B1 Passive & Reported Speech 17 min read Medium

Reporting Verbs: Who Said What?

Reporting verbs add depth and nuance to reported speech, making your stories vivid and precise.
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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.
It + 🗣️ (Passive Verb) + that + 📝 (Fact) OR 👤 (Subject) + 🗣️ (Passive Verb) + to + 🏁 (Verb)

Overview

Use these words to tell what other people said. They help you say more than just "said."

These words help you speak better. They show how a person feels when they talk.

These words make your English good. You will not say the same word many times.

How This Grammar Works

You can use a person's exact words. Or, you can use your own words to tell the story.
Some words are for ideas. Some are for orders. They give more information to the listener.
Every word tells us something special about the talk.
Choose a talk word. Then tell what the person said. The sentence changes for every word.
When you talk about the past, change the words. Change "am" to "was." This shows the time.
Sometimes we do not know who said it. We use these for news or facts.

Formation Pattern

1
Each word has a special way to use it. Follow these rules to speak correctly.
2
1. Verb + (that) + clause
3
You can use the word "that" here. Or, you can leave it out. Both ways are correct.
4
| Verb | Example | Nuance |
5
| :------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------ |
6
| admit | He admitted (that) he had made a mistake. | Acknowledge fault or fact. |
7
| agree | They agreed (that) the proposal was sound. | Consent, concur with an idea. |
8
Say something to many people at one time.
9
| believe | We believe (that) she is telling the truth. | Hold an opinion or conviction. |
10
| claim | She claimed (that) she had never seen him before. | Assert something, possibly without proof. |
11
| deny | The suspect denied (that) he was involved. | State that something is not true. |
12
Make an idea easy to understand. Give a reason.
13
You have the facts in your head.
14
| mention | He mentioned (that) he was going on holiday. | Refer to something briefly. |
15
| propose | They proposed (that) the budget should be cut. | Suggest a plan or idea. |
16
| report | The news reported (that) the economy was growing. | Give an account of something. |
17
| say | She said (that) she was feeling better. | General reporting, neutral. |
18
Say something in a clear and strong way.
19
| suggest | I suggested (that) we take a break. | Put forward an idea or plan. |
20
| think | He thought (that) the project was going well. | Believe or consider. |
21
You know what something means.
22
Use: Word + Person + "to" + Action.
23
Tell a person to do an action. Use "to" before the action word.
24
| Verb | Example | Nuance |
25
| :------------ | :---------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------- |
26
| advise | The doctor advised me to get more rest. | Offer counsel or recommendation. |
27
Say yes. Give a person the chance to do something.
28
| ask | He asked her to help him. | Request or inquire. |
29
| command | The officer commanded the troops to advance. | Give an authoritative order. |
30
| encourage | The coach encouraged them to try harder. | Give support, confidence, or hope. |
31
Say no. The person cannot do it.
32
| instruct | The manual instructs users to turn off the power. | Give orders or directions. |
33
| invite | She invited him to join the club. | Request someone's presence or participation. |
34
Use your power. Tell someone what they must do.
35
| persuade | I persuaded my friend to come with us. | Convince to do something. |
36
| remind | He reminded me to send the email. | Cause someone to remember. |
37
| request | The manager requested staff to attend the meeting. | Formally ask for something. |
38
| tell | She told him to wait outside. | Instruct or inform someone. |
39
| urge | The public urged the government to take action. | Strongly recommend or advise. |
40
| warn | I warned her not to touch the hot stove. | Inform of danger or adverse consequences. |
41
3. Verb + to-infinitive
42
Use "to" after these words. This is for promises or saying no.
43
| Verb | Example | Nuance |
44
| :----------- | :------------------------------------------ | :---------------------------------------- |
45
| agree | He agreed to help with the project. | Consent to do something. |
46
| offer | She offered to make dinner. | Volunteer to do something. |
47
| promise | They promised to arrive on time. | Give a pledge or assurance. |
48
| refuse | He refused to apologize for his actions. | Decline to do something. |
49
Say you will do something bad to someone.
50
4. Verb + gerund (-ing form)
51
Use words ending in "-ing" after these words.
52
| Verb | Example | Nuance |
53
| :------------ | :------------------------------------------------ | :-------------------------------------- |
54
| admit | He admitted stealing the money. | Confess to an action. |
55
| advise | I advised waiting for the right moment. | Recommend an action (no object). |
56
| deny | She denied breaking the vase. | Refuse to accept the truth of an action. |
57
| mention | He mentioned seeing you at the party. | Refer to an action briefly. |
58
| propose | They proposed building a new bridge. | Suggest an action or plan. |
59
| recommend | The doctor recommended exercising regularly. | Suggest an action as beneficial. |
60
| suggest | I suggested going to the cinema. | Put forward an idea for an action. |
61
5. Verb + preposition + gerund
62
Use a small word like "for." Then use an "-ing" word.
63
| Action words together | Example | Meaning |
64
| :----------------- | :------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------ |\
65
| say sorry for | He said sorry for being late. | Say you are sorry for something. |
66
| accuse of | They accused him of cheating. | Blame someone for an action. |\
67
| blame for | She blamed her brother for losing the keys. | Assign responsibility for a mistake. |\
68
| complain about | She said she has too much work. | Say you are not happy. |
69
| confess to | He confessed to taking the last cookie. | Admit to a wrongdoing. |\
70
| say well done | They said well done for her prize. | Say someone did a good job. |
71
| insist on | He insisted on paying for the meal. | Demand something firmly, refuse to yield. |\
72
| say no to | She said no to working on weekends. | Say you do not want to do something. |
73
| prevent from | The rain prevented us from going outside. | Stop someone from doing something. |\
74
| say thank you | I said thank you for his help. | Be nice and say thanks. |
75
| warn against | The government warned against travelling alone. | Advise against a dangerous action. |\
76
6. Asking questions with other words
77
Ask questions with who, what, or where. Use a normal sentence after these words. Do not use 'do' or 'did' here.
78
| Verb | Example | Nuance |
79
| :--------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------- |\
80
| ask | She asked where I had gone. (Where did you go?) | General inquiry. |\
81
| inquire| He inquired what the price was. (What is the price?) | Formal inquiry. |\
82
| want to know | I wanted to know the train time. | You want to find an answer. |
83
7. Saying what people think or say
84
Use these for news or formal talking. It does not matter who said it.
85
| How to write | Example | Meaning |
86
| :-------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- |\
87
| It is said that... | Many people think things will get better. | Many people think this is true. |
88
| | They said the new rule starts today. | A big group tells the news. |
89
| People say he is... | People say he is very smart. | What people say about a person. |
90
| | Everyone knows the problem is old. | Everyone knows this is a fact. |

