Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use reporting passives to distance yourself from information, common in news and formal reports to avoid taking personal responsibility for claims.
- Use 'It + passive verb + that-clause' for general statements: 'It is said that he is rich.'
- Use 'Subject + passive verb + to-infinitive' for personal focus: 'He is said to be rich.'
- Use 'to have + past participle' for past actions: 'She is thought to have left.'
Overview
People say...（みんな〜と言っている）や I heard that...（〜だと聞いた）といった主語を明示した表現で十分ですが、ビジネスレポート、ニュース、学術論文、あるいは洗練された社交の場では、より客観的で、かつ発信者の責任を適度に分散させた表現が求められます。It is said that... に代表される「伝聞の受動態（Passive with Reporting Verbs）」は、まさにそのための強力なツールです。この構文をマスターすることで、単なる「噂話」を「一般的に認知されている事実」や「公式な報告」として格調高く表現できるようになります。Subject + Verb + Object という構造を重んじる言語であり、誰が言ったのかを明確にすることが基本です。あえてその基本を崩し、形式主語の it を使って情報を提示するこの形には、英語特有の「情報の重み付け」のロジックが隠されています。C1レベルの学習者として、単なる構文の暗記ではなく、なぜこの形が使われるのかという「ネイティブの視点」を深く理解していきましょう。it」と「受動態」の組み合わせにあります。日本語との対比で考えると、その仕組みがより明確になります。People や They）を主語にしたくない場合、中身のない「ダミーの主語」として it を置きます。これが It is said that... の it です。この it 自体には「それ」という具体的な意味はありません。People say that... では、どうしても「人々」という具体的な主体が意識されます。しかし、これを受動態（It is said）にすることで、焦点は「誰が言ったか」から「何と言われているか」という情報の内容そのものに移ります。これにより、発言者の主観を排除した、中立的で公的な響きが生まれます。say 以外にも、文脈に応じて様々な動詞が使われます。それぞれの動詞が持つニュアンスの違いが、C1レベルでは重要になります。believe: 広く信じられている（確証はないが一般的）report: 報道されている（事実に基づいた公的な情報）think: 考えられている（論理的な推論や見解）expect: 予想されている（未来への展望）allege: （証拠はないが）主張されている（法的な文脈や疑惑）understand: そのように理解されている（共通認識）
It + be動詞 + 伝聞動詞の過去分詞 + that + 主語 + 動詞...be 動詞の形が変わります。It is said that... | It is said that the economy is improving. | （今）〜と言われている。 |It was believed that... | It was believed that the earth was flat. | （当時は）〜だと信じられていた。 |It has been reported that... | It has been reported that a fire broke out. | （これまでに）〜と報じられている。 |It will be claimed that... | It will be claimed that the tax hike is necessary. | （将来的に）〜と主張されるだろう。 |- 1
It: 文法上の主語。常に単数扱いです。 - 2
be動詞: ここで「いつの時点での認識か」を決定します。現在のことならis、過去のことならwasを使います。 - 3過去分詞:
said,thought,known,estimatedなど。ここが情報の性質を決めます。 - 4
that: 節を導く接続詞。口語では省略されることもありますが、C1レベルのライティングやフォーマルなスピーチでは、論理構造を明確にするために省略しないのが一般的です。 - 5
that節の中身: ここは通常の肯定文と同じ構造です。時制は報告内容に合わせて自由に設定できます。
It is reported that the summit will be held in Tokyo next year.
It is rumored that the CEO is going to resign.
It is widely believed that hard work leads to success.
It has been suggested that our marketing strategy needs a review.
It is said を置くことで、読者の意識をその後の that 節の内容に集中させることができます。英語は文末に重要な情報（新情報）を置く「エンド・フォーカス」の原則があるため、この構造は非常に理にかなっています。It says that... との混同- ❌ Bad:
It says that the meeting is canceled. - ✅ Good:
It is said that the meeting is canceled.
It says と言ってしまうことがありますが、It says は通常、掲示板や本などの具体的な「物」が主語の場合に使われます。不特定多数の意見や報告を指す場合は、必ず受動態 It is said を使いましょう。be 動詞の欠落- ❌ Bad:
It thought that the project was a success. - ✅ Good:
It was thought that the project was a success.
