Reporting Verbs: Who Said What?
admitted, warned, urged all tell your listener far more than just said.
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.
What Are Reporting Verbs?
said. But English has many others that tell your listener HOW something was said.Basic (boring)
He said he was wrong.
Vivid (much better!)
He admitted he was wrong.
The 3 Grammar Patterns
She admitted (that) she was late.
He told her to stop.
She suggested going home.
Formation Pattern — Verb Tables
Pattern 1 — verb + (that) + clause
Used for statements, thoughts, and opinions. The word "that" is optional — you can include it or leave it out.
Subject + [verb] + (that) + subject + verb...
e.g. She admitted (that) she was wrong. / He claims (that) he saw nothing.
| Verb | What it means | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
💬 say |
General — the most basic reporting verb | She said (that) she was feeling better. Most common. No object after "say". ✗ She said me... ✓ She told me... |
🗣️ tell |
Inform someone of something | He told me (that) he would be late. Must have an object (a person) after it: told me, told him, told her. |
😔 admit |
Confess or accept something (often a fault) | He admitted (that) he had made a mistake. Used when accepting blame or truth. |
🤝 agree |
Say yes to an idea | They agreed (that) the plan was good. "I think so too." |
💭 believe |
Think something is true | We believe (that) she is telling the truth. An opinion or strong feeling. |
🎯 claim |
Say something is true (without proof) | She claimed (that) she had never met him. Often used when you're not sure if it's true. |
✅ confirm |
Say something is definitely true | The manager confirmed (that) the meeting was cancelled. Official, certain information. |
🙅 deny |
Say something is NOT true | The suspect denied (that) he was involved. The opposite of admit. |
📖 explain |
Make something clear, give reasons | He explained (that) the flight was delayed. Used when giving more detail. |
💡 mention |
Say something briefly | She mentioned (that) she was going on holiday. Casual, not the main topic. |
🤞 promise |
Give your word about the future | He promised (that) he would come back. A commitment. |
📰 report |
Give an account of something (often news) | The journalist reported (that) the economy was growing. Formal, often news/media. |
💡 suggest |
Put forward an idea or possibility | She suggested (that) we take a different route. Pattern 1 OR Pattern 3 (suggest + -ing) |
🧠 think |
Have an opinion or belief | He thought (that) the project was going well. A personal opinion. |
⚠️ warn |
Tell someone about a danger | She warned (that) the road was icy. Also Pattern 2: warned me to be careful. |
Pattern 2 — verb + person + to + verb
Used for commands, requests, and instructions. You MUST say WHO you are talking to.
Subject + [verb] + [person] + to + base verb...
e.g. The doctor advised me to rest. / She asked him to wait outside.
| Verb | What it means | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
🩺 advise |
Give advice or a recommendation | The doctor advised me to get more rest. "You should rest" → He advised me to rest. |
🙏 ask |
Make a polite request | He asked her to help him. "Please help me" → He asked her to help him. |
😢 beg |
Ask very urgently or desperately | She begged him to stay. Very emotional, stronger than "ask". |
⚔️ command |
Give an official or strong order | The officer commanded the troops to advance. Very strong authority. |
🌟 encourage |
Give someone confidence to do something | The coach encouraged us to try harder. Positive, supportive. |
🚫 forbid |
Say someone must NOT do something | She forbade him to leave the house. Formal. Very strong prohibition. |
📋 instruct |
Give official instructions | The teacher instructed us to open our books. Formal, structured directions. |
🎉 invite |
Ask someone to come somewhere or do something | They invited her to join the team. "Please join us!" → invited her to join. |
🔊 order |
Give a direct, authoritative command | The manager ordered him to redo the report. Stronger than "tell", less formal than "command". |
💪 persuade |
Convince someone to do something | She persuaded me to apply for the job. It takes effort to persuade. |
🔔 remind |
Help someone remember | He reminded her to lock the door. "Don't forget!" → reminded her to lock. |
🗣️ tell |
Give someone information or instructions | She told him to wait outside. Pattern 1 AND Pattern 2 — very flexible! |
⚡ urge |
Strongly encourage or pressure someone | They urged the government to act faster. Stronger than "encourage". |
⚠️ warn |
Tell someone to be careful or avoid something | She warned me not to touch the wire. For negative: warned + person + NOT to + verb. |
Pattern 3 — verb + -ing
A smaller group of reporting verbs is followed by a gerund (verb + -ing). These are often used when reporting admissions or suggestions.
Subject + [verb] + verb-ing...
e.g. He denied stealing it. / She suggested going somewhere quieter.
| Verb | What it means | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
😔 admit |
Accept fault for doing something | He admitted stealing the money. "I stole it." → He admitted stealing it. |
🙅 deny |
Say you did NOT do something | She denied taking the book. "I didn't take it." → She denied taking it. |
👍 recommend |
Say something is a good idea | He recommended trying the new restaurant. "You should try it!" → He recommended trying it. |
💡 suggest |
Put forward an idea | She suggested meeting after class. "Let's meet!" → She suggested meeting after class. |
📝 propose |
Suggest something more formally | They proposed cutting the budget. "Let's cut the budget." → They proposed cutting it. |
😟 regret |
Feel sorry about something done | He regretted saying those words. Feeling sorry for an action. |
Real Conversations
What your boss said to you:
"You need to finish the project by Friday. I think it's going well, but I want you to work faster. Please don't forget to send me the report every day."