When To Use It

Use different words for 'say'. It makes your English much better. You will sound like a good speaker.
  • To convey the speaker's specific intent or emotion: Different verbs explicitly state the original speaker's attitude. For instance, He shouted that the house was on fire conveys urgency and alarm far more effectively than He said that the house was on fire. Similarly, She boasted about her promotion reveals pride, unlike a neutral She mentioned her promotion. These verbs add a crucial layer of interpretation for the listener or reader.
  • To summarise efficiently: Reporting verbs allow you to condense longer statements into concise reports. Instead of recounting an entire conversation, you can use a verb that captures its essence. The committee approved the new budget efficiently summarises The committee members discussed the budget for an hour and then stated that they agreed to it. This is invaluable in professional settings, such as summarising meeting minutes or email threads.
  • To vary your language and avoid repetition: Constantly using said can make your narrative monotonous and unengaging. Employing a range of reporting verbs adds stylistic elegance and dynamism. Imagine reading a story where every piece of dialogue is introduced with he said, she said. Replacing said with verbs like whispered, declared, mumbled, or responded makes the text richer and more descriptive.
  • In formal writing and news reporting: Passive reporting structures and more formal reporting verbs (state, allege, contend, assert) are staples in academic essays, official reports, and journalism. The government stated that measures would be taken sounds authoritative and objective, distinguishing it from The politician said measures would be taken. This usage is particularly common when presenting information without personally endorsing it or when the source is a collective entity.
  • When the exact words are not important, but the message is: Often, the precise wording of an utterance is less relevant than its core meaning. Reporting verbs help you extract and present that core meaning. For example, in a text message, My friend suggested getting pizza is far more natural than attempting to recall and quote the exact words. This reflects a practical approach to communication, prioritising content over verbatim accuracy.

