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
reported speech（間接話法）における passive voice（受動態）の魔法なんだ。発言者を隠す「透明マント」みたいなものだね。ニュースや噂話、あるいは一般的な事実を、特定の誰かを指さずに共有したい時にこれを使うんだ。passive voice を見るだけじゃない。「報告（reported）」バージョンを見ていくよ。これは B1 レベルの秘密兵器だ。「みんな」がどう思っているかを話す時に使うやつだね。Zoom 会議で賢く見せたい時や、友達に有名人の噂を LINE する時にピッタリだよ。もし今まで、なんでネイティブスピーカーは「People think he is...」じゃなくて「He is thought to be...」を使うんだろう？って不思議に思ったことがあるなら、ここはまさにそのための場所。プロっぽく話せるようになろう。How This Grammar Works
Active voice（能動態）は明るい懐中電灯みたいなもの。アクションをしている人を直接照らすんだ。「ジャーナリストたちはコーヒーの価格が上がっていると報告しています（Journalists report that the price of coffee is rising.）」 ここでは、ジャーナリストたちが主役（スター）だ。でも、ジャーナリストなんてどうでもよくて、コーヒーのことだけ知りたい場合はどうする？Passive reported speech はその懐中電灯の向きを逆にするんだ。情報そのものに焦点を当てる。これには主に2つの方法があるよ。1つ目は「非人称（Impersonal）」な方法。It で始まるやつだ。これは「巷の噂では……」と言うのを、文法的に正しく言うような感じだね。Active voice は「ノーフィルター」バージョン。生々しくて直接的だ。対して passive reported voice は「シネマティック」フィルターみたいなもの。全てをスムーズにしてくれる。発言者よりも情報のほうが重要に見えるようにするんだ。フォーマルな書き言葉にもいいけど、噂が本当か100%確信が持てない時に、ちょっとぼかして言うのにも最適だよ。「試験問題が流出したと言われている（It is said that the exam was leaked.）」（僕が言ったとは言わないでね！）
Formation Pattern
It is said that...Pattern (Impersonal)
It という単語で始める。
to be 動詞（たいていは is か was）を加える。
reporting verb（伝達動詞）を Past Participle（V3/過去分詞）の形で使う。よくあるのは：said, thought, believed, reported, known。
that を加える。
It + is + rumored + that + the concert is canceled.
Subject is said to...Pattern (Personal)
to be 動詞（is, are, was, were）を加える。
reporting verb を Past Participle（V3）にする。
to + 動詞の不定詞（infinitive）を加える。
to + verb（例：to be, to work）。
to have + V3（例：to have won, to have left）。
to be + -ing（例：to be waiting）。
The concert + is + rumored + to be + canceled.
When To Use It
- Breaking News（速報ニュース）: ジャーナリストはこれが大好き。まだ完全には裏が取れていないことを報道するのに役立つからね。「そのテック企業は500人のスタッフを解雇すると報じられている（It is reported that the tech company will lay off 500 staff.）」 これはジャーナリストを守ってくれるんだ。もし間違っていたとしても、「いや、報じられているって言っただけだし！」って言えるからね。
- General Beliefs（一般的な通説）: 世の中のほとんどの人が真実だと思っていることについて話す時。「彼は世界最高のゲーマーだと知られている（He is known to be the best gamer in the world.）」 とか 「チョコレートを食べると幸せになると信じられている（It is believed that eating chocolate makes you happy.）」 とかね。（これは100%真実だって僕らみんな知ってるけどね）。
- Formal Writing（フォーマルなライティング）: 大学のエッセイやレポートを書く時。これを書くと客観的に聞こえるんだ。「データは〜を示していると私は思う（I think the data shows...）」と言う代わりに、「データは〜を示していると考えられている（It is thought that the data shows...）」と言うわけ。
- Gossiping (Modern Style)（現代風の噂話）: 有名人の噂話にこれを使うと、高級ゴシップ誌みたいな響きになる。「彼女は有名な俳優と付き合っていると言われている（She is said to be dating a famous actor.）」 これなら「友達が言ってたんだけど〜」よりもずっと上品でしょ。
- Avoiding Blame（責任逃れ）: これは定番の動き。「プロジェクトは今日終わるものと期待されていた（It was expected that the project would be finished today.）」 プロジェクトが勝手に失敗したみたいに聞こえるよね。実は君が一晩中テレビゲームをしていたなんてことは、誰も言及しないわけだ。
Common Mistakes
- 1個人的な構造（Personal structure）で
toを忘れる。
- ✗ She is said be a genius.