You tell your colleague using reporting verbs:
The boss ordered me to finish the project by Friday. He thought it was going well, but he told me to work faster. He also reminded me to send him the report every day.
Verbs used and why:
→ ordered = strong instruction (Pattern 2: ordered me to...)
→ thought = an opinion (Pattern 1: thought that...)
→ told = instruction (Pattern 2: told me to...)
→ reminded = help remember (Pattern 2: reminded me to...)
The police confirmed that a man had been arrested. The suspect denied stealing from the shop. He claimed that he had paid for everything. However, a witness reported seeing him leave without paying. His lawyer warned him not to say anything more. The judge urged both sides to find a peaceful solution.
Pattern notes:
→ confirmed / claimed / reported = Pattern 1 (verb + that + clause)
→ denied stealing = Pattern 3 (deny + -ing)
→ warned him not to say / urged both sides to find = Pattern 2 (verb + person + to + verb)
Most Common Mistakes
Quick Reference — Which Pattern?
| Pattern | Formula | Common verbs |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern 1 | verb + (that) + clause | say, tell, admit, agree, believe, claim, confirm, deny, explain, mention, promise, report, suggest, think, warn |
| Pattern 2 | verb + person + to + verb | advise, ask, beg, command, encourage, forbid, instruct, invite, order, persuade, remind, tell, urge, warn |
| Pattern 3 | verb + -ing | admit, deny, recommend, suggest, propose, regret |
Key memory trick: Pattern 1 = about WHAT was said (thoughts, statements) · Pattern 2 = about ASKING/TELLING someone to DO something · Pattern 3 = about ACTIONS (doing/not doing)
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
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (It)
|
It + is + V3 + that + clause
|
It is said that he is a hero.
|
|
Affirmative (Subject)
|
Subject + is + V3 + to + infinitive
|
He is said to be a hero.
|
|
Negative (It)
|
It + is not + V3 + that + clause
|
It is not thought that the plan will work.
|
|
Negative (Subject)
|
Subject + is not + V3 + to + infinitive
|
The plan is not thought to work.
|
|
Question (It)
|
Is it + V3 + that + clause?
|
Is it known that they are leaving?
|
|
Question (Subject)
|
Is + Subject + V3 + to + infinitive?
|
Are they known to be leaving?
|
|
Past (Subject)
|
Subject + is + V3 + to have + V3
|
He is thought to have escaped.
|
Formality Spectrum
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)
The Reporting Verb Web
Thoughts
- Think thought
- Believe believed
- Consider considered
Speech
- Say said
- Report reported
- Claim claimed
Active vs. Passive Reporting
Choosing Your Structure
Do you want to start with 'It'?
Is the action in the past?
Common Verbs by Context
News
- • Report
- • Allege
- • Claim
Science
- • Know
- • Believe
- • Consider
Examples by Level
People say he is a good teacher.
They think the movie is funny.
Everyone knows her name.
I believe you are right.
It is said that the food here is great.
It is known that he is very rich.
People believe the story is true.
It is thought that the cat is lost.
It is believed that the strike will end soon.
The painting is thought to be a fake.
He is said to live in a huge mansion.
It is expected that the team will win.
The CEO is reported to have resigned yesterday.
It is widely considered that his work is revolutionary.
The suspect is alleged to have stolen the jewels.
The virus is known to spread through the air.
The manuscript is reputed to have been written by Dickens.
It is understood that negotiations are at a delicate stage.
He is thought to have been working for the government for years.
The company is estimated to be worth over ten billion dollars.
The artifact is purportedly to have originated from the Ming Dynasty.
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 policy is widely acknowledged to have been a failure.
Easily Confused
Learners think every passive sentence needs 'by someone'.
Mixing 'He said that...' with 'He is said to...'.
Using 'that' after a person-subject.
Common Mistakes
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.
Sentence Patterns
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.
Use it for 'Distancing'
Don't overdo it
The 'To-Infinitive' trick
Polite Disagreement
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.
Pronunciation
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.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'IT THAT' or 'SUBJECT TO'. It's either 'It... that' or 'Subject... to'.
Visual Association
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
Challenge
Look at a news headline today. Try to rewrite it using 'It is said that...' or 'The [Subject] is said to...'.
Cultural Notes
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'.
Conversation Starters
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?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
It ___ 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.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
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
FAQ (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
Related Videos
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
Related Grammar Rules
Passive Voice for Objectivity: 'It is said that...'
Overview English grammar provides specific structures to report information without identifying the source, or to emphas...
Reported Speech with Modals & Passive Reporting (C1)
Overview Mastering reported speech with modals and passive reporting structures marks a significant step towards C1-leve...
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...
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...
The Passive Voice: Focus on Actions (Present Simple Passive)
Overview The passive voice is a fundamental grammatical structure in English, allowing you to shift emphasis within a se...
