C1 Passive & Reported Speech 18 min read Hard

Advanced Passive: Reporting Rumors & Beliefs (He is said to be...)

Master this C1 passive structure to report rumors and beliefs with authority and nuance, sounding truly advanced.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'He is said to be' to report rumors or general beliefs objectively without blaming a specific source.

  • Move the subject of the rumor to the start: 'He is said...'
  • Use a reporting verb in passive: 'is believed', 'is thought', 'is alleged'.
  • Follow with an infinitive: 'to be', 'to have been', or 'to be doing'.
👤 + [am/is/are] + [Reported Verb-ed] + to + [Verb Infinitive]

Overview

This is a way to tell news. You can tell what many people think. You do not say who said it. This is a useful way to speak.

We use these words to share news. Maybe many people think it. Or we do not know who said it. You put the main person first. This makes that person important. News, books, and talk use it.

You can tell news many people believe. Or news that might not be true. You sound fair. This is a good way to talk.

"She is believed to be..." is like "Many people think..." "People believe she is..." is more direct. The first one sounds more formal. It is used in official talk. It helps you understand English better.

How This Grammar Works

This way of speaking changes a normal sentence. Words like "say" or "think" are used. We move a word to the start of the sentence. This word becomes the main topic. Then we use a special verb.
Look at: "Experts believe the climate is changing." "Experts" is who believes. "The climate" is what they believe about. We can say: "The climate is believed to be changing." "The climate" is now the main word. "Believe" becomes "is believed." "Is changing" becomes "to be changing."
The result is The climate is believed to be changing rapidly.
This way of speaking does two things. First, it makes the topic (e.g., climate) important. It is the main idea. Second, it hides who said it. It sounds like many people agree. It is not one person's idea.
It sounds fair and formal. You do not say who said it first. This is good for important news. You report what many people know. Not what one person said.
The words "to be" or "to have" are important. They show when something happened. Was it happening now? Did it happen before? These words make the meaning clear. It helps you speak well.
Example: "She is believed to have left." People think she left the company. She left before now. The words show it happened in the past.

Formation Pattern

1
To use this well, you must follow rules. The words change based on time. When did it happen? This is how good English speakers talk.
2
Core Structure:
3
| Component | Description |
4
| :------------------------ | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
5
Subject: This is the person or thing. We talk about this thing. It comes first in the sentence.
6
Reporting verb: Use "is," "are," "was," "were." Then add a special form of the verb. Like "said" or "thought."
7
Infinitive: Use "to" + a verb. This shows when things happen.
8
1. Passive Reporting Verb
9
We use "is," "are," "was," "were" here. Then we add words like "said" or "thought." These words tell what people think. Here are common words to use.
10
Word people say (active) | Word for this way (passive) |
11
| :-------------------- | :-------------------------------------- |\
12
| say | said |\
13
| believe | believed |\
14
| think | thought |\
15
| know | known |\
16
| consider | considered |\
17
| report | reported |\
18
| understand | understood |\
19
| allege | alleged |\
20
| expect | expected |\
21
| estimate | estimated |\
22
Examples:
23
The boss is expected to leave soon. People think he will leave now.
24
Many old places were thought to be stories. People believed this in the past.
25
People say she lives in Australia. She has lived there for many years.
26
Part 2: "To" words. They show when things happen.
27
The "to" words are very important. They show when news is told. And when the event happened. Learn this to speak clearly.
28
Use: "to be" + a word about quality or action.
29
Use this when things happen now. Or when something is always true. Happening at the same time.
30
How to use | What it means | Example |
31
| :------------------------------ | :-------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\
32
"to be" + a word like "good." Means: He is good now. Example: He is said to be brilliant. (People say he is smart now.)
33
| to be + name/job | Right now | People believe she is the manager now. |
34
| to be doing | Happening now | People think they are talking now. |
35
The economy is expected to be stable next year.
36
He is considered to be an authority on quantum physics.
37
The children are reported to be playing quietly upstairs.
38
to have + past word
39
Use: Talk about things that happened in the past.
40
| How to write it | What it means | Example |
41
| :------------------------------ | :-------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\
42
| to have + past word | Finished before now | People say he lived in Paris before. |
43
The company is known to have relocated its primary data center last month.
44
Many artifacts are believed to have originated in the 10th century BCE.
45
People say he made up the story.
46
to have been + past word
47
Use: Talk about a past action done to someone or something.
48
| How to write it | What it means | Example |
49
| :-------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\
50
| to have been + word | Past way of being | They think the bridge was unsafe before. |
51
| to have been + job | Past job | People remember she was a teacher before. |
52
| to have been + past word | Past action | They think someone destroyed the papers. |
53
The building is now believed to have been designed by a renowned architect.
54
He was reported to have been discharged from the hospital yesterday.
55
The ancient civilization is understood to have been highly advanced in engineering.
56
to have been doing
57
Use: Talk about a long action in the past.
58
| How to write it | What it means | Example |
59
| :----------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\
60
| to have been doing | Long past action | People think she lived there for years. |
61
The suspect is believed to have been planning the heist for months before he was caught.
62
The scientist was reported to have been conducting secret experiments in his private lab.
63
Use these to talk about time clearly. This is for experts.

