B1 Passive & Reported Speech 12 min read 中等

被动语态:转述动词(据说...)

Mastering passive reporting verbs makes your English sound more formal, objective, and nuanced.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use reporting verbs in the passive to share information without naming a specific source, creating a formal, objective tone.

  • Use 'It + passive verb + that' for general claims: 'It is said that he is rich.'
  • Use 'Subject + passive verb + to-infinitive' for specific focus: 'He is said to be rich.'
  • Common verbs include: say, think, believe, consider, report, and claim.
It + 🐝 (be) + 🗣️ (Verb-ed) + that + 📝 (Clause)

Overview

### Overview
在英语中,当我们要表达某个信息,但又不想明确说出是谁说的,或者说话人是谁不重要时,我们经常会用到一种特殊的被动语态结构——“Reporting Verbs”(报道动词)的被动语态。最典型的例子就是 It is said that...(据说……)或者 He is believed to be...(他被认为是……)。这种句式在学术、新闻、法律等正式场合非常常见,能让信息听起来更客观、更普遍,而不是某个具体人的观点。
对于我们中文母语者来说,中文里很少有这样“绕”的说法。我们习惯直接说“有人说……”、“大家认为……”。比如,中文里说“大家认为他是个天才”,直接明了。但英语里,如果直接说 People believe that he is a genius,会显得不够正式,而且信息焦点还在“People”上。而 He is believed to be a genius 则把焦点放在了“他”身上,并且语气更客观,好像这是个普遍的共识。
掌握这种用法,能让你的英语表达更地道、更专业,尤其是在写论文、报告或者进行正式沟通时,显得更有水平。它不是简单地把句子变成被动,而是通过改变句子的主语和结构,来调整信息的侧重点和语气。这和我们中文里习惯的“主语-谓语-宾语”(SVO)语序虽然类似,但在具体句式和用法上,还是有很大的不同,需要我们特别注意。
本章将带你深入了解这种“Reporting Verbs”的被动语态,包括 say, think, believe, know, expect, report, allege, consider, understand 等常用动词。学好它,你就能在各种场合自信地表达,让你的英语听起来就像是母语者一样自然和专业。
### How This Grammar Works
这种语法结构的核心是将一个主动语态的句子,特别是那些包含“报道动词”(reporting verb)和 that 从句的句子,转换成被动语态。这样做有两个主要的好处:一是客观性,二是改变焦点。英语提供了两种主要的被动结构来实现这一点,它们各有侧重。
第一种:非人称被动语态 (It 引导)
这种结构使用一个形式上的主语 It 来引导句子,后面跟着 be 动词的相应形式,然后是报道动词的过去分词,最后是完整的 that 从句,从句里包含被报道的信息。
你可以这样理解:中文里我们说“据说,明天下雨。” 或者 “大家都知道,吸烟有害健康。” 这里的“据说”、“大家都知道”就有点像英语里的 It is saidIt is knownIt 在这里只是一个语法上的“占位符”,真正的主语其实是后面的整个 that 从句。
* 主动:Many people say that the economy will improve. (很多人说经济会好转。)
* 被动:It is said that the economy will improve. (据说经济会好转。)
你看,主动句把焦点放在了“很多人”身上,而被动句则直接把信息“经济会好转”推到了前面,显得更像一个普遍的预测或事实,说话人的身份变得不那么重要。
第二种:人称被动语态 (主语 + be + 过去分词 + to 不定式)
这种结构则更进一步,它将原来 that 从句中的主语提到整个被动句的最前面,作为新的主语。然后,后面跟着 be 动词、报道动词的过去分词,最后用一个 to 不定式短语来表达被报道的内容。
* 主动:They expect him to win. (他们期望他赢。)
* 被动:He is expected to win. (他被期望能赢。)
这种结构下,被报道的对象(在这个例子里是 He)成为了句子的焦点。虽然还是被动语态,但它保留了对被报道人/事的直接联系,同时依然具备客观性。
关键点:不定式的时态变化
在第二种“人称被动”结构中,to 不定式的形式会根据被报道动作相对于 be 动词的时态来变化,这非常重要,直接关系到意思是否准确。
* 如果被报道的动作和主句的 be 动词时态一致(都是现在时或都是过去时),或者表示将来的动作,就用 to + 动词原形
* He is said to be ill. (据说他生病了。—— beis 都是现在时)