Common Mistakes

These words can be hard. Learn the patterns to speak correctly. This helps you not make mistakes.
  • Incorrect verb pattern selection: This is the most frequent error. Learners often mistakenly pair a reporting verb with the wrong grammatical structure (e.g., a to-infinitive instead of a gerund, or omitting a necessary object). For example, She suggested me to go is incorrect; suggest takes a gerund or that-clause (She suggested going or She suggested that I go). Similarly, He offered helping is incorrect; offer takes a to-infinitive (He offered to help). Always verify the required structure for each verb.
  • Omitting the object with tell: The verb tell almost always requires an indirect object (the person being told) before the that-clause or to-infinitive clause. An common error is She told that she was busy. The correct form is She told him that she was busy. This contrasts with say, which typically does not take an indirect object before a that-clause (She said that she was busy). Consult the rule "Reported Speech: Say vs. Tell" for a comprehensive explanation.
  • Failure to backshift tenses: While specifically covered in another rule, neglecting tense backshift is a pervasive error in reported speech. When reporting speech that occurred in the past, the original tenses typically shift backward: present simple to past simple, present continuous to past continuous, present perfect to past perfect, will to would, etc. Forgetting this can lead to temporal inconsistencies. For example, He said, “I need help,” becomes He said he needed help, not He said he needs help. The linguistic principle here is ensuring the reported event's timing is accurate relative to the act of reporting.
  • Incorrect word order in reported questions: When reporting a question using a question word (who, what, where, when, why, how), the reported clause must adopt statement word order (subject + verb), not question word order (verb + subject). An error would be She asked where did he go? The correct structure is She asked where he had gone (with backshift applied). The auxiliary verb do/does/did is never used in reported questions.
  • Misuse of prepositions: Many reporting verbs are intrinsically linked with specific prepositions when followed by a gerund. Using the wrong preposition sounds unnatural and incorrect. For instance, He apologised about his mistake is less idiomatic than He apologised for his mistake. Similarly, insist with is incorrect; it should be insist on. These are often fixed expressions that must be learned.
  • Overuse or inappropriate use of strong reporting verbs: While varied verbs add flair, using an overly dramatic verb for a mundane statement can sound unnatural or even comical. For example, He proclaimed that he liked pizza is an exaggeration if said or mentioned would suffice. Choose verbs that accurately reflect the intensity and nature of the original communication, rather than simply aiming for variety.

Real Conversations

Reporting verbs are integral to daily communication, allowing for efficient and nuanced recounting of interactions. Observe how they are naturally employed in various contexts:

- Social Media Commentary: On a community forum, someone might write, The moderator announced that the new rules were effective immediately. Many users complained about the lack of prior notice. Here, announced is a neutral statement of fact by an authority, while complained about captures user dissatisfaction.

- Workplace Discussion: During a team meeting, a colleague could summarise, Sarah suggested we brainstorm new ideas for the project, and Mike offered to lead the session. The manager then reminded everyone to submit their progress reports by Friday. This concisely relays proposals, volunteering, and instructions.

- Texting and Messaging: You might text a friend, Maya asked if I was free tonight. I replied that I was available, but admitted to being a bit tired. This demonstrates how questions and personal states are reported informally, with that often being omitted after replied and admitted to introducing a confession.

- Casual Storytelling: When recounting a personal anecdote, you might say, My brother insisted on paying for dinner, even though I protested that it was my turn. He claimed he owed me from last week. This shows how verbs like insisted on and protested that inject the speaker's determination and counter-argument into the narrative.

- University Lectures: A professor might refer to research by stating, Professor Lee contends that climate change impacts are accelerating. His study demonstrated that current models underestimate the rate of glacial melt. Contends indicates a strong argument, while demonstrated points to empirical evidence, both crucial in academic discourse. Notice how that is often retained in formal contexts.