When To Use It

This is formal English. Use it to be very clear.
  • To Report General Opinion, Rumors, or Widespread Beliefs: This is the most common and foundational use. When information originates from a collective understanding, an unverified source, or is simply a general sentiment, this structure allows you to present it as such without personal endorsement or direct attribution. It's a way of saying "this is what's generally thought/said" without stating People say....
  • The new policy is expected to generate significant economic growth.
  • She is rumored to be a formidable negotiator behind closed doors.
  • The software bug is believed to have been causing intermittent system crashes for weeks.
  • To Add Formality and Objectivity: This construction inherently adds a layer of formality, making it prevalent in academic writing, journalistic reports, legal documents, and scientific papers. By removing the specific 'people' or 'sources' as the subject, the statement gains an air of objectivity and authority, focusing on the information itself rather than its origin.
  • The phenomenon is understood to occur under very specific atmospheric conditions.
  • The findings are considered to have broad implications for future research.
  • He is alleged to have received illicit campaign donations.
  • To Avoid Direct Attribution or Sound Less Certain: When you wish to relay information without taking full responsibility for its veracity, or when the source is genuinely unknown, this structure provides a diplomatic way to report. It signals that the information is hearsay or a widely held view, not necessarily a verified fact.
  • The director is said to be considering a major restructuring of the department, though nothing is confirmed.
  • Several ancient texts are thought to describe a lost civilization, but evidence remains scarce.
  • To Focus on the Reported Subject: By raising the subject of the original embedded clause to the main subject position, this structure allows you to maintain thematic coherence or emphasize the person/thing being discussed. The sentence prioritizes what is being reported about someone or something, rather than who is doing the reporting.
  • The ancient city was believed to be built by an advanced, but now forgotten, civilization. (Focus on the ancient city)
  • He is known to have supported numerous philanthropic causes throughout his life. (Focus on he and his actions)
  • Distinction from It is said that...: While similar in function, It is said that he is rich focuses on the general statement or fact that he is rich. Conversely, He is said to be rich focuses directly on him and the attribution of rich to him. Choose He is said to be... when the person/thing itself is the primary topic of your sentence, and the reported information is a characteristic or event pertaining to them.

Common Mistakes

Many students make mistakes. They get the time wrong.
  • Incorrect Infinitive Form for Temporal Relationship: This is perhaps the most common error. Learners often use the simple infinitive (to be, to do) when a perfect infinitive (to have been, to have done) is required to indicate a past action.
  • Incorrect: She is said to live in Paris last year. (Implies she lives there now, which contradicts last year.)
  • Correct: She is said to have lived in Paris last year. (Correctly indicates a past action.)
  • Incorrect: The documents are believed to destroy. (Suggests the documents will destroy something.)
  • Correct: The documents are believed to have been destroyed. (Correctly indicates a past passive action.)
  • Confusing with It is said that...: While both are passive reporting, they have different thematic focuses. Using one when the other is more appropriate can lead to an awkward sentence structure or a subtle shift in emphasis.
  • Incorrect (if you want to focus on the person): It is said to be a genius. (Grammatically incorrect; it refers to the general idea, not a person being described.)
  • Correct: He is said to be a genius. (Focuses on he.)
  • Correct (if the statement itself is the focus): It is said that he is a genius. (This structure is valid but has a different focus.)
  • Omitting to be or to have in the Infinitive Phrase: Learners sometimes incorrectly shorten the infinitive phrase, making it ungrammatical.
  • Incorrect: She is known a brilliant physicist.
  • Correct: She is known to be a brilliant physicist.
  • Incorrect: The ancient city is thought existed for centuries.
  • Correct: The ancient city is thought to have existed for centuries.
  • Using an Active Reporting Verb: Remember, the main verb must be passive (is said, was believed, etc.).
  • Incorrect: He thinks to be wealthy. (This means he believes himself to be wealthy, a different structure.)
  • Correct: He is thought to be wealthy. (Others think he is wealthy.)
  • Overuse in Informal Contexts: This structure is formal. Using it in casual conversation can sound stiff, pretentious, or overly bureaucratic. While it has its place in less formal contexts (e.g., relaying serious rumors), People say..., I heard that..., or direct statements are often more natural.
  • Awkward: He's believed to be grabbing coffee right now.
  • More natural: I think he's getting coffee. or He's probably grabbing coffee.
  • Misapplication of to be V-ing vs. to have been V-ing: Confusing ongoing present actions with ongoing past actions.
  • Incorrect: They are reported to be working on the project for a month now. (Implies they are working now, but for a month now indicates duration up to now.)
  • Correct: They are reported to have been working on the project for a month now. (Correctly indicates an action that started in the past and continues or recently finished.)

