Impersonal Passive: It is said that / He is said to
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the impersonal passive to report information objectively without naming a specific source, creating professional distance and academic authority.
- Use 'It is said that...' followed by a full clause for general reports. (e.g., It is said that he is rich.)
- Use 'Subject + is said to...' followed by an infinitive for specific subjects. (e.g., He is said to be rich.)
- Use perfect infinitives (to have been) to report past actions with the personal structure. (e.g., He is said to have escaped.)
Overview
Sometimes we don't say who said something. This is formal English.
We talk about the news, not the person. This sounds important.
Saying 'many think this' makes an idea sound more true.
How This Grammar Works
Formation Pattern
People say that he is an innovator. | It is said that he is an innovator. | Current general belief about his current status. |
They believed she had left. | It was believed that she had left. | Past general belief about her prior action. |
Experts expect the economy will grow.| It is expected that the economy will grow. | Current expectation about a future event. |
Authorities reported he had escaped. | It was reported that he had escaped. | Past report about a past action. |
People believe that she works hard.
She is believed to work hard. (Working hard is happening now, concurrently with the belief.)
They expect that he will arrive soon.
He is expected to arrive soon. (Arriving is a future action relative to the expectation.)
People say that he is intelligent.
He is said to be intelligent. (Being intelligent is a current state, concurrent with the saying.)
People believe that she worked hard (yesterday).
She is believed to have worked hard. (Working hard happened before the current belief.)
They reported that he had escaped.
He was reported to have escaped. (Escaping happened before the past report.)
It is said that he was a prodigy.
He is said to have been a prodigy. (Being a prodigy happened in the past, relative to the current saying.)
he worked) | Prior to reporting (complete) | to have + P.P. (to have worked) | He is believed to have worked on the project. |
he has worked)| Prior to reporting (ongoing impact) | to have + P.P. (to have worked) | He is understood to have worked successfully. |
he had worked) | Prior to reporting (in past) | to have + P.P. (to have worked) | He was reported to have worked on the project. |
When To Use It
- To Convey Objectivity and Formality: In professional and academic settings, the impersonal passive lends an air of detached authority. By removing the explicit agent, you present information as universally accepted or formally established, rather than as a personal opinion. For instance, in a business report,
It is understood that market trends favor digital solutionsis more authoritative thanOur team understands that market trends.... This construction signals a dispassionate presentation of facts, which is highly valued in fields requiring empirical rigor.
- When the Source is Unknown, Unimportant, or Self-Evident: Often, the origin of a belief or statement is either irrelevant, lost to time, or so widespread that specifying an agent would be redundant. Consider a news report stating,
The suspect is believed to have fled the country. Here, the focus is on the suspect's alleged action, not on who specifically holds this belief (it's presumed to be the police or general public). This avoids awkward phrasing likePolice believe that the suspect has fled...when the source is already implicitly clear or too general to name.
- To Report General Beliefs, Opinions, or Rumors: When discussing widespread consensus or popular conjecture, the impersonal passive is ideal.
It is widely considered that climate change is the greatest global challengeeffectively communicates a collective societal view without needing to poll every individual. Similarly, for rumors,She is rumored to be taking a new positionallows for the dissemination of information while acknowledging its unofficial status.
- To Avoid Direct Accusation or Soften a Statement: In sensitive situations, using the impersonal passive can mitigate direct blame or make a difficult statement less confrontational. Politically, phrases like
Mistakes were said to have been madeare classic examples of diffusing responsibility. In a professional critique,It is suggested that the proposal requires further refinementis less accusatory thanYou need to refine your proposal, fostering a more constructive tone. This is particularly valuable in cross-cultural communication where direct criticism can be perceived as aggressive.
- To Maintain Cohesion and Flow in Writing: The
Subject + is/are + past participle + to-infinitiveconstruction, in particular, often creates more compact and elegant sentences, improving readability. Rather thanIt is believed that the new policy will improve efficiency, the constructionThe new policy is believed to improve efficiencyis more streamlined and keeps the topic (the policy) as the primary subject, aiding textual coherence. This stylistic choice is a mark of advanced writing.
- In Journalistic Reporting: News articles frequently employ the impersonal passive to present facts and allegations, particularly when attributing them to unnamed sources or general sentiment.