It（それ）が自ら考えたことになってしまい、意味が通りません。必ず be 動詞をセットにしてください。that 節内の主語と動詞の不一致It is said that... の形に意識が向きすぎて、その後の that 節内での基本的な文法（三人称単数の s や時制の一致）を疎かにしてしまうパターンです。- ❌ Bad:
It is said that he live in London. - ✅ Good:
It is said that he lives in London.
that 節の中は独立した一つの文章であることを忘れないでください。want や like のような個人の感情を表す動詞は、この形式の受動態には馴染みません。- ❌ Bad:
It is wanted that...（〜ということが望まれている、とは言わない。It is hoped that...なら可能）
It is said that he is... と He is said to be... の使い分けです。これらは意味はほぼ同じですが、情報の焦点が異なります。It is said that Mr. Tanaka is a genius. | 「事実そのもの」に焦点。客観的な報告。 |Mr. Tanaka is said to be a genius. | 「田中さん」という人物に焦点。その人の属性を説明。 |- 1文法的柔軟性:
It is said that...の方は、that節の中にどんな時制でも、どんな複雑な文でも入れることができます。一方、Subject + be said to...の形は、不定詞（to be,to have been）を使うため、表現に一定の制約が生じます。 - 2文脈による使い分け:
- ニュースの見出しや、新しい情報を導入する時は
It is said that...が好まれます。 - すでに話題に上っている特定の人物や物について、補足情報を加える時は
He is said to be...の方が自然です。
that は省略してもいいですか？that を入れる習慣をつけておくと、よりプロフェッショナルな印象を与えられます。It is said that... 以外の動詞で、よく使われるものは？It is believed that...（信じられている）、It is thought that...（考えられている）、It is estimated that...（見積もられている）などは非常によく使われます。特にビジネスでは、数字を扱う estimated や expected（予想されている）をマスターすると表現の幅が広がります。It is said that... は古臭い表現ですか？Experts say that...（専門家は〜と言っている）などと織り交ぜて使うのが、洗練された英語を書くコツです。It is said that... はあくまで「伝聞（誰かが言っている）」に特化した表現です。自分の推測を伝えたい場合は It seems that... や It appears that... を使うようにしましょう。Formation of Reporting Passives
| Structure Type | Formula | Example (Present) | Example (Past Action) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Impersonal
|
It + is/was + V-ed + that...
|
It is said that he is rich.
|
It is said that he was rich.
|
|
Personal
|
Subj + is/was + V-ed + to + V
|
He is said to be rich.
|
He is said to have been rich.
|
|
Continuous
|
Subj + is + V-ed + to be + V-ing
|
He is said to be working.
|
He is said to have been working.
|
|
Passive Inf.
|
Subj + is + V-ed + to be + V-ed
|
He is said to be loved.
|
He is said to have been loved.
|
Meanings
A formal way to report what people say, think, or believe without mentioning the specific source of the information. It creates an objective, journalistic tone.
Impersonal Reporting
Using 'It' as a dummy subject to introduce a general belief or fact.
“It is reported that the CEO has resigned.”
“It was once thought that the Earth was flat.”
Personal Reporting
Focusing on the person or thing being talked about by making them the subject.
“The suspect is believed to be hiding in the woods.”
“She is said to be the best doctor in the city.”
Past Action Reporting
Reporting a past action using a perfect infinitive (to have + past participle).
“He is alleged to have stolen the documents.”
“The company is rumored to have gone bankrupt last month.”
Reference Table
| 機能 | 構造 | Example | ニュアンス |
|---|---|---|---|
|
一般的な信念
|
It is + V3 (say/believe) + that clause
|
It is said that practice makes perfect.
|
一般的に受け入れられている、特定の情報源なし。
|
|
過去の報告
|
It was + V3 (report/expect) + that clause
|
It was reported that the road was closed.
|
過去に報告された特定の出来事。
|
|
継続中の主張
|
It has been + V3 (claim/allege) + that clause
|
It has been claimed that the antique is fake.
|
最近なされた、または継続中の主張。
|
|
公式ニュース
|
It is + V3 (understand/know) + that clause
|
It is understood that a decision is imminent.
|
公式または広く受け入れられている情報。
|
|
噂／憶測
|
It is + V3 (rumor/think) + that clause
|
It is rumored that the CEO will resign.
|
非公式の情報、しばしば根拠なし。
|
|
一般的な期待
|
It is + V3 (expect) + that clause
|
It is expected that prices will rise soon.