Real Conversations

While inherently formal, the Subject + is said to be... construction appears in various contexts, from highly formal reports to slightly less formal, yet serious, discussions. Its presence signifies the speaker's intent to convey widely held information without personal endorsement.

- News Reporting (Print/Broadcast): This is where you'll most frequently encounter this structure, as journalists prioritize objectivity and attributing information to general knowledge or unnamed sources.

- The Prime Minister is expected to announce new economic relief measures next week.

- The suspect is alleged to have fled the country shortly after the incident.

- Several witnesses are reported to have seen a dark sedan leaving the scene.

- Academic and Scientific Discourse: In academic papers, research findings, and scholarly discussions, this structure helps maintain a formal tone, present established theories, or discuss findings without personal bias.

- The theory of relativity is considered to have revolutionized our understanding of physics.

- The results are understood to be preliminary, requiring further validation.

- Quantum entanglement is believed to occur instantaneously across vast distances.

- Professional and Business Communication: In formal emails, internal reports, or presentations, this structure can be used to convey information that is common knowledge within the organization, or to present forecasts and expectations.

- The project timeline is estimated to be completed by the end of Q3.

- The new marketing strategy is thought to boost sales by at least 15%.

- Our main competitor is known to have launched a similar product in Asia.

- Serious Rumors and General Knowledge (Less Formal): While less common in casual chat than I heard that..., it can be used to relay more serious or widely circulated rumors, particularly when the speaker wants to distance themselves slightly from the information's certainty.

- Did you hear about the new manager? She is rumored to be incredibly strict. (Still a bit formal, but acceptable for impactful rumors.)

- That old house down the street is said to be haunted by a friendly ghost. (A widely accepted local legend.)

- He is known to be quite eccentric, so I'm not surprised by his latest stunt.

- Online Discussions (Formal Communities): In online forums or communities dedicated to specific topics (e.g., tech, history, literature), where precision and factual reporting are valued, this structure can appear.

- This software update is reported to have fixed several critical security vulnerabilities.

- The author's early work is considered to be his most influential.