The agreement is expected to be signed next weekorSeveral arrests are reported to have been madeare standard journalistic constructions that convey information succinctly while maintaining a formal tone appropriate for factual dissemination.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Tense in the
to-infinitive: This is arguably the most frequent and significant error. Learners often incorrectly use the simple infinitive (to do) when the perfect infinitive (to have done) is required, thereby misrepresenting the chronology of events. - Mistake:
He is said to steal the money yesterday.(Implies he steals it regularly, not a past, completed action). - Correction:
He is said to have stolen the money yesterday.(Correctly conveys a past action relative to the current reporting). - Reasoning: The perfect infinitive
to have + past participleexplicitly denotes an action completed before the time of the main verb (in this case,is said). The simple infinitiveto + base verbrefers to an action concurrent with or subsequent to the main verb.
- Mixing Reporting Verbs: While many verbs can function as reporting verbs, not all are suitable for the impersonal passive. Using verbs that express a direct sensory experience (
see,hear) or strong personal emotion (feel,hope) often sounds unnatural in this objective construction. - Mistake:
It is seen that the economy is struggling. - Correction:
It is observed that the economy is struggling.orIt is clear that the economy is struggling. - Reasoning: The impersonal passive relies on verbs that express cognitive processes or general communication, not direct perception.
Seeimplies a direct observation, which contradicts the impersonal nature of the statement.
- Omission of
tobefore the Infinitive: A seemingly minor error, but one that drastically affects grammatical correctness and clarity. - Mistake:
She is believed work hard. - Correction:
She is believed to work hard. - Reasoning: The
tois an integral part of the infinitive structure and cannot be omitted in this context. Its absence creates an ungrammatical verb sequence.
- Overuse and Inappropriate Context: While useful, excessive reliance on the impersonal passive can make writing sound overly formal, stilted, or even evasive, particularly in informal contexts. It can also obscure clarity if the original agent is actually important.
- Mistake (in casual conversation):
It is understood that you require assistance with your baggage. - Correction:
I understand you need help with your baggage.orDo you need help with your baggage? - Reasoning: The impersonal passive is too formal for casual exchanges. It introduces an unnecessary distance that can sound unnatural or even passive-aggressive. C2 proficiency involves knowing when to use a structure, not just how.
- Confusion with Causative Verbs: Do not confuse the impersonal passive
Subject + is said to...with causative structures likeSubject + have/get + something + done. While both involve a passive element, their meanings and grammatical functions are entirely different. - Impersonal Passive:
He is believed to have finished the report.(People believe he finished it.) - Causative:
He had the report finished.(He arranged for someone else to finish the report.) - Reasoning: The impersonal passive reports belief; the causative reports arranging an action. The form and meaning are distinct, despite superficial similarities in
have/be + past participlestructures.
Real Conversations
The impersonal passive, despite its formal undertones, permeates various real-world interactions, from academic discourse to media consumption and even strategic communication. Its application demonstrates a nuanced understanding of English at the C2 level.
- In News Reporting (Television/Online):
The new trade agreement is expected to boost exports by 15% in the coming year. (This conveys a formal prediction by economic analysts without naming them individually, giving weight to the forecast.)
Several high-ranking officials are reported to have resigned amidst the scandal. (Here, the source of the report might be anonymous or widespread, emphasizing the event rather than the informant.)
- Academic Discussions/Conferences:
The current research paradigm is considered to be flawed due to its limited sample size. (This avoids a direct personal attack on the researchers, presenting the critique as an objective assessment by the academic community.)
Galileo is said to have demonstrated the principles of falling bodies from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. (A common historical account; the specific
Conjugating 'Be Said To' with Different Infinitives
| Tense/Aspect | Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Simple Present
|
is/are said to + verb
|
He is said to be rich.
|
General state now.
|
|
Present Continuous
|
is/are said to + be + -ing
|
He is said to be working hard.
|
Action happening now.
|
|
Perfect (Past)
|
is/are said to + have + p.p.
|
He is said to have won.
|
Action in the past.
|
|
Perfect Continuous
|
is/are said to + have been + -ing
|
He is said to have been hiding.
|
Past action with duration.
|
|
Passive Infinitive
|
is/are said to + be + p.p.
|
He is said to be admired.
|
He is the object of the action.
|
|
Perfect Passive
|
is/are said to + have been + p.p.
|
He is said to have been killed.
|
Past passive action.
|
Contractions in Reporting
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
|
It is said that
|
It's said that
|
Common in speech, rare in formal writing.
|
|
He is thought to
|
He's thought to
|
Neutral/Informal register.
|
|
They are believed to
|
They're believed to
|
Neutral/Informal register.
|
Meanings
A formal structure used to report thoughts, beliefs, or rumors without attributing them to a specific person, often used in news and academic writing.
General Belief
Reporting a widely held opinion or consensus among a group of people.