|
予想される結果や状況。
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
It is rumored that a new model will be released in September. (Tech news)
A new model is expected to come out in September. (Tech news)
They say a new iPhone is coming in September. (Tech news)
Word is a new iPhone drops in Sept. (Tech news)
報告動詞の受動態：「It is said that...」の構造
主要動詞 (V3)
- said 言う
- believed 信じる
- reported 報告する
- known 知る
用途
- Formal News 公式ニュース
- Rumors 噂
- General Beliefs 一般的な信念
構造
- It + be (tense) + V3 It + be動詞 (時制) + V3
- that + clause that + 節
「It is said that...」vs. 「People say that...」
「It is said that...」を使うかどうかの判断
特定の情報源なしに情報を報告したいですか？
その情報は一般的な信念、噂、または公式な報告ですか？
誰が言ったかではなく、情報自体に焦点を当てていますか？
「It is said that...」の文脈
フォーマル
- • ニュースの見出し
- • 学術論文
- • 公式報告
インフォーマル
- • 噂を広める
- • 一般的な知識
- • カジュアルなゴシップ
客観的
- • 科学的発見
- • 歴史的事実
- • 世論
回避的
- • 情報源を保護する
- • 責任を回避する
- • 主張を和らげる
レベル別の例文
People say he is nice.
Gente dice que él es amable.
They say it is cold there.
Dicen que hace frío allí.
My friends say she is a doctor.
Mis amigos dicen que ella es doctora.
Everyone says the food is good.
Todos dicen que la comida es buena.
It is said that he is a hero.
Se dice que él es un héroe.
It is known that water is healthy.
Se sabe que el agua es saludable.
It is thought that they are happy.
Se piensa que ellos son felices.
It is reported that the rain will stop.
Se informa que la lluvia parará.
He is said to be very rich.
Se dice que él es muy rico.
It is believed that the team will win.
Se cree que el equipo ganará.
The movie is thought to be excellent.
Se piensa que la película es excelente.
It was reported that the road was closed.
Se informó que la carretera estaba cerrada.
The company is expected to grow this year.
Se espera que la empresa crezca este año.
It is understood that the meeting is cancelled.
Se entiende que la reunión está cancelada.
She is rumored to have quit her job.
Se rumorea que ella ha dejado su trabajo.
The fossils are believed to be millions of years old.
Se cree que los fósiles tienen millones de años.
The diplomat is alleged to have accepted bribes.
Se alega que el diplomático aceptó sobornos.
It is widely considered that his theory is flawed.
Se considera ampliamente que su teoría tiene fallos.
The suspect is understood to be cooperating with police.
Se entiende que el sospechoso está cooperando con la policía.
The manuscript is thought to have been written in the 14th century.
Se piensa que el manuscrito fue escrito en el siglo XIV.
The Prime Minister is purported to be considering a reshuffle.
Se pretende que el Primer Ministro está considerando una remodelación.
It has long been asserted that economic growth is the only metric of success.
Se ha afirmado durante mucho tiempo que el crecimiento económico es la única métrica del éxito.
The artifact was previously reputed to possess magical properties.
Anteriormente se tenía la reputación de que el artefacto poseía propiedades mágicas.
The virus is now known to have been circulating months before the first official case.
Ahora se sabe que el virus había estado circulando meses antes del primer caso oficial.
間違えやすい
Learners use 'People say' in formal essays where 'It is said' is required.
Mixing the 'that' clause with the 'to' infinitive.
Using 'to be' for something that happened in the past.
よくある間違い
People is said he is rich.
People say he is rich.
It says that he is rich.
It is said that he is rich.
He is said that he is rich.
He is said to be rich.
He is believed to steal the money yesterday.
He is believed to have stolen the money yesterday.
文型パターン
It is ___ that ___.
The suspect is ___ to have ___.
___ is widely considered to be ___.
It was once ___ that ___.
Real World Usage
It is reported that the ceasefire has been broken.
The results are thought to be significant.
She is rumored to be getting a promotion.
The suspect is alleged to have used a stolen vehicle.
The city is believed to have been founded in 500 BC.
It is said that the servers are down again.
動詞を使い分けよう！
It is expected that the weather will clear up soon.
「It」と「主語」を混同しないで！
フォーマルな距離感を出す
It is understood that all employees will attend the meeting.
噂を丁寧に伝える
It is rumored that the company is relocating.
