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
say나 tell 같은 기본적인 동사들도 중요하지만, 다양한 Reporting Verbs를 사용하면 원래 발언의 기능을 더 구체적으로 명시할 수 있어요. 예를 들어, He suggested going for coffee는 '커피 마시러 가자'는 제안을 의미하는 반면, He demanded that they leave immediately는 '즉시 떠나라'는 강한 명령을 나타내죠.that 절, to-infinitive 절, gerund 절, 그리고 의문사로 시작하는 절 등이 일반적이에요.She said, “I am tired.”는 She said she was tired.가 되는 거죠.It is believed that...이나 He is said to be...와 같은 구조는 보고된 정보를 더 비개인적이고 객관적으로 제시할 수 있게 해주며, 뉴스 보도나 학술적인 글에서 흔히 볼 수 있어요. 이는 정보가 특정 출처에 귀속되기보다는 일반적으로 받아들여지거나 널리 퍼져 있다는 아이디어를 강조하는 거죠.that은 종종 생략될 수 있는데, 특히 구어체 영어에서는 더욱 그래요. 하지만 that을 포함하면 때로는 강조나 격식을 더할 수 있어요. that 뒤에 오는 절은 주어와 동사를 포함하며, 보통 시제 일치에 따라 조정돼요.He admitted (that) he had made a mistake. | 잘못이나 사실을 인정하다. |They agreed (that) the proposal was sound. | 동의하다, 생각에 일치하다. |The CEO announced (that) the company would expand. | 공개적으로 발표하다. |We believe (that) she is telling the truth. | 의견이나 신념을 가지다. |She claimed (that) she had never seen him before. | 증거 없이 주장하다. |The suspect denied (that) he was involved. | 사실이 아니라고 말하다. |The teacher explained (that) the rule was complex. | 명확하게 설명하다, 이유를 말하다. |I knew (that) the meeting was at 10 AM. | 정보를 알다. |He mentioned (that) he was going on holiday. | 간략하게 언급하다. |They proposed (that) the budget should be cut. | 계획이나 아이디어를 제안하다. |The news reported (that) the economy was growing. | 사건을 보고하다. |She said (that) she was feeling better. | 일반적인 보고, 중립적. |The document stated (that) all conditions were met. | 공식적으로 또는 명확하게 표현하다. |I suggested (that) we take a break. | 아이디어나 계획을 제시하다. |He thought (that) the project was going well. | 생각하다, 고려하다. |She understood (that) the instructions were clear. | 이해하다. |to-infinitive은 그 사람이 취해야 할 행동을 묘사하죠.The doctor advised me to get more rest. | 조언이나 권고를 제공하다. |My parents allowed me to stay out late. | 허락하다. |He asked her to help him. | 요청하다 또는 묻다. |The officer commanded the troops to advance. | 권위적인 명령을 내리다. |The coach encouraged them to try harder. | 지지, 자신감, 희망을 주다. |The rules forbid students to use phones in class. | 금지하다, 허락하지 않다. |The manual instructs users to turn off the power. | 명령이나 지시를 주다. |She invited him to join the club. | 참석이나 참여를 요청하다. |The judge ordered the witness to answer the question. | 권위적인 지시를 내리다. |I persuaded my friend to come with us. | 무언가를 하도록 설득하다. |He reminded me to send the email. | 기억하게 하다. |The manager requested staff to attend the meeting. | 공식적으로 요청하다. |She told him to wait outside. | 지시하거나 정보를 주다. |The public urged the government to take action. | 강력하게 권고하거나 촉구하다. |I warned her not to touch the hot stove. | 위험이나 부정적인 결과에 대해 알리다. |to-infinitive 절이 뒤따를 수 있어요. 이 구조는 보통 보고하는 행동의 주체가 Reporting Verb의 주어와 동일할 때 사용되며, 약속, 동의, 거절 등을 나타낼 때 쓰여요.He agreed to help with the project. | 무언가를 하도록 동의하다. |She offered to make dinner. | 무언가를 하겠다고 자원하다. |They promised to arrive on time. | 시간을 잘 지키겠다고 약속하다. |He refused to apologize for his actions. | 행동에 대해 사과하기를 거부하다. |The dog threatened to bite the stranger. | 낯선 사람을 물겠다는 의도를 표현하다. |-ing form)-ing 형태)가 오는데, 이 동명사는 명사처럼 기능해요. 