These examples illustrate that the choice of reporting verb is not arbitrary; it actively shapes the perception and interpretation of the reported message, making your communication more dynamic and true to the original intent. The flexibility to select from a rich vocabulary of these verbs allows speakers to precisely calibrate the tone and meaning of their narrative.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: When is that optional or required after a reporting verb?

That is often optional after common reporting verbs like say, think, know, believe, and hope, especially in informal contexts. For clarity or formality, or with certain verbs like insist or propose, that is often included or even required. If omitting that creates ambiguity, keep it.

  • Q: Can I use an indirect object (e.g., me, him) with all reporting verbs?

No. Verbs like tell, advise, remind, and warn typically require an indirect object (She told me to leave). Many other verbs, especially those followed by a that-clause or a gerund (e.g., suggest, admit), do not take an indirect object directly before the reported clause. For instance, you cannot say She suggested me going; instead, you would say She suggested going or She suggested that I go.

  • Q: Why do some verbs take an -ing form (gerund) and others a to-infinitive?

This often relates to the verb's inherent meaning. Verbs followed by a gerund (e.g., admit, deny, suggest) frequently refer to the action itself, or something that has already happened. Verbs followed by a to-infinitive (e.g., agree, offer, promise, refuse, threaten) typically refer to a future action, purpose, or intention. There are no simple rules; these patterns must be learned through exposure and practice, often by consulting a dictionary.

  • Q: How do I choose between say and tell?

Say is used more generally to report words, thoughts, or information without specifying the listener: He said that he was tired. Tell nearly always requires an indirect object (the person being spoken to) and implies conveying information or instructions to someone: He told me that he was tired. or He told her to be quiet. The rule "Reported Speech: Say vs. Tell" provides a detailed comparison.

  • Q: What is the main purpose of passive reporting verbs like It is said that...?

Passive reporting structures are used to present information impersonally, formally, or when the source is general, unknown, or unimportant. They shift the focus from who said something to what was said. This is common in news reporting (It is reported that...), academic writing (It is generally accepted that...), or when discussing common beliefs or rumours (He is believed to be...).

  • Q: How can I improve my use of reporting verbs?

Active listening and reading are key. Pay attention to how native speakers use reporting verbs in podcasts, news articles, books, and social media. When you encounter a new reporting verb, look it up in a reliable dictionary to understand its precise meaning and the grammatical structures it takes. Practise by summarising conversations or articles, consciously choosing varied verbs.

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.

1

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.”

2

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.”

3

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

Reference table for Reporting Verbs: Who Said What?
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

Formal
He is considered to be a genius.

He is considered to be a genius. (Academic or social evaluation)

Neutral
It is thought that he is a genius.

It is thought that he is a genius. (Academic or social evaluation)

Informal
Everyone thinks he's a genius.

Everyone thinks he's a genius. (Academic or social evaluation)

Slang
People say he's got a massive brain.

People say he's got a massive brain. (Academic or social evaluation)

The Reporting Verb Web

Reporting Verbs

Thoughts

  • Think thought
  • Believe believed
  • Consider considered

Speech

  • Say said
  • Report reported
  • Claim claimed

Active vs. Passive Reporting

Active (Informal)
People say... People say he's rich.
Passive (Formal)
It is said... It is said that he is rich.

Choosing Your Structure

1

Do you want to start with 'It'?

YES
Use: It + is + V3 + that...
NO
Start with the Subject.
2

Is the action in the past?

YES
Use: Subject + is + V3 + to have + V3
NO
Use: Subject + is + V3 + to + Verb

Common Verbs by Context

📰

News

  • • Report
  • • Allege
  • • Claim
🔬

Science

  • • Know
  • • Believe
  • • Consider
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Examples by Level

1

People say he is a good teacher.

2

They think the movie is funny.

3

Everyone knows her name.

4

I believe you are right.

1

It is said that the food here is great.

2

It is known that he is very rich.

3

People believe the story is true.

4

It is thought that the cat is lost.

1

It is believed that the strike will end soon.

2

The painting is thought to be a fake.