It's important to recognize that while this construction signals formality, its appropriate use adds significant weight and credibility to the information being conveyed, by framing it as widely accepted or publicly known rather than a personal assertion.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to questions about saying 'He is said to be'.
  • Q: Can I use this with any reporting verb?
  • A: No. This structure is typically used with a specific set of verbs that express opinion, belief, or reporting, such as say, believe, think, know, report, consider, expect, allege, understand, estimate. Verbs like hope, wish, or demand generally do not fit this pattern.
  • Q: What's the main difference between He is said to be... and It is said that he is...?
  • A: The primary difference lies in the focus. He is said to be... makes the person or thing (he) the main subject of the sentence, emphasizing what is being attributed to them. It is said that he is...? makes the general statement (that he is...) the main focus, emphasizing the fact that something is being said. Both report information indirectly, but they shift the thematic weight.
  • Q: Is this structure always formal?
  • A: Predominantly, yes. It's most common in formal writing (journalism, academic texts) and speech. Using it in very casual conversation can sound overly stiff. However, it can appear in slightly less formal contexts when relaying serious rumors or widely accepted facts in a detached manner.
  • Q: Can I use this for future events?
  • A: Absolutely. You typically use the simple infinitive (to be) with future time markers, or sometimes to be going to (though less common for this specific construction).
  • He is expected to arrive tomorrow morning. (Simultaneous future state/action relative to the expectation).
  • The new policy is thought to be implemented by year-end.
  • Q: What if the reporting verb itself is in the past (e.g., He was said...)?
  • A: The same rules for infinitive choice apply, but the temporal relationship is now relative to the past reporting verb (was said).
  • He was said to be rich. (It was said in the past that he was rich at that time.)
  • He was said to have been rich. (It was said in the past that he had been rich even earlier than that past reporting.)
  • Q: Can I use the passive infinitive here, e.g., to be seen?
  • A: Yes, absolutely. If the reported action is passive, you must use the passive infinitive, for example, to be seen, to be understood, to have been chosen.
  • The rare artifact is believed to be hidden in a secret chamber.
  • The decision is said to have been made by the board of directors.
  • Q: Does this structure imply certainty or uncertainty?
  • A: It implies a degree of unverified common knowledge or rumor, rather than personal certainty. It allows the speaker to distance themselves from full endorsement of the information's truthfulness, presenting it as what others say or believe. It's a way of saying "This is what's being reported/thought, whether it's true or not is another matter or not my direct assertion."

Formation of the Personal Passive

Subject Passive Reporting Verb Infinitive Type Example
He
is said
Simple (to be)
He is said to be rich.
She
is thought
Continuous (to be doing)
She is thought to be working.
They
are believed
Perfect (to have done)
They are believed to have left.
The car
is reported
Passive (to be done)
The car is reported to be stolen.
He
was alleged
Perfect Continuous
He was alleged to have been lying.
The project
is expected
Future-facing
The project is expected to fail.

Meanings

A formal structure used to report what people generally say, think, or believe about someone or something, often used in journalism to maintain objectivity.

1

General Reputation

Describing a person's current reputation or a widely held belief about them.

“He is said to be the most talented pianist of his generation.”

“The city is known to be quite dangerous at night.”

2

Legal/Journalistic Allegations

Reporting accusations or claims that have not yet been proven in court.

“The suspect is alleged to have fled the country.”

“The company is claimed to have ignored safety warnings.”

3

Historical/Past Beliefs

Reporting what was believed about someone in the past.

“The castle was believed to be haunted for centuries.”

“The Vikings were once thought to have reached America first.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Advanced Passive: Reporting Rumors & Beliefs (He is said to be...)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + be + V3 + to-inf
He is said to be a genius.
Negative
Subj + be + not + V3 + to-inf
He is said not to be very friendly.
Question
Be + subj + V3 + to-inf?
Is he thought to be the best candidate?
Past Action
Subj + be + V3 + to have + V3
She is believed to have won the lottery.
Ongoing Action
Subj + be + V3 + to be + V-ing
They are reported to be hiding in the attic.
Past Ongoing
Subj + be + V3 + to have been + V-ing
He is said to have been living in a cave.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
The new device is rumored to feature a titanium frame.

The new device is rumored to feature a titanium frame. (Tech news)

Neutral
The new iPhone is said to have a titanium frame.

The new iPhone is said to have a titanium frame. (Tech news)

Informal
They say the new iPhone is gonna be titanium.

They say the new iPhone is gonna be titanium. (Tech news)

Slang
Word is the new iPhone's got that titanium vibe.

Word is the new iPhone's got that titanium vibe. (Tech news)

Reporting Verbs for Passive Construction

Reporting Verbs

Belief

  • Believe Believe
  • Think Think
  • Consider Consider

Claims

  • Allege Allege
  • Claim Claim
  • Report Report

Active vs. Impersonal vs. Personal Passive

Active
People say he is rich. People say he is rich.
Impersonal
It is said that he is rich. It is said that he is rich.
Personal
He is said to be rich. He is said to be rich.
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

People say he is a good doctor.

2

They say the food is great here.

3

My friends say she is very smart.

4

Everyone says the movie is boring.

1

I heard that he is very rich.

2

It is said that the park is beautiful.

3

People believe that he is the best.

4

They think that the test was easy.

1

It is believed that the climate is changing.

2

It is thought that the company will close.

3

It is reported that many people were injured.

4

It is known that exercise is good for you.