이 패턴은 미래의 행동에 대한 제안이나 명령보다는, 그 행동 자체를 함축하는 경우가 많아요.He admitted stealing the money. | 행동을 자백하다. |I advised waiting for the right moment. | 행동을 권고하다 (목적어 없음). |She denied breaking the vase. | 행동의 진실성을 부인하다. |He mentioned seeing you at the party. | 행동을 간략하게 언급하다. |They proposed building a new bridge. | 행동이나 계획을 제안하다. |The doctor recommended exercising regularly. | 행동이 유익하다고 제안하다. |I suggested going to the cinema. | 행동에 대한 아이디어를 제시하다. |He apologised for being late. | 늦은 것에 대해 사과하다. |She accused him of lying. | 거짓말했다고 비난하다. |They blamed the company for the pollution. | 오염에 대해 회사를 비난하다. |We congratulated her on winning the award. | 수상한 것에 대해 축하하다. |He insisted on paying for the meal. | 식사 비용을 지불하겠다고 고집하다. |I apologised to my friend for forgetting her birthday. | 친구에게 생일을 잊은 것에 대해 사과하다. |if 또는 whether는 yes/no 질문을 전달할 때 사용하고, 의문사(what, where, when, why, how 등)는 wh- 질문을 전달할 때 사용해요. 보고절의 어순은 평서문 어순을 따라야 한다는 점에 유의하세요 (주어 + 동사).She asked me what time the train left. | 질문하다. |I wondered if he would come. | 궁금해하다. |He inquired whether the package had arrived. | 문의하다. |He explained how the machine worked. | 작동 방식을 설명하다. |She knew where the nearest cafe was. | 가장 가까운 카페가 어디 있는지 알다. |It + be + past participle + that-clause 또는 Subject + be + past participle + to-infinitive 형태를 가져요.It + be + past participle + that-clauseIt is believed that the treasure is buried here. | 보물은 여기에 묻혀 있다고 믿어진다. |It is said that he was a great leader. | 그는 위대한 지도자였다고들 한다. |It is thought that the project will be successful. | 프로젝트가 성공할 것이라고 생각된다. |It is known that exercise is good for health. | 운동이 건강에 좋다는 것은 알려져 있다. |It was reported that the storm caused significant damage. | 폭풍으로 상당한 피해가 발생했다고 보도되었다. |It is estimated that over a million people attended. | 백만 명 이상이 참석했다고 추산된다. |It is claimed that this medicine can cure the disease. | 이 약이 질병을 치료할 수 있다고 주장된다. |Subject + be + past participle + to-infinitiveIt 구조와 의미는 같지만, 주어가 사람이나 사물로 명확해져요. 동사원형 자리에는 to-infinitive 형태가 와요.The man is believed to be hiding in the mountains. | 그 남자는 산에 숨어 있다고 믿어진다. |She is said to be the best singer in the country. | 그녀는 그 나라 최고의 가수라고들 한다. |The company is thought to be worth millions. | 그 회사는 수백만 달러의 가치가 있다고 여겨진다. |He is known to have a great sense of humor. | 그는 유머 감각이 뛰어나다고 알려져 있다. |The building is reported to have collapsed. | 그 건물이 붕괴되었다고 보도되었다. |The missing hikers are estimated to be around 30 years old. | 실종된 등산객들의 나이는 30세 정도로 추정된다. |The suspect claimed to have an alibi. | 용의자는 알리바이가 있다고 주장했다. |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
| 인용 동사 | 패턴 | 예시 (능동) | 예시 (수동) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Admit
|
that-clause / V-ing
|
She admitted that she made a mistake.
|
It was admitted that a mistake was made.
|
|
Advise
|
object + to-infinitive
|
He advised me to save money.
|
I was advised to save money.
