Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use passive reporting to talk about general beliefs or news without naming a specific person as the source.
- Use 'It + is + said + that' for general statements like 'It is said that he is rich.'
- Use 'Subject + is + thought + to' for specific focus like 'He is thought to be rich.'
- Common verbs include: say, think, believe, consider, report, know, and expect.
Overview
say や tell ばかりを使っていませんか？例えば、「彼は明日来ると言いました」を He said that he would come tomorrow. と表現するのは間違いではありません。しかし、中級レベル（B1）を目指すなら、その発言が「約束」だったのか、「提案」だったのか、あるいは「しぶしぶ認めた」ことだったのかという「発言の意図（ニュアンス）」まで伝えられるようになりたいものです。He said, "I'm tired." のように、相手の言葉をそのまま引用しますが、間接話法では He complained that he was tired. のように、報告者の視点で情報を再構成します。- 日本語: 彼は [明日行く] と 約束した。
- 英語: He promised [to go tomorrow].
that 節をとり、ある動詞は to 不定詞をとり、またある動詞は動名詞（-ing）をとります。日本語の「～と」のように万能な形がないため、動詞とセットで「型」を覚える必要があります。It is said that...（～と言われている）He is believed to be...（彼は～だと信じられている）
that は省略可能ですが、ビジネスや論文などフォーマルな場面では残すのが一般的です。He admitted that he was wrong. | 非を認める、白状する |She claimed that she saw a UFO. |（証拠はないが）言い張る、主張する |The staff explained that the train was delayed. | 理由や背景を説明する |I suggested that we should start early. | 控えめに提案する |The doctor advised me to exercise. | 忠告・アドバイスする |She reminded him to lock the door. | 忘れないように念押しする |They warned us not to enter the building. | 危険などを警告する |I persuaded her to join the project. | 説得して～させる |They agreed to lower the price. | 同意する、応じる |He offered to carry my bag. | 自ら～しようと申し出る |She refused to answer the question. | きっぱりと拒絶する |He denied stealing the money. | やっていないと否定する |I recommend taking the express train. | （経験に基づき）勧める |She suggested going for a drink. | 「～しませんか」と誘う |- Pattern A:
It is + past participle + that clause It is reported that the company is hiring.（その会社は採用活動中だと報じられている）- Pattern B:
Subject + is + past participle + to-infinitive The suspect is thought to be in London.（容疑者はロンドンにいると考えられている）
He said... を繰り返すと、誰が賛成し、誰が反対したのかが曖昧になります。The manager approved the budget.（承認した）The client objected to the new deadline.（反対した）The team proposed a different approach.（提案した）
say を使うと「誰が言ったのか」を特定しなければなりませんが、受動態を使えば「～らしいよ」というニュアンスをスマートに表現できます。It is rumored that they are getting married.（彼らは結婚するという噂だ）He is said to be the best doctor in town.（彼は街で一番の医者だと言われている）
I warned you that the floor was slippery!（床が滑りやすいって警告したでしょ！）I reminded my boss about the meeting.（上司に会議のことを念押ししておいた）
suggest や explain の後に me を置いてしまうHe suggested me to go や He explained me the rule と言いたくなりますが、これらは間違いです。- ❌ Incorrect:
He suggested me to take a taxi. - ✅ Correct:
He suggested (that) I (should) take a taxi.またはHe suggested taking a taxi. - ✅ Correct:
He explained the rule to me.
suggest は「（人）に～しろ」という命令的なニュアンスを避ける動詞なので、object + to-infinitive の形は取れません。say と tell の混同say は内容に注目し、tell は人に注目します。- ❌ Incorrect:
She said me that she was tired. - ✅ Correct:
She said (that) she was tired. - ✅ Correct:
She told me (that) she was tired.
say to me とするか、最初から tell me を使いましょう。said, claimed 等）の場合、その内容も過去にずらす必要があります。日本語では「彼は明日行くと言った」と、引用部分の時制を現在形のままにすることが多いため、英語でも He said he will go としがちです。- ❌ Incorrect:
He said he is busy. - ✅ Correct:
He said he was busy.