“It is thought that the painting is a genuine Rembrandt.”
“The company is believed to be facing bankruptcy.”
Unconfirmed Rumors
Reporting information that is circulating but hasn't been officially verified.
“He is rumored to be dating a famous actress.”
“It is said that the house is haunted by its former owner.”
Legal/Official Allegations
Reporting accusations or claims in a way that avoids legal liability (defamation).
“The minister is alleged to have accepted bribes.”
“It is claimed that the product causes harmful side effects.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (It)
|
It + passive verb + that + clause
|
It is believed that he is innocent.
|
|
Affirmative (Personal)
|
Subject + passive verb + to-infinitive
|
He is believed to be innocent.
|
|
Negative (It)
|
It + passive verb (neg) + that + clause
|
It is not thought that the plan will work.
|
|
Negative (Personal)
|
Subject + passive verb (neg) + to-infinitive
|
The plan is not thought to work.
|
|
Interrogative (It)
|
Is it + p.p. + that + clause?
|
Is it said that he is leaving?
|
|
Interrogative (Personal)
|
Is + subject + p.p. + to-infinitive?
|
Is he said to be leaving?
|
|
Past Reporting
|
It was said that / He was said to
|
He was said to have been a spy.
|
Formality Spectrum
It is reported that the actor is to wed his long-time partner. (Celebrity news)
He is said to be getting married soon. (Celebrity news)
They say he's finally tying the knot. (Celebrity news)
Word is he's getting hitched. (Celebrity news)
Common Reporting Verbs
Thought
- Think Thought
- Believe Believed
- Consider Considered
Speech
- Say Said
- Report Reported
- Claim Claimed
Active vs. Passive Reporting
Choosing the Structure
Do you want to start with 'It'?
Is the action in the past?
Register Levels
Academic
- • It is posited that
- • It is hypothesized that
- • It is widely held that
Journalistic
- • He is alleged to
- • It is reported that
- • The victim is said to
Examples by Level
People say he is a good doctor.
They say it is cold in Russia.
Everyone says the food is great.
Some people say she is famous.
It is said that he is very rich.
It is thought that the sun is hot.
It is believed that they are happy.
It is reported that the rain will stop.
The company is said to be very successful.
He is thought to live in London.
It is expected that the prices will rise.
The team is believed to have won the game.
The strike is reported to have ended last night.
She is considered to be the best candidate.
It is understood that the deal is almost complete.
The virus is known to spread through the air.
The suspect is alleged to have been driving under the influence.
The manuscript is reputed to be over a thousand years old.
It is claimed that the new law will reduce crime significantly.
The CEO is rumored to be considering a resignation.
The artifact is understood to have been being smuggled when it was seized.
The Prime Minister is widely held to have miscalculated the public mood.
It is posited that the universe may be one of many in a multiverse.
The poet was said to have been haunted by the memories of the war until his death.
Easily Confused
Learners often use 'They say' in formal essays where 'It is said' is required.
Using 'to be' when the action happened in the past.
'Supposed to' often implies an obligation or a failed expectation, whereas 'said to' is just a report.
Common Mistakes
They says he is rich.
They say he is rich.
People is saying...
People are saying...
He is said he is rich.
He is said to be rich.
It says that...
It is said that...
It is said him to be rich.
It is said that he is rich.
He is said be rich.
He is said to be rich.
It is thought he rich.
It is thought that he is rich.
He is said to was rich.
He is said to have been rich.
It is believed him having left.
It is believed that he has left.
The car is reported stolen.
The car is reported to have been stolen.
He is alleged to steal the money yesterday.
He is alleged to have stolen the money yesterday.
It is rumored him to be the winner.
He is rumored to be the winner.
The building is considered being old.
The building is considered to be old.
Sentence Patterns
It is ___ that ___.
___ is said to ___.
___ is believed to have ___.
___ is alleged to have been ___.
Real World Usage
The suspect is said to be cooperating with the police.
It is thought that these results are statistically significant.
The merger is believed to be back on the table.
She's rumored to have broken up with him.
The defendant is alleged to have committed the act.
This restaurant is said to serve the best pasta in Rome.
The 'That' vs 'To' Rule
Avoid 'It is said him...'
Verb Choice Matters
Softening the Blow
Smart Tips
Use 'alleged' instead of 'said'. It adds a layer of professional caution.
Check the subject. If the subject is 'It', use 'that'. If the subject is anything else, use 'to'.
Always use 'to have + past participle'. Don't use 'to + past tense'.