- ✓ She is said
to bea genius.
to は不可欠だよ。- 1過去のことなのに間違った不定詞を使う。
- ✗ He is thought to win the prize last year.
- ✓ He is thought
to have wonthe prize last year.
have + V3 のコンボが必要だ。- 12つの構造を混ぜてしまう。
- ✗ It is said him to be rich.
- ✓
It is said thathe is rich. またはHe is said tobe rich.
It で始めるか、人で始めるか決めよう。同時に両方やろうとしちゃダメ。靴を2足同時に履こうとするようなものだよ。- 1
It is said that
の後に間違った動詞の形を使う。
- ✗ It is said that he to be rich.
- ✓ It is said that
he isrich.
that の後は、普通の動詞を使った普通の文が必要。ここでは不定詞は禁止だよ！Contrast With Similar Patterns
Passive reported speech は情報や意見に関するものだ。事実の上に重なるレイヤーみたいなもの。- Normal Passive:
The window was broken.
- Passive Reported:
It is said that the window was broken.
reported speech（間接話法）とも比べてみよう。- Standard:
They said he was tired.
- Passive:
He was said to be tired.
Quick FAQ
これはフォーマルな英語だけ？
ほとんどはそう。でもカジュアルな噂話でも聞くことがあるよ！ おもしろおかしく、あるいはドラマチックに聞こえるからね。
どんな動詞でも使える？
いや、「伝える（reporting）」動詞だけだ。例えば：say, think, believe, claim, report, know, expect など。
なんで「非人称（impersonal）」って呼ばれるの？
単語の It には人格（personality）がないからさ。ただのニュースのプレースホルダー（仮置き）なんだ。
He is thought to be...は
People think he is...と同じ？
その通り！ 意味は同じ。受動態バージョンのほうがプロっぽく聞こえるし、焦点をシフトさせているだけ。
動詞の過去分詞（past participle）を知らない場合は？
ほとんどの reporting verbs は規則変化（claimed, reported, believed）だ。Thought, Known, Said は暗記が必要なよくある不規則変化だね。必要ならカンニングペーパーを使っちゃおう！
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
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (It)
|
It + is + p.p. + that...
|
It is believed that he is innocent.
|
|
Affirmative (Subject)
|
Subject + is + p.p. + to...
|
He is believed to be innocent.
|
|
Negative (It)
|
It + is not + p.p. + that...
|
It is not thought that the price will fall.
|
|
Negative (Subject)
|
Subject + is not + p.p. + to...
|
The price is not thought to fall.
|
|
Question (It)
|
Is it + p.p. + that...?
|
Is it reported that the king is ill?
|
|
Question (Subject)
|
Is + subject + p.p. + to...?
|
Is the king reported to be ill?
|
|
Past Action (Subject)
|
Subject + is + p.p. + to have + p.p.
|
She is said to have won the lottery.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
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)
Common Reporting Verbs
Belief
- believe believe
- think think
- consider consider
Speech
- say say
- report report
- allege allege
Knowledge
- know know
- understand understand
Active vs. Reported Passive
Choosing Your Structure
Do you want to focus on a specific person?
レベル別の例文
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.
間違えやすい
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'.
よくある間違い
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.
文型パターン
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.
The 'It' Shortcut
Avoid 'He is said that'
Use 'Allegedly'
Journalistic Safety
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.
発音
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.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Remember 'IT' for 'Information Total' (It is said that...) and 'S' for 'Specific Subject' (She is said to...).
視覚的連想
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
チャレンジ
Write three rumors about your favorite celebrity using 'is said to', 'is rumored to', and 'is thought to'.
文化メモ
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.
会話のきっかけ
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?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
It 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 _______.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
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
練習問題
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
よくある質問 (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
関連動画
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