say (to someone) that... | 発言内容そのものに焦点を当てる。最も中立。 |tell someone that... / to do | 情報を「相手に渡す」ことに焦点を当てる。 |speak (to/with someone) | 「話す」という行為や言語そのものに焦点を当てる。 |talk (to/with someone) | やり取り（対話）に焦点を当てる。ややカジュアル。 |Advise vs Suggest vs Recommend の違い- Advise: 専門家や目上の人が、知識に基づいて「こうすべきだ」と助言する。（フォーマル、強い）
- Suggest: 「こんなのはどう？」とアイデアを出す。直接的でない。（控えめ）
- Recommend: 自分の経験から「これは良いよ！」と太鼓判を押す。（個人的な推奨）
that 節の中の should は省略してもいいですか？suggest, propose, recommend などの後の that 節では、should を省略して動詞の原形を使うことがよくあります（仮定法現在）。特にアメリカ英語では I suggested that he go (not goes) のように原形が好まれますが、中級レベルでは should go と言うのが最も無難で間違いがありません。It is said that... と He is said to... はどう使い分けますか？He is said to... の方が、特定の人物（主語）についての情報を際立たせる効果があります。ニュースの見出しなどでは、主語を明確にする後者のパターンがよく使われます。admit の後に to は必要ですか？He admitted stealing と He admitted to stealing の両方が可能です。to を入れると「白状する」というニュアンスが少し強まりますが、日常的には to なしで動名詞を続ける形が多く使われます。not を置けばいいですか？to-infinitive や gerund の直前に置きます。He told me not to go.She admitted not knowing the answer.
He didn't say...）と、「言わなかった」という意味になり、発言内容の否定とは意味が変わるので注意してください。Common Reporting Verbs in the Passive
| Verb | It-Structure (Present) | Subject-Structure (Present) | Past Meaning (Subject-Structure) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Say
|
It is said that...
|
He is said to be...
|
He is said to have been...
|
|
Think
|
It is thought that...
|
He is thought to be...
|
He is thought to have been...
|
|
Believe
|
It is believed that...
|
He is believed to be...
|
He is believed to have been...
|
|
Know
|
It is known that...
|
He is known to be...
|
He is known to have been...
|
|
Report
|
It is reported that...
|
He is reported to be...
|
He is reported to have been...
|
|
Expect
|
It is expected that...
|
He is expected to be...
|
He is expected to have been...
|
Meanings
A formal way to report what people generally say, think, or believe without identifying the specific speakers.
General Belief
Reporting a widely held opinion or fact using 'It is said that...'
“It is thought that the earth was once much hotter.”
“It is known that smoking causes cancer.”
Specific Subject Focus
Starting the sentence with the person or thing being talked about.
“She is said to be the best doctor in town.”
“The thief is believed to have escaped through the window.”
Rumors and Allegations
Reporting something that hasn't been proven yet, often in legal or journalistic contexts.
“He is alleged to have stolen the car.”
“The suspect is reported to be hiding in the forest.”
Reference Table
| 引用動詞 | パターン | 例文（能動態） | 例文（受動態） |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Admit
|
that節 / 動名詞
|
She admitted that she made a mistake.
|
It was admitted that a mistake was made.
|
|
Advise
|
目的語 + to不定詞
|
He advised me to save money.
|
I was advised to save money.
|
|
Announce
|
that節
|
They announced that tickets were sold out.
|
It was announced that tickets were sold out.
|
|
Apologize
|
for + 動名詞
|
He apologized for being late.
|
An apology was made for the delay.
|
|
Claim
|
that節
|
She claimed that she saw a ghost.
|
It is claimed that ghosts exist.
|
|
Deny
|
動名詞
|
He denied stealing the car.
|
The theft was denied by him.
|
|
Insist
|
on + 動名詞 / that節
|
She insisted on paying.
|
It was insisted that she pay.
|
|
Order
|
目的語 + to不定詞 / that節
|
The teacher ordered us to sit down.
|
We were ordered to sit down.
|
|
Promise
|
to不定詞 / that節
|
They promised to help us.
|
It was promised that they would help.
|
|
Suggest
|
動名詞 / that節
|
I suggested going for a walk.