1

He is said to be the richest man in town.

2

The painting is thought to be a fake.

3

They are believed to have left the country.

4

The bridge is expected to be finished soon.

1

The suspect is alleged to have been planning the heist for months.

2

The manuscript is reputed to have been written by Shakespeare himself.

3

The economy is projected to grow by 3% this year.

4

The artifacts are understood to date back to the Bronze Age.

1

The diplomat is rumored to have been acting as a double agent during the negotiations.

2

The species was long presumed to have been extinct until its recent rediscovery.

3

The CEO is widely considered to have single-handedly saved the firm from bankruptcy.

4

The Prime Minister is reported to be considering an early election.

Easily Confused

Advanced Passive: Reporting Rumors & Beliefs (He is said to be...) vs Supposed to vs. Said to

Learners use 'supposed to' for rumors, but it often implies an obligation.

Advanced Passive: Reporting Rumors & Beliefs (He is said to be...) vs It is said that vs. He is said to

Mixing the two structures into one.

Common Mistakes

✗

He is said that he is rich.

✓

People say he is rich.

A1 learners should avoid this complex passive and use 'People say'.
✗

He said to be rich.

✓

He is said to be rich.

Missing the verb 'to be' makes it sound like he is the one speaking.
✗

It is said him to be rich.

✓

It is said that he is rich.

Mixing the impersonal 'It is said' with the personal object 'him'.
✗

He is said to win the race yesterday.

✓

He is said to have won the race yesterday.

Using a simple infinitive for a past event. You must use the perfect infinitive 'to have won'.

Sentence Patterns

[Person] is said to be ___.

[Object] is thought to have been ___.

Real World Usage

Newspaper Headlines constant

Local Man Reported to Have Won $100M Lottery.

Office Gossip very common

The boss is said to be furious about the sales figures.

Academic Journals common

The ruins are thought to date back to the 4th century.

Police Briefings common

The suspect is alleged to have used a stolen vehicle.

Travel Guides occasional

This restaurant is reputed to serve the best pasta in Rome.

Social Media (Twitter/X) common

The movie is rumored to be 4 hours long! #filmnews

Sign up free to see all examples
🎯

Use 'Reputed' for positive rumors

While 'said' is neutral, 'reputed' is often used for high-quality things. 'He is a reputed scholar.'
⚠️

Watch the Perfect Infinitive

If the rumor is about the past, you MUST use 'to have + V3'. 'He is said to HAVE BEEN a spy' (not 'to be a spy').
💡

Verbs that work

Common verbs: say, think, believe, consider, report, know, expect, allege, understand, rumor.
💬

Avoiding Libel

In English-speaking countries, using 'alleged' is a legal shield for journalists.

Smart Tips

Swap 'People say' for 'It is reported that' or '[Subject] is reported to'.

People say the company is in trouble. → The company is reported to be in financial difficulty.

Always check if you need 'to have'. If the action is finished, use 'to have + V3'.

He is said to be a hero in the war. → He is said to have been a hero in the war.

Try to transform it into 'He is said to...' to practice your flexibility.

It is thought that she is the best candidate. → She is thought to be the best candidate.

Use 'allegedly' or 'is alleged to' to avoid sounding like you are lying.

He stole the money. → He is alleged to have stolen the money.

Pronunciation

/hiː ɪz sɛd tə biː/

Reduction of 'to'

In the phrase 'is said to be', the 'to' is often reduced to a schwa /tə/.

Stress on the reporting verb

He is THOUGHT to be... (but we aren't sure)

Emphasizing the uncertainty of the rumor.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember 'S.T.A.R.': Said, Thought, Alleged, Reported. These are the stars of the reported passive!

Visual Association

Imagine a news anchor pointing at a person on a screen. The anchor doesn't say 'I think...', they say 'The man is reported to be...'. The focus is entirely on the person on the screen.

Rhyme

When rumors fly and sources hide, put the subject on the outside; 'He is said to' is the way, to tell the world what people say.

Story

A detective is investigating a mysterious man. Instead of saying 'I heard he is a thief,' the detective writes in his notebook: 'The suspect is alleged to have stolen the diamond.' This keeps the detective safe from making false accusations.

Word Web

allegedrumoredreputedexpectedunderstoodclaimedconsidered

Challenge

Write three sentences about a famous person using 'is said to be', 'is thought to have', and 'is rumored to be doing'.