* She is expected to arrive soon. (她被期望很快到达。—— arrive 是将来的动作)
* 如果被报道的动作发生在主句 be 动词的过去,就用 to have + 过去分词
* He is believed to have stolen the money. (他被认为是偷了钱。—— stole 是过去发生的动作,而 is believed 是现在时,所以用 to have stolen 表示动作先于“被相信”)
* 如果被报道的动作是进行时,就用 to be + -ing
* She is said to be studying abroad. (据说她在国外学习。—— 表示“正在”学习的状态)
* 如果被报道的动作是完成进行时,就用 to have been + -ing
* He is believed to have been working all night. (他被认为是整晚都在工作。—— 表示“一直持续到”某个时间点的状态)
这两种结构,虽然都属于被动语态,但提供了不同的表达方式和侧重点,让英语的表达更加灵活和精确。
### Formation Pattern
掌握“Reporting Verbs”的被动语态,关键在于理解这两种基本句式的构成规则。它们能系统地将主动陈述转化为客观、正式的被动表达。
句式一:非人称被动语态 (It is said that...)
这种句式以非人称代词 It 开头,后面跟动词 be 的相应形式,然后是报道动词的过去分词,最后是一个完整的 that 从句,包含被报道的信息。当信息来源未知、不相关,或者你想表达一个普遍共识时,这个句式特别有用。
公式: It + be (be动词的正确形式) + past participle (报道动词的过去分词) + that + clause (that引导的从句)
| 主动句 (Active Sentence) | 非人称被动句 (It 句式) |
| :-------------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------- |
| People say that he works too hard. (人们说他工作太努力。) | It is said that he works too hard. (据说他工作太努力。) |
| Everyone believed that the project was flawed. (每个人都相信这个项目有缺陷。) | It was believed that the project was flawed. (人们曾相信这个项目有缺陷。) |
| Experts expect that prices will rise. (专家预计价格会上涨。) | It is expected that prices will rise. (预计价格会上涨。) |
| They have reported that the storm has passed. (他们已报告风暴已过。) | It has been reported that the storm has passed. (据报道风暴已过。) |
| Scientists understand that the universe expands. (科学家们理解宇宙在膨胀。) | It is understood that the universe expands. (人们理解宇宙在膨胀。) |
句式二:人称被动语态 (Subject is said to...)
这种句式将原 that 从句中的主语提到句首,作为新的主语。它由主语、be 动词、报道动词的过去分词,以及一个 to 不定式短语构成。to 不定式的形式至关重要,它取决于原从句动词的时态。
公式: Subject (原从句主语) + be (be动词的正确形式) + past participle (报道动词的过去分词) + to + infinitive (原句主要动词的to不定式)
下面展示了 to 不定式的不同形式如何根据原句时态变化:
* 表示与主句时态一致或将来的动作:to + 动词原形
* 主动:They say he is ill. (他们说他病了。)
* 被动:He is said to be ill. (他被说成是病了。)
* 主动:They expect she will arrive soon. (他们预计她很快会到。)
* 被动:She is expected to arrive soon. (她被期望很快会到。)
* 表示发生在主句be动词之前的动作(过去动作):to have + 过去分词
* 主动:People believe he stole the money. (人们相信他偷了钱。)
* 被动:He is believed to have stolen the money. (他被认为是偷了钱。)
* 主动:They know she completed the task. (他们知道她完成了任务。)
* 被动:She is known to have completed the task. (她被认为是完成了任务。)
* 表示进行中的动作:to be + -ing
* 主动:They say she is studying abroad. (他们说她在国外学习。)
* 被动:She is said to be studying abroad. (她被说成是在国外学习。)
* 主动:They thought he was waiting outside. (他们以为他正在外面等。)
* 被动:He was thought to be waiting outside. (他被认为是正在外面等。)