3

He is said to live in a huge mansion.

4

It is expected that the team will win.

1

The CEO is reported to have resigned yesterday.

2

It is widely considered that his work is revolutionary.

3

The suspect is alleged to have stolen the jewels.

4

The virus is known to spread through the air.

1

The manuscript is reputed to have been written by Dickens.

2

It is understood that negotiations are at a delicate stage.

3

He is thought to have been working for the government for years.

4

The company is estimated to be worth over ten billion dollars.

1

The artifact is purportedly to have originated from the Ming Dynasty.

2

It is contended by some scholars that the text is a later addition.

3

The defendant is claimed to have been being coerced at the time of the crime.

4

The policy is widely acknowledged to have been a failure.

Easily Confused

Reporting Verbs: Who Said What? vs Passive Voice vs. Passive Reporting

Learners think every passive sentence needs 'by someone'.

Reporting Verbs: Who Said What? vs Reported Speech vs. Passive Reporting

Mixing 'He said that...' with 'He is said to...'.

Reporting Verbs: Who Said What? vs That vs. To

Using 'that' after a person-subject.

Common Mistakes

✗

People says he is good.

✓

People say he is good.

Subject-verb agreement: 'People' is plural.
✗

Is said that he is rich.

✓

It is said that he is rich.

English sentences usually need a subject like 'It'.
✗

He is said that he lives in London.

✓

He is said to live in London.

When the subject is a person, use 'to + verb', not 'that'.
✗

It is believed to be true.

✓

It is believed that it is true.

If you start with 'It', you usually need 'that' and a full sentence.
✗

He is thought to be a thief last year.

✓

He is thought to have been a thief last year.

Use 'to have + V3' for past actions.
✗

He is alleged to steal the money yesterday.

✓

He is alleged to have stolen the money yesterday.

Perfect infinitive is required for past allegations.

Sentence Patterns

It is ___ that ___.

The ___ is thought to be ___.

He is said to have ___.

It is widely ___ that ___.

Real World Usage

TV News Broadcast constant

The suspect is believed to be heading south.

Academic Essay very common

It is generally accepted that the data is accurate.

Office Gossip common

It is rumored that the boss is quitting.

Job Interview occasional

I am known to be a very hard worker.

Travel Guidebook common

This temple is thought to have been built in 500 BC.

Legal Document very common

The defendant is alleged to have committed fraud.

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🎯

Use it for 'Distancing'

If you aren't 100% sure about a fact, use 'It is said that'. It protects you from being wrong because you are just reporting what others say!
⚠️

Don't overdo it

If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a robot. Mix it with active sentences to keep your writing natural.
💡

The 'To-Infinitive' trick

If you start with a person, you MUST use 'to'. Think of the 'to' as a bridge connecting the person to the action.
💬

Polite Disagreement

In meetings, instead of saying 'You are wrong', say 'It is thought that there might be another way'. It's much more polite.

Smart Tips

Replace 'I think' with 'It is often argued that' or 'It is generally believed that'.

I think the internet is bad for kids. → It is often argued that the internet is harmful to children.

Always look for the 'to'. If there is no 'to', the sentence is likely wrong.

John is said that he is a good guy. → John is said to be a good guy.

Use 'It is rumored that...'. It completely removes you from the gossip.

I heard they are breaking up. → It is rumored that they are breaking up.

Remember: 'to have' is your time machine. Use it to go back in time.

He is thought to be a spy in 1940. → He is thought to have been a spy in 1940.

Pronunciation

/hiː ɪz sɛd tə biː/

Weak 'to'

In the structure 'is said to be', the word 'to' is usually reduced to a schwa /tə/.

/ɪtɪz bɪˈliːvd/

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

saidthoughtbelievedknownreportedexpectedallegedconsidered

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

Write about a popular myth or legend from your country. Use 'It is said that...' at least three times.
Describe a famous person's reputation. Use the 'Subject + is thought to be' structure.
Write a short news report about a fictional crime. Use 'alleged', 'reported', and 'believed'.
Discuss the future of technology. Use 'It is expected that' and 'is known to'.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct form to complete the sentence. Multiple Choice

It ___ that the company is losing money.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is believed
We need the passive form 'is + past participle' after 'It'.
Fill in the missing word.