時制に注意！
It was reported that the incident occurred last night.
Smart Tips
Switch your 'People say' to 'It is reported that'. It immediately elevates your register.
Always check if you need 'to have'. If the event is over, 'to have' is your best friend.
Try to rewrite it using the subject of the 'that' clause to practice the personal construction.
Use 'widely' or 'generally' to sound even more native-like.
発音
Weak 'to'
In the personal construction, the word 'to' is usually reduced to a schwa /tə/.
Stress on the Reporting Verb
The main stress usually falls on the reporting verb (said, thought, believed) to emphasize the nature of the report.
Falling intonation for facts
It is reported that the king is ↘ dead.
Conveys a serious, final piece of news.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Remember 'It' is for the whole 'that' clause, but 'He' needs a 'to' to reach the verb.
視覚的連想
Imagine a news anchor sitting behind a desk. They aren't saying 'I think', they are pointing to a screen that says 'IT IS REPORTED'. The anchor is a shield between you and the raw rumor.
Rhyme
When rumors fly and news is spread, 'It is said' is what is read.
Story
A detective is investigating a crime. He doesn't have proof yet, so he tells his boss, 'The suspect is believed to have fled.' This way, if the suspect is actually still in town, the detective isn't blamed for a false statement—he was just reporting a belief.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write three sentences about a famous celebrity using 'is rumored to', 'is thought to have', and 'it is said that'.
文化メモ
The BBC uses 'It is understood that...' very frequently when they have a reliable source but cannot name them yet.
Using 'It is thought' or 'It has been suggested' is a form of 'hedging'. It makes the writer sound humble and open to other scientific possibilities.
The word 'alleged' is legally required in news reports before a conviction to avoid 'libel' (being sued for lying).
These structures evolved from Latin impersonal passives (e.g., 'dicitur' meaning 'it is said').
会話のきっかけ
What is something that is said to be true about your country, but isn't?
Which celebrity is rumored to be the most difficult to work with?
It is often thought that technology makes us lonely. Do you agree?
Is there a place in your city that is said to be haunted?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
It ___ that the new policy will improve efficiency.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercisesHe is thought ___ (be) the mastermind behind the robbery.
Find and fix the mistake:
It is believed him to have left the country.
People say that the company is losing money. (The company...)
The building is thought ___ in the fire.
You can use the verb 'want' in the 'It is wanted that...' reporting passive structure.
A: Is the new boss nice? B: Well, she ___ very strict.
1. People think he is a spy. 2. People think he was a spy.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesIt ___ that the ancient city holds many undiscovered secrets.
It reported that the meeting was postponed.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Se dice que la lectura amplía la mente.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the subject with its correct continuation:
It is ___ that the company will announce a merger soon.
It is said that dinosaurs was extinct millions of years ago.
Select the appropriate sentence:
Translate: 'Está ampliamente aceptado que el café es adictivo.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Score: /11
よくある質問 (8)
No, only 'reporting verbs' related to thinking (believe, think, consider), saying (say, report, allege), or knowing (know, understand). You can't use verbs like 'eat' or 'run'.
Yes, but 'It is said that' is much more formal and common in writing, while 'They say' is common in spoken English.
Use it when the action you are reporting happened *before* the reporting. For example: 'He is said (now) to have been (past) a soldier.'
To avoid legal trouble. If they say 'He is a thief' before a trial, they can be sued. If they say 'He is the alleged thief', they are just reporting what the police say.
Yes. 'He is not thought to be dangerous' or 'It is not believed that the plan will work.'
Absolutely. It is standard in all varieties of formal English, including American, British, and Australian.
'Thought' is a general belief, while 'considered' often implies a more deliberate opinion or a widely held social view.
Yes, for continuous actions. 'The fugitive is thought to be hiding in the mountains.'
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Se dice que...
Spanish lacks the 'Subject + Passive + To-Infinitive' structure.
On dit que...
French prefers active voice with an indefinite subject ('on').
Er soll... sein
German uses a modal verb ('sollen') instead of a passive reporting verb.
...to iwarete iru (〜と言われている)
Japanese word order is reversed, with the rumor coming before the verb.
Yuqal anna... (يُقال أن)
Arabic almost always uses the impersonal 'It' structure, rarely the personal one.
Jushuo... (据说)
Chinese uses a fixed phrase rather than a conjugated passive verb.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Continue With
関連動画
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