decirEs dicho que...(aunque suene raro) u omitir el sujeto. En inglés, elItes obligatorio. - Incorrecto:
Is said that he is coming. - Correcto:
It is said that he is coming.
- Mezclar estructuras: Un error muy común es intentar usar
thatdespués de un sujeto personal en pasiva. - Incorrecto:
He is said that he lives in London.(Este es un calco directo del español:Él es dicho que él vive...
). - Correcto:
He is said to live in London.(Recuerda: Sujeto personal + infinitivo).
- Olvidar el verbo
to be: A veces nos centramos tanto en el verbo de reporte que olvidamos la base de la pasiva. - Incorrecto:
The company believed to be bankrupt. - Correcto:
The company is believed to be bankrupt.
- Confusión con el tiempo del infinitivo: Usar el infinitivo simple cuando la acción es pasada.
- Incorrecto:
She is said to lose her keys yesterday. - Correcto:
She is said to have lost her keys yesterday.(Como fue ayer, necesitamos elPerfect Infinitive).
People say that he is a genius. | It is said that he is a genius. | La pasiva elimina a la gente y se enfoca en la idea de su genialidad. |Everyone knows she is the best. | She is known to be the best. | La pasiva pone a ella como el tema central de la conversación. |They report that the road is closed. | The road is reported to be closed. | La pasiva suena como un aviso oficial de tráfico. |Experts believe the painting is fake. | The painting is believed to be fake. | La pasiva da un aire de autoridad científica sin mencionar a los expertos. |pensamiento o comunicación(reporting verbs). No tendría sentido decir
It is eaten that... o He is run to.... Los más comunes son say, think, believe, know, report, claim, expect, allege y consider.It cuando quieras enfatizar toda la situación o el hecho en sí. Usa la estructura con el Sujeto + infinitivo cuando quieras que la conversación gire en torno a una persona o cosa específica.to have done)?He is said (ahora se dice) to have robbed the bank (que él robó el banco el mes pasado). Si usaras to rob, parecería que lo está robando ahora mismo o que lo roba habitualmente.They say...?It is said o The project is expected to... te dará muchos más puntos y te hará sonar mucho más profesional y educado.Reporting Verb Structures
| Structure Type | Subject | Passive Reporting Verb | Connector/Infinitive | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Impersonal
|
It
|
is said / was believed
|
that + clause
|
It is said that he is kind.
|
|
Personal (Present)
|
He / She / They
|
is thought / are known
|
to + infinitive
|
He is thought to be kind.
|
|
Personal (Past)
|
The suspect
|
is alleged
|
to have + past participle
|
He is alleged to have stolen it.
|
|
Personal (Continuous)
|
The team
|
is reported
|
to be + -ing
|
They are reported to be winning.
|
|
Negative Impersonal
|
It
|
is not expected
|
that + clause
|
It is not expected that they win.
|
|
Question Personal
|
Is
|
he known
|
to be + adjective
|
Is he known to be reliable?
|
Meanings
A grammatical structure used to report opinions, rumors, or facts when the specific source of the information is unknown, unimportant, or needs to be distanced from the speaker.
Impersonal Reporting
Using 'It' as a dummy subject to introduce a general belief or news item.
“It is reported that the strike will end tomorrow.”
“It was thought that the earth was flat.”
Personal Subject Reporting
Focusing on a specific person or thing as the subject of the rumor or belief.
“The CEO is said to be resigning next month.”
“The painting is believed to be a forgery.”
Past Reporting
Reporting something that was believed in the past but may not be now.
“He was known to be a difficult boss.”
“It was alleged that he stole the money.”
Reference Table
| Verbo de Reporte | Patrón 1: 'It is/was/has been...' + cláusula 'that' | Patrón 2: 'Sujeto is/was/has been...' + to + infinitivo |
|---|---|---|
|
Say
|
`It is said that she's a genius.`
|
`She is said to be a genius.`
|
|
Believe
|
`It is believed that the plan will work.`
|
`The plan is believed to work.`
|
|
Think
|
`It is thought that he quit.`
|
`He is thought to have quit.`
|
|
Report
|
`It was reported that the road is closed.`
|
`The road was reported to be closed.`
|
|
Know
|
`It is known that dogs love walks.`
|
`Dogs are known to love walks.`
|
|
Expect
|
`It is expected that prices will rise.`
|
`Prices are expected to rise.`
|
|
Understand
|
`It is understood that she resigned.`
|
`She is understood to have resigned.`
|
|
Claim
|
`It is claimed that the product works.`
|
`The product is claimed to work.`
|
Espectro de formalidad
It is widely considered that the company is facing insolvency. (Business discussion)
The company is thought to be failing. (Business discussion)
Word is the company is going under. (Business discussion)
People are saying the company is toast. (Business discussion)
Voz Pasiva para Reportar: Cuándo Usarla
Estructuras Clave
- `It is said that...` Afirmaciones generales
- `Subject is believed to...` Enfoque en persona/cosa
¿Por Qué Usarla?