Cultural Notes

The BBC and broadsheet newspapers use this constantly to maintain a 'neutral' stance and avoid being sued for libel.

Used to discuss theories without attributing them to a single person, making the claim sound like a general scientific consensus.

Police and news outlets use 'alleged' to protect the 'innocent until proven guilty' principle.

This construction mirrors the Latin 'dicitur' (it is said) which could take a nominative and infinitive structure.

Conversation Starters

“

What is your city said to be famous for?

“

Which celebrity is rumored to be the most difficult to work with?

“

In your country, what are students expected to do after they graduate?

Journal Prompts

Write a short news report about a fictional bank robbery. Use at least three different reporting passives (alleged, reported, thought).
Describe a historical figure and the myths surrounding them.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Rewrite the sentence using the personal passive: 'People say that he is a genius.' Sentence Transformation

People say that he is a genius.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is said to be a genius.
The subject 'he' moves to the front, followed by 'is said' and the infinitive 'to be'.
Complete the sentence with the correct infinitive form: 'The thief is believed ___ the country last night.'

The thief is believed ___ the country last night.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to have left
Since the action happened 'last night', we need the perfect infinitive 'to have left'.
Find the mistake: 'She is thought that she is living in London.' Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She is thought that she is living in London.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is thought to be living in London.
You cannot use a 'that-clause' after a personal subject in this construction.
Which verb is most appropriate for a legal accusation? Multiple Choice

The defendant is ___ to have stolen the documents.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: alleged
'Alleged' is the standard legal term for unproven claims.
Reorder the words: 'expected / the / is / to / arrive / train / soon' Sentence Building

expected / the / is / to / arrive / train / soon

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The train is expected to arrive soon.
Subject (The train) + is expected + to-infinitive (to arrive) + adverb (soon).
Is this sentence correct? 'It is said to be raining.' True False Rule

It is said to be raining.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
This is a correct use of the impersonal 'it' as a subject for weather rumors.
Match the active sentence to its passive equivalent. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-He is said to be rich; 2-She is believed to have left.
Correct transformation of both present and past reporting.
Complete the dialogue: 'Is the new CEO good?' 'Well, he ___ very strict.' Dialogue Completion

Is the new CEO good? Well, he ___ very strict.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is said to be
Reports a general reputation using the personal passive.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Rewrite the sentence using the personal passive: 'People say that he is a genius.' Sentence Transformation

People say that he is a genius.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is said to be a genius.
The subject 'he' moves to the front, followed by 'is said' and the infinitive 'to be'.
Complete the sentence with the correct infinitive form: 'The thief is believed ___ the country last night.'

The thief is believed ___ the country last night.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to have left
Since the action happened 'last night', we need the perfect infinitive 'to have left'.
Find the mistake: 'She is thought that she is living in London.' Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She is thought that she is living in London.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is thought to be living in London.
You cannot use a 'that-clause' after a personal subject in this construction.
Which verb is most appropriate for a legal accusation? Multiple Choice

The defendant is ___ to have stolen the documents.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: alleged
'Alleged' is the standard legal term for unproven claims.
Reorder the words: 'expected / the / is / to / arrive / train / soon' Sentence Building

expected / the / is / to / arrive / train / soon

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The train is expected to arrive soon.
Subject (The train) + is expected + to-infinitive (to arrive) + adverb (soon).
Is this sentence correct? 'It is said to be raining.' True False Rule

It is said to be raining.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
This is a correct use of the impersonal 'it' as a subject for weather rumors.
Match the active sentence to its passive equivalent. Match Pairs

1. People say he is rich. 2. They believe she left.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-He is said to be rich; 2-She is believed to have left.
Correct transformation of both present and past reporting.
Complete the dialogue: 'Is the new CEO good?' 'Well, he ___ very strict.' Dialogue Completion

Is the new CEO good? Well, he ___ very strict.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is said to be
Reports a general reputation using the personal passive.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

11 exercises
Which sentence correctly uses the advanced passive reporting structure? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The new software is expected to be releasing next week.
Complete the sentence with the correct passive reporting form. Fill in the Blank

The ancient city ___ to have been founded by a legendary king.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is said
Put the words in order to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The manager is thought to be considering his resignation.
Identify and correct the grammatical error. Error Correction

Many local residents were understood have supported the initiative.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Many local residents were understood to have supported the initiative.
Match the reporting verb forms with their corresponding infinitive structures. Match Pairs