|
It was suggested that we go for a walk.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
He is considered to be a genius. (Academic or social evaluation)
It is thought that he is a genius. (Academic or social evaluation)
Everyone thinks he's a genius. (Academic or social evaluation)
People say he's got a massive brain. (Academic or social evaluation)
引用動詞：ニュアンスを解き放つ
目的
- Attitude 感情・意図を示す
- Summarize 元の発言を要約する
- Avoid Repetition 語彙の繰り返しを避ける
よくあるパターン
- That-clause Verb + (that) + S + V
- To-infinitive Verb + (Object) + to + V
- Gerund Verb + V-ing
受動態の形
- It is said that 一般的な信念・報告
- He is believed to Subject + passive verb + to-V
動詞の例
- Suggest 提案
- Admit 告白
- Demand 強い要求
- Warn 警告
引用動詞：構造をひと目で
適切な引用動詞と構造を選ぶフローチャート
誰かの発言を報告する必要がありますか？
態度、感情、意図を伝えたいですか？
元の発言は声明、要求、質問のどれですか？
選んだ動詞は'that'、'to-infinitive'、'gerund'のどれを必要としますか？
元の出来事は過去のことですか？
情報源が不明または一般的ですか（フォーマルな文脈で）？
現代の文脈における引用動詞
テキストメッセージ・DM
- • Said (that)
- • Asked if
- • Replied that
- • Admitted
- • Complained
オンライン会議・授業
- • Announced that
- • Explained that
- • Reminded us to
- • Suggested reviewing
- • Ordered them to
ソーシャルメディア（キャプション）
- • Claimed that
- • Boasted about
- • Wondered if
- • Shared that
- • Posted that
ゲーム・ボイスチャット
- • Shouted that
- • Warned us to
- • Suggested waiting
- • Agreed to
- • Ordered to attack
レベル別の例文
People say he is a good teacher.
People say he is a good teacher.
They think the movie is funny.
They think the movie is funny.
Everyone knows her name.
Everyone knows her name.
I believe you are right.
I believe you are right.
It is said that the food here is great.
It is said that the food here is great.
It is known that he is very rich.
It is known that he is very rich.
People believe the story is true.
People believe the story is true.
It is thought that the cat is lost.
It is thought that the cat is lost.
It is believed that the strike will end soon.
It is believed that the strike will end soon.
The painting is thought to be a fake.
The painting is thought to be a fake.
He is said to live in a huge mansion.
He is said to live in a huge mansion.
It is expected that the team will win.
It is expected that the team will win.
The CEO is reported to have resigned yesterday.
The CEO is reported to have resigned yesterday.
It is widely considered that his work is revolutionary.
It is widely considered that his work is revolutionary.
The suspect is alleged to have stolen the jewels.
The suspect is alleged to have stolen the jewels.
The virus is known to spread through the air.
The virus is known to spread through the air.
The manuscript is reputed to have been written by Dickens.
The manuscript is reputed to have been written by Dickens.
It is understood that negotiations are at a delicate stage.
It is understood that negotiations are at a delicate stage.
He is thought to have been working for the government for years.
He is thought to have been working for the government for years.
The company is estimated to be worth over ten billion dollars.
The company is estimated to be worth over ten billion dollars.
The artifact is purportedly to have originated from the Ming Dynasty.
The artifact is purportedly to have originated from the Ming Dynasty.
It is contended by some scholars that the text is a later addition.
It is contended by some scholars that the text is a later addition.
The defendant is claimed to have been being coerced at the time of the crime.
The defendant is claimed to have been being coerced at the time of the crime.
The policy is widely acknowledged to have been a failure.
The policy is widely acknowledged to have been a failure.
間違えやすい
Learners think every passive sentence needs 'by someone'.
Mixing 'He said that...' with 'He is said to...'.
Using 'that' after a person-subject.
よくある間違い
People says he is good.
People say he is good.
Is said that he is rich.
It is said that he is rich.
He is said that he lives in London.
He is said to live in London.
It is believed to be true.
It is believed that it is true.
He is thought to be a thief last year.
He is thought to have been a thief last year.
He is alleged to steal the money yesterday.
He is alleged to have stolen the money yesterday.
文型パターン
It is ___ that ___.
The ___ is thought to be ___.
He is said to have ___.
It is widely ___ that ___.
Real World Usage
The suspect is believed to be heading south.
It is generally accepted that the data is accurate.
It is rumored that the boss is quitting.
I am known to be a very hard worker.
This temple is thought to have been built in 500 BC.
The defendant is alleged to have committed fraud.
ニュアンスに耳を傾けよう
パターンを混ぜないで！
「意図」を考えてみよう
状況が大事だよ
Smart Tips
Replace 'I think' with 'It is often argued that' or 'It is generally believed that'.
Always look for the 'to'. If there is no 'to', the sentence is likely wrong.
Use 'It is rumored that...'. It completely removes you from the gossip.
Remember: 'to have' is your time machine. Use it to go back in time.
発音
Weak 'to'
In the structure 'is said to be', the word 'to' is usually reduced to a schwa /tə/.
Linking 'is'
The 'is' often links to the following past participle.
Reporting Stress
It is SAID that he is RICH.
Stress the reporting verb and the key information at the end.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Remember 'IT THAT' or 'SUBJECT TO'. It's either 'It... that' or 'Subject... to'.