- Fuente desconocida ¿Quién lo dijo? No importa.
- Tono formal Objetivo, académico, noticias
- Evitar responsabilidad Compartir rumores, chismes
- Enfoque en la info Lo reportado es clave
Verbos Comunes
- `say` Se dice
- `believe` Se cree
- `think` Se piensa
- `report` Se informó
- `expect` Se espera
Estructuras de Reporte Pasivo: 'It is...' vs. 'Subject is...'
Cómo Elegir la Estructura Correcta de Reporte Pasivo
¿Quieres reportar un hecho o situación general?
¿Quieres reportar algo sobre una persona o cosa específica?
¿La acción reportada ocurre al mismo tiempo que el verbo de reporte, o en el futuro?
¿La acción reportada ocurrió ANTES del verbo de reporte?
Verbos de Reporte Pasivo y Sus Usos
Opinión General
- • `It is said...`
- • `It is believed...`
- • `It is thought...`
Reporte Formal
- • `It is reported...`
- • `It is understood...`
- • `It is alleged...`
Expectativas
- • `It is expected...`
- • `He is expected to...`
Hechos Conocidos
- • `It is known...`
- • `She is known to...`
Ejemplos por nivel
People say he is rich.
People say he is rich.
They say it is a good movie.
They say it is a good movie.
Everyone says the food is great.
Everyone says the food is great.
My friends say she is nice.
My friends say she is nice.
It is said that he is a hero.
It is said that he is a hero.
It is known that the sun is hot.
It is known that the sun is hot.
It is thought that they are happy.
It is thought that they are happy.
Is it said that the party is at 8?
Is it said that the party is at 8?
The company is expected to grow this year.
The company is expected to grow this year.
It is reported that the road is closed.
It is reported that the road is closed.
He is believed to have stolen the car.
He is believed to have stolen the car.
The team is thought to be the best in the league.
The team is thought to be the best in the league.
The suspect is alleged to have fled the country.
The suspect is alleged to have fled the country.
It is widely assumed that the tax will increase.
It is widely assumed that the tax will increase.
The ruins are considered to be over 2,000 years old.
The ruins are considered to be over 2,000 years old.
She is understood to be working on a new book.
She is understood to be working on a new book.
The policy is rumored to be under review by the committee.
The policy is rumored to be under review by the committee.
It is contended that the data was misinterpreted.
It is contended that the data was misinterpreted.
He is reputed to have been the finest architect of his generation.
He is reputed to have been the finest architect of his generation.
The species was previously thought to have been extinct.
The species was previously thought to have been extinct.
The document is purported to be the original treaty.
The document is purported to be the original treaty.
It is held by many scholars that the text is a later addition.
It is held by many scholars that the text is a later addition.
The CEO is rumored to have been ousted in a boardroom coup.
The CEO is rumored to have been ousted in a boardroom coup.
The findings are expected to be met with significant skepticism.
The findings are expected to be met with significant skepticism.
Fácil de confundir
Learners often use 'They say' when 'It is said' would be more appropriate for the formal context.
Mixing 'He is said that...' and 'It is said to...'.
Confusing 'He is said to have...' with 'He had his hair cut'.
Errores comunes
He says that he is rich.
People say he is rich.
It says that it will rain.
It is said that it will rain.
He is said that he is a genius.
He is said to be a genius.
The thief is believed escaped.
The thief is believed to have escaped.
It is alleged him to be the killer.
He is alleged to be the killer.
Patrones de oraciones
It is ___ that ___.
___ is/are thought to ___.
___ is said to have ___.
It was once believed that ___.
Real World Usage
It is reported that the ceasefire has been signed.
She is rumored to be getting a promotion.
The theory is considered to be outdated.
The suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous.
The temple is said to have been built in a single night.
The new iPhone is expected to have a better camera.
Concéntrate en la Información, no en la Fuente
¡Cuidado con tus Infinitivos!