|
|
Announce
|
that-clause
|
They announced that tickets were sold out.
|
It was announced that tickets were sold out.
|
|
Apologize
|
for + V-ing
|
He apologized for being late.
|
An apology was made for the delay.
|
|
Claim
|
that-clause
|
She claimed that she saw a ghost.
|
It is claimed that ghosts exist.
|
|
Deny
|
V-ing
|
He denied stealing the car.
|
The theft was denied by him.
|
|
Insist
|
on + V-ing / that-clause
|
She insisted on paying.
|
It was insisted that she pay.
|
|
Order
|
object + to-infinitive / that-clause
|
The teacher ordered us to sit down.
|
We were ordered to sit down.
|
|
Promise
|
to-infinitive / that-clause
|
They promised to help us.
|
It was promised that they would help.
|
|
Suggest
|
V-ing / that-clause
|
I suggested going for a walk.
|
It was suggested that we go for a walk.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
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)
인용 동사: 뉘앙스를 풀어내다
목적
- 태도 감정/의도 표현
- 요약 원래 말 간결화
- 반복 피하기 어휘 다양화
흔한 패턴
- That-절 동사 + (that) + 주어 + 동사
- To-부정사 동사 + (목적어) + to + 동사
- 동명사 동사 + V-ing
수동태 형태
- It is said that 일반적인 믿음/보고
- He is believed to 주어 + 수동태 동사 + to-V
예시 동사
- Suggest 추천
- Admit 인정
- Demand 강한 요구
- Warn 경고
인용 동사: 한눈에 보는 구조
올바른 인용 동사와 구조 선택하기
누군가가 말한 것을 전달해야 하나요?
태도, 감정 또는 의도를 전달하고 싶나요?
원래의 말이 진술, 요청 또는 질문인가요?
선택한 동사가 'that', 'to-부정사' 또는 '동명사'를 필요로 하나요?
원래 사건이 과거에 일어났나요?
출처가 알려지지 않았거나 일반적인가요 (격식 있는 문맥)?
현대적 맥락에서의 인용 동사
문자/DM
- • Said (that)
- • Asked if
- • Replied that
- • Admitted
- • Complained
온라인 회의/수업
- • Announced that
- • Explained that
- • Reminded us to
- • Suggested reviewing
- • Ordered them to
소셜 미디어 (캡션)
- • Claimed that
- • Boasted about
- • Wondered if
- • Shared that
- • Posted that
게임/음성 채팅
- • Shouted that
- • Warned us to
- • Suggested waiting
- • Agreed to
- • Ordered to attack
수준별 예문
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.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners think every passive sentence needs 'by someone'.
Mixing 'He said that...' with 'He is said to...'.
Using 'that' after a person-subject.
자주 하는 실수
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.
문장 패턴
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.
뉘앙스에 귀 기울이기
He grumbled about the long wait.(그는 오래 기다린 것에 대해 불평했어요.)
패턴을 섞어 쓰지 마세요!
She denied stealing the cookie.(그녀는 쿠키를 훔친 것을 부인했어요.)
'의도'를 생각하세요
He warned us to be careful.(그는 우리에게 조심하라고 경고했어요.)
맥락이 중요해요
My boss stated the new policy.(상사분은 새 정책을 발표했어요.) vs. "My friend exclaimed, 'That's amazing!'" (친구가 '대박이다!' 하고 외쳤어요.)
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.
발음
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.
암기하기
기억법
Remember 'IT THAT' or 'SUBJECT TO'. It's either 'It... that' or 'Subject... to'.
시각적 연상
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
챌린지
Look at a news headline today. Try to rewrite it using 'It is said that...' or 'The [Subject] is said to...'.
문화 노트
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'.
대화 시작하기
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?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
She ___ on arriving early to get good seats for the concert.
Find and fix the mistake:
My coach advised me to don't give up on my dream.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /4
연습 문제
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
자주 묻는 질문 (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
관련 동영상
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
Passive Reporting Verbs in English | IT IS SAID THAT, IT IS THOUGHT THAT
Oxford English Now
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