Match the reporting verb forms with the infinitive that best expresses the reported timing:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Translate into English: 'Se cree que los documentos fueron filtrados por un ex empleado.' Translation

Translate into English: 'Se cree que los documentos fueron filtrados por un ex empleado.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["The documents are believed to have been leaked by a former employee."]
Complete the sentence with the correct form. Fill in the Blank

The new CEO ___ to be implementing radical changes to the company structure.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is expected
Which sentence is grammatically correct? Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The project was considered to be finished last week.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

The software is understand to be very user-friendly.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The software is understood to be very user-friendly.
Unscramble the words to form a coherent sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A new planet is said to have been discovered by scientists.
Match the active sentence fragment with its correct passive reporting equivalent (He/She/They is/are said to...) Match Pairs

Match the active fragments with their passive equivalents:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /11

FAQ (8)

The passive version is more formal and objective. It focuses on the person being discussed rather than the people talking, which is preferred in news and academic writing.

No, it only works with 'reporting verbs' like `say, think, believe, know, report, allege, expect, consider, understand, rumor`.

Use `to be` for present rumors ('He is said to be rich now'). Use `to have been` for past rumors ('He is said to have been rich in the 90s').

Sometimes, but `supposed to` often implies an obligation or a failed expectation (e.g., 'It was supposed to rain, but it didn't'). `Said to` is purely about reputation.

Yes. 'He is said *not* to be very friendly.' Note that 'not' comes before 'to'.

Yes, but usually in more formal or serious conversations, like discussing news, business, or someone's reputation. In casual chat, we usually say 'I heard that...'.

It's the version starting with 'It', like `It is said that he is rich`. It's even more formal than the personal passive.

Yes, usually with verbs like 'expect' or 'project'. 'The price is expected to rise next year.'

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Se dice que / Se cree que

Spanish prefers 'It is said that' over 'He is said to'.

German high

soll ... sein

German uses a modal verb instead of a passive construction.

French moderate

On dit que / est censé

French 'censé' is closer to 'supposed to' than 'said to'.

Japanese high

〜と言われている (to iwarete iru)

The structure is very similar to the English 'is said to'.

Arabic moderate

يُقال أن (Yuqal 'anna)

Arabic almost always uses the impersonal 'It is said that' form.

Chinese low

据说 (Jùshuō)

Chinese does not use verb conjugation or a passive voice marker for this.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
News & Rumors: Passive with Reporting Verbs (It is said that...)
Next
Passive Reporting Structures (He is said to be...)

Learn These First

B1 Requires

English Verbs Followed by Infinitive (want to, need to)

Overview English grammar presents fascinating patterns for expressing actions. One fundamental structure, particularly i...
C1 Requires

News & Rumors: Passive with Reporting Verbs (It is said that...)

Overview The construction `It is said that...` represents a fundamental passive reporting structure in English. At the C...

Related Videos

How do fireflies create light? - Emily A. Geest 05:05

How do fireflies create light? - Emily A. Geest
The murderous medieval king who inspired "Macbeth" - Benjamin Hudson 06:10

The murderous medieval king who inspired "Macbeth" - Benjamin Hudson
The epic Nordic legend of the monster slayer - Iseult Gillespie 05:57

The epic Nordic legend of the monster slayer - Iseult Gillespie
Passive Reporting Verbs in English | IT IS SAID THAT, IT IS THOUGHT THAT 7:37 YouTube

Passive Reporting Verbs in English | IT IS SAID THAT, IT IS THOUGHT THAT

Oxford English Now

Related Grammar Rules

B1

Passive Voice for Objectivity: 'It is said that...'

Overview English grammar provides specific structures to report information without identifying the source, or to emphas...
C1

Reported Speech with Modals & Passive Reporting (C1)

Overview Mastering reported speech with modals and passive reporting structures marks a significant step towards C1-leve...
B1

Reporting Verbs: Who Said What?

Overview Reporting verbs are essential linguistic tools that enable you to relay information or summarise statements, qu...
B1

When to Use Passive Voice (Reporting News & Rumors)

Overview The passive voice in English serves various crucial communicative functions, particularly when the agent of an...
C1

Passive Reporting Structures (He is said to be...)

Overview Passive reporting structures, epitomized by phrases such as `He is said to be...`, serve as sophisticated tools...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!