Tu Arma Secreta para Noticias y Chismorreo
Tono Formal en Inglés
Smart Tips
Start your sentences with 'It is reported that...' or 'It is understood that...'.
Use 'He is rumored to...' to share a secret without sounding like you are the one who started it.
Use 'It is widely considered that...' instead of 'Many people think...'.
Remember that 'to have' means the action happened *before* the rumor started.
Pronunciación
Stress on the Reporting Verb
In the reported passive, the main stress usually falls on the past participle of the reporting verb (said, thought, believed).
The 'to' reduction
In the personal subject structure, the word 'to' is often reduced to a weak 'tuh' sound.
Falling intonation for facts
It is known that the earth is round. ↘
Conveys certainty and finality.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Remember 'IT' for 'Information Total' (It is said that...) and 'S' for 'Specific Subject' (She is said to...).
Asociación visual
Imagine a news anchor behind a desk. When they look at the camera and say 'It is reported...', they are talking to everyone. When they point to a photo of a celebrity and say 'He is rumored...', they are focusing on that person.
Rhyme
If you don't know who said the word, use the passive to be heard.
Story
A detective arrives at a crime scene. He doesn't know who the thief is. He tells the press, 'It is believed that the thief entered through the window.' Later, when they find a suspect, he says, 'The suspect is thought to have hidden the jewels.'
Word Web
Desafío
Write three rumors about your favorite celebrity using 'is said to', 'is rumored to', and 'is thought to'.
Notas culturales
Journalists use 'alleged' or 'it is reported' to avoid lawsuits. If they say 'He is a thief' and it's not proven, they can be sued. If they say 'He is alleged to be a thief,' they are just reporting a claim.
British news (like the BBC) uses the reported passive very frequently to maintain a tone of 'impartiality' and 'stiff upper lip' objectivity.
In universities, using 'I think' is often discouraged. Students are taught to use 'It is argued that' or 'It is considered' to make their writing sound more scientific.
The use of the passive voice for distancing comes from Latin legal and academic traditions, which heavily influenced Middle English.
Inicios de conversación
What is a famous rumor about a celebrity that is said to be true?
It is reported that robots will take many jobs. What do you think?
Is there a place in your city that is thought to be haunted?
What are some things that were once believed to be true but are now known to be false?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
It ___ that the new student is from Canada.
Find and fix the mistake:
The app is said to being updated next week.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /4
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesIt is _______ (believe) that the company will close next year.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
The thief is thought to escaped through the window.
People say that he lives in New York. -> He _______.
1. People think she is rich. 2. People thought she was rich.
We can use the verb 'want' in the reported passive structure (e.g., 'It is wanted that...').
A: Did you hear about the CEO? B: Yes, she is rumored _______ resigning.
Verbs: say, eat, believe, run, report, sleep.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe new restaurant ___ to open next month.
It is believed the ancient text existed for centuries.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Se informa que el concierto fue un éxito.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the beginnings with the correct endings:
The celebrity is understood ___ in secret for months.
Many students are expected to will attend the orientation.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the reporting verbs with their correct infinitive forms:
Score: /12
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
No, only verbs related to saying, thinking, or believing (e.g., `say`, `think`, `believe`, `report`, `know`). You can't say `It is eaten that...`.
They mean the same thing, but 'It is said that' focuses on the whole idea, while 'He is said to' focuses on the person.
It's more common in formal speaking (like news) or when sharing rumors. In casual talk, we usually say `I heard that...` or `They say...`.
Use `to have + past participle`. For example: `He is said to have left` means people say he left in the past.
To protect themselves legally. It shows they are reporting a claim, not stating a proven fact.
Yes! `It was said that...` means people used to say it, but maybe they don't anymore.
Yes, but `Rumor has it` is an idiomatic expression, while `It is rumored that` is a standard passive structure.
Mixing the two forms, like saying `He is said that he is...`. Remember: `It` + `that`, `He` + `to`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Se dice que...
Spanish lacks the personal subject + passive + to-infinitive structure.
On dit que...
French uses an active subject 'on' instead of a passive 'it'.
Man sagt, dass...
German uses 'man' or 'es wird' rather than personal subject passives.
...to iwarete iru
Japanese word order is different, but the logic of using a passive verb is very similar.
Yuqālu 'anna...
Arabic usually keeps the verb at the start of the sentence.
Jùshuō (据说)
Chinese doesn't use a 'passive' verb form because Chinese verbs don't conjugate for voice.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Videos relacionados
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