視覚的連想
Imagine a news anchor behind a desk. They don't say 'My friend told me'; they say 'It is reported that...'. The desk is the 'It is' structure—it's formal and hides the person.
Rhyme
When 'It' is the start, 'that' plays the part. When the Subject is first, 'to' quenches the thirst.
Story
A detective is investigating a crime. He doesn't know who the witness is, so he writes in his notebook: 'The suspect is thought to have fled.' He uses this to sound professional and avoid blaming a specific person for the rumor.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Look at a news headline today. Try to rewrite it using 'It is said that...' or 'The [Subject] is said to...'.
文化メモ
British news (like the BBC) uses these structures very frequently to maintain a 'neutral' and 'unbiased' tone.
In Western universities, using 'I think' in an essay is often discouraged. Students are taught to use 'It is argued that...' or 'It is generally accepted that...'.
Lawyers use 'alleged' to avoid lawsuits. If you say 'He is a thief' and it's not proven, you can be sued. If you say 'He is alleged to be a thief', you are safe.
This structure evolved from Old English 'man' (similar to German 'man'), which was an indefinite pronoun meaning 'one' or 'people'.
会話のきっかけ
It is said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Do you agree?
Your favorite celebrity is rumored to be moving to your city. What do you do?
It is expected that AI will change every job. How will it change yours?
Which historical figure is considered to be the most influential?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
She ___ on arriving early to get good seats for the concert.
insistという動詞は、よくon + 動名詞、またはthat節が続くよ。この文脈では、何かを強く主張するという意味でinsistedが一番ぴったりだね。Find and fix the mistake:
My coach advised me to don't give up on my dream.
advise + 目的語 + to不定詞を使って否定的なアドバイスや指示を報告するときは、notがtoの前に来るんだ。Choose the correct sentence:
suggestの後には通常、動名詞（-ing形）が続くよ。「He suggested that I join the club」も正しいけど、「suggested me to join」はよくある間違いなんだ。Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
promiseは、よくto不定詞が続く引用動詞だよ。Score: /4
練習問題
8 exercisesIt ___ that the company is losing money.
He is said ___ live in a castle.
Find and fix the mistake:
She is thought that she is the best singer.
People say that he is a genius.
We use 'to have + past participle' to talk about the past in reporting structures.
A: Is the new movie good? B: Well, it ___ to be the best of the year.
Pick the odd one out.
1. People think he is rich. 2. People say he was rich.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe news report ___ that the new stadium would be completed by next year.
She apologized for miss her flight.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Ella me recordó que enviara el correo electrónico.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the verbs with their patterns:
It ___ that the ancient city was built by an unknown civilization.
My friend said me to buy more milk.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Sugirió pedir comida para llevar.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the verbs with the prepositions:
Score: /12
よくある質問 (8)
No, 'It is said' implies a general consensus or rumor. For your own opinion, use `I think` or `In my opinion`.
Yes, much more formal. It is preferred in writing and professional contexts.
No, only 'reporting' or 'mental' verbs like `say, think, believe, know, expect, report, consider, allege`.
The first is about the present ('He is rich now'). The second is about the past ('He was rich before').
In English, every sentence needs a subject. 'It' acts as a 'dummy subject' to fill the space when we don't want to name a person.
Yes, it is common in both British and American English, especially in news and formal writing.
Yes, but it's more common to say `It is said that it is true` or `The story is said to be true`.
Mostly, yes. It means something is claimed but not yet proven in a court of law.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Se dice que...
Spanish lacks the 'He is said to be' structure.
On dit que...
French uses an active pronoun 'on' instead of a passive verb.
Man sagt, dass...
German uses the modal verb 'sollen' for reporting.
...to iwarete iru
Japanese word order is reversed, with the reporting verb at the end.
Yuqal 'anna...
Arabic usually keeps the 'that' (anna) structure.
Jùshuō (据说)
Chinese doesn't use verb conjugation or a 'to-infinitive' structure.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
05:44 The dark history of Graham crackers - Stephanie Honchell Smith
05:57 The infamous JoJo thought experiment - Michael Vazquez and Sarah Stroud
05:29 3 things that can cause painful periods - Chen X. Chen
【英語学習】間接話法をマスター！Reporting Verbsの基本と応用
バイリンガル英会話講師の英語学習チャンネル
【英語の文法】間接話法 (Reported Speech) の動詞の使い分け
英語のそーた【TOEIC満点講師】
【英語】間接話法を使いこなす！Reporting Verbsのコツ
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