Use 'It is widely held that' instead of 'Many people think'.
Pronunciation
Weak form of 'to'
In the phrase 'is said to', the 'to' is usually pronounced as a schwa /tə/.
Stress on the reporting verb
The main stress falls on the past participle (said, thought, believed), not the 'is' or 'to'.
Reporting Intonation
It is SAID ↘ that he is RICH ↘
A falling intonation at the end of both clauses indicates a statement of reported fact.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: 'It' needs 'That', but 'He' needs 'To'.
Visual Association
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 THAT...'. They are a shield between you and the source.
Rhyme
If 'It' is the head, 'That' follows the bed. If 'He' is the star, 'To' travels far.
Story
A secret agent is being discussed at headquarters. The General says, 'It is said that he is in Berlin.' The Captain replies, 'He is said to be in Berlin.' They both mean the same thing, but the Captain sounds more focused on the agent himself.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about a famous person using 'He/She is said to...', 'He/She is rumored to have...', and 'It is thought that he/she...'.
Cultural Notes
The BBC and broadsheet newspapers use the impersonal passive extensively to maintain a 'neutral' and 'objective' stance, which is a hallmark of British journalistic tradition.
In the US, the word 'allegedly' or the structure 'is alleged to' is used constantly in crime reporting to protect the news outlet from lawsuits before a person is convicted.
In global academic English, using 'It is generally accepted that' is a way to show humility and acknowledge that knowledge is a collective effort, not just the author's opinion.
The structure stems from the Latin 'dicitur' (it is said), which was heavily used in legal and religious texts.
Conversation Starters
What is said to be the most beautiful city in your country?
Which historical figure is thought to have been the most influential?
It is often claimed that money can't buy happiness. Do you agree?
What are some things rumored to be happening in the tech world right now?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
People say that he is a genius.
The thief is believed ___ the country last night.
Find and fix the mistake:
It is thought him to be the best player.
Which sentence is the most formal?
rumored / to / she / be / is / moving / London / to
The company is reported to have been losing money for years.
Which verb is NOT a reporting verb?
Did you hear about the CEO? Yes, he ___ to have resigned.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesPeople say that he is a genius.
The thief is believed ___ the country last night.
Find and fix the mistake:
It is thought him to be the best player.
Which sentence is the most formal?
rumored / to / she / be / is / moving / London / to
The company is reported to have been losing money for years.
Which verb is NOT a reporting verb?
Did you hear about the CEO? Yes, he ___ to have resigned.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesShe ___ to be a key player in the upcoming negotiations.
It is thought the new manager started yesterday.
Select the correct sentence:
Translate: 'Se espera que la economía mejore el próximo año.'
Put the words in order:
Match the sentence beginnings with their appropriate endings:
Many mistakes ___ to have been made during the process.
She's considered a brilliant scientist.
Which sentence is correct?
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Translate: 'Se informa que el servidor está caído.'
Match the active sentences with their impersonal passive equivalents:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
You can! But 'People say' is informal. In academic or professional writing, using `It is said` or `He is said to` makes you sound more objective and authoritative.
They mean the same thing. 'It is said that' focuses on the whole idea, while 'He is said to' focuses on the person. The latter is considered slightly more advanced.
Yes. You can say `It was thought that...` or `He was believed to...`. This is common when talking about historical beliefs that have changed.
Yes, 'allegedly' is the adverb form. `He allegedly stole the car` is the same as `He is alleged to have stolen the car`. The passive structure is just more formal.
No. This is a major error. If you use 'It', you must use a 'that-clause'. If you want to use 'him', you must make him the subject: `He is said to be`.
The 'Big Six' are: `say`, `think`, `believe`, `know`, `report`, and `consider`. Others include `allege`, `claim`, `understand`, and `rumor`.
Move the 'be' verb to the front: `Is he said to be rich?` or `Is it thought that the prices will rise?`.
Yes, but usually in the 'He is said to' form. For example: 'He's said to be a bit of a jerk.' It's common when discussing reputations.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Se dice que...
Spanish uses 'se' + verb, while English uses 'be' + past participle.
On dit que...
French prefers an active subject ('on') over a passive structure.
Man sagt... / Er soll... sein
German uses a modal verb ('sollen') where English uses a passive reporting verb.
...to iwarete iru
Japanese word order is reversed, and the subject is often omitted.
Yuqālu 'anna...
Arabic always uses the 'It' structure; the 'Personal' structure is rare.
Jùshuō (据说)
Chinese does not use verb conjugation or a passive marker for this; it uses a fixed vocabulary word.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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