He is said ___ live in a castle.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to
When starting with a person, we use the 'to-infinitive'.
Find the mistake in this sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She is thought that she is the best singer.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change 'that she is' to 'to be'
The subject-focus structure requires 'to be', not 'that'.
Rewrite the sentence starting with 'He'. Sentence Transformation

People say that he is a genius.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is said to be a genius.
This is the standard transformation from active to subject-focus passive.
Is this rule correct? True False Rule

We use 'to have + past participle' to talk about the past in reporting structures.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
The perfect infinitive (to have been/done) is used for past reporting.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Is the new movie good? B: Well, it ___ to be the best of the year.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is said
The passive 'is said' reports the general opinion.
Which verb is NOT commonly used in this structure? Grammar Sorting

Pick the odd one out.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eat
'Eat' is an action verb, not a reporting/mental verb.
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 thought to be rich; 2-He is said to have been rich.
Present uses 'to be'; past uses 'to have been'.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence. Multiple Choice

It ___ that the company is losing money.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is believed
We need the passive form 'is + past participle' after 'It'.
Fill in the missing word.

He is said ___ live in a castle.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to
When starting with a person, we use the 'to-infinitive'.
Find the mistake in this sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She is thought that she is the best singer.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change 'that she is' to 'to be'
The subject-focus structure requires 'to be', not 'that'.
Rewrite the sentence starting with 'He'. Sentence Transformation

People say that he is a genius.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is said to be a genius.
This is the standard transformation from active to subject-focus passive.
Is this rule correct? True False Rule

We use 'to have + past participle' to talk about the past in reporting structures.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
The perfect infinitive (to have been/done) is used for past reporting.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Is the new movie good? B: Well, it ___ to be the best of the year.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is said
The passive 'is said' reports the general opinion.
Which verb is NOT commonly used in this structure? Grammar Sorting

Pick the odd one out.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eat
'Eat' is an action verb, not a reporting/mental verb.
Match the active sentence to its passive equivalent. Match Pairs

1. People think he is rich. 2. People say he was rich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-He is thought to be rich; 2-He is said to have been rich.
Present uses 'to be'; past uses 'to have been'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

The news report ___ that the new stadium would be completed by next year.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: claimed
Find and fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

She apologized for miss her flight.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She apologized for missing her flight.
Which sentence correctly uses a reporting verb? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The professor inquired what the student's name was.
Type the correct English sentence. Translation

Translate into English: 'Ella me recordó que enviara el correo electrónico.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["She reminded me to send the email.","She reminded me that I should send the email."]
Put the words in order to form a grammatically correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The manager announced that he was fired.
Match each reporting verb with its typical grammatical pattern. Match Pairs

Match the verbs with their patterns:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

It ___ that the ancient city was built by an unknown civilization.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is believed
Find and fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

My friend said me to buy more milk.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My friend told me to buy more milk.
Which sentence correctly uses a reporting verb? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The manager complained about the delay.
Type the correct English sentence. Translation

Translate into English: 'Sugirió pedir comida para llevar.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["He suggested ordering takeout.","She suggested ordering takeout.","They suggested ordering takeout."]
Put the words in order to form a grammatically correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He asked where she was.
Match the verb to the appropriate preposition when reporting. Match Pairs

Match the verbs with the prepositions:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

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

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Se dice que...

Spanish lacks the 'He is said to be' structure.

French moderate

On dit que...

French uses an active pronoun 'on' instead of a passive verb.

German high

Man sagt, dass...

German uses the modal verb 'sollen' for reporting.

Japanese high

...to iwarete iru

Japanese word order is reversed, with the reporting verb at the end.

Arabic high

Yuqal 'anna...

Arabic usually keeps the 'that' (anna) structure.

Chinese moderate

Jùshuō (据说)

Chinese doesn't use verb conjugation or a 'to-infinitive' structure.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Reported Speech: Say vs. Tell
Next
Reporting What People Said (Tense Backshift)

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