* 表示完成进行中的动作:to have been + -ing
* 主动:We believe he has been working all night. (我们相信他整晚都在工作。)
* 被动:He is believed to have been working all night. (他被认为是整晚都在工作。)
| 主动句 (Active Sentence) | 人称被动句 (Subject 句式) |
| :------------------------------------------------------------ | :-------------------------------------------------------- |
| People think he is honest. (人们认为他很诚实。) | He is thought to be honest. (他被认为是诚实的。) |
| They reported that the CEO resigned yesterday. (他们报道了CEO昨天辞职。) | The CEO was reported to have resigned yesterday. (据报道CEO昨天辞职了。) |
| Authorities believe the building is currently unsafe. (当局认为这栋楼目前不安全。) | The building is believed to be unsafe. (这栋楼被认为是危险的。) |
| They knew she had left early. (他们知道她早走了。) | She was known to have left early. (她被认为是早走了。) |
| We understand he has been practicing for months. (我们明白他已经练习了好几个月。) | He is understood to have been practicing for months. (他被认为是练习了好几个月。) |
通过对 to 不定式形式的系统变化,可以精确地表达原句中动作发生的时间关系,确保了被动句在转换后依然能准确传达原始信息的时间维度。
### When To Use It
选择使用哪种被动报道结构,不仅仅是语法是否正确的问题,更是策略性沟通的一部分。你使用这些结构,主要是因为你想将焦点放在信息本身,而不是传递信息的人或群体。
这种语气的调整在英语的多种场合下都非常有用:
  • 正式与客观的报道:这是最常见的用法,尤其是在新闻报道、学术写作和官方声明中。当你需要以一种公正、不带个人偏见的方式呈现事实或结论时,被动语态非常关键。它能给信息增添一种权威感和普遍性
* It is reported that the new policy will take effect next month. (据报道,新政策将于下月生效。) —— 比起 The government reported... (政府报道……),这种说法更侧重政策本身,显得更官方。
* The findings are believed to contradict previous research. (研究结果被认为与之前的研究相矛盾。) —— 在科学论文中很常见,避免了使用 We believe... (我们认为……)可能带来的主观色彩。
  • 保持距离与外交辞令:有时,你可能想在不完全认同信息真实性的情况下转述信息,或者在敏感情况下避免直接归因。被动语态能够提供这种模糊性,让你能够传达别人说过或想过的内容,而无需承担其准确性的直接责任。
* Mistakes were said to have occurred during the previous administration. (据说前任政府期间发生了一些错误。) —— 这是一种常见的政治措辞,用来承认问题的存在,但不直接指责具体个人。
* It is understood that your concerns have been noted. (我们理解您的担忧已被注意到。) —— 这是一种礼貌的方式来承认收到了反馈,但又不承诺立即采取行动。
  • 普遍知识或常识:当某个信息被广泛接受,或者是一个普遍的常识时,没有必要去指明具体的信源。被动语态结构可以表明该信息是普遍知晓或被许多人认为是真实的。
* It is known that regular exercise improves mental health. (众所周知,规律运动能改善心理健康。) —— 这是一个普遍接受的事实。
* She is considered one of the leading experts in her field. (她被认为是该领域顶尖专家之一。) —— 这反映了普遍的看法。
  • 当动作执行者(Agent)显而易见或不重要时:在很多情况下,谁在报道或陈述信息并不重要,或者从语境中可以明显看出。被动语态通过省略这个不必要的细节,简化了句子,使焦点更集中在信息本身
* The suspect is alleged to have fled the scene. (嫌疑人被指控已逃离现场。) —— 在警方报告中,警察是隐含的报道者,明确说出 Police allege... 就显得多余。
* It is expected that the train will be delayed. (预计火车将晚点。) —— 火车公司是这个通知的明显来源,无需赘述。
使用这些结构,能够展现你对英语的精妙运用能力,让你能够根据具体的语境和想要达到的效果来调整表达。这是高级语言运用的一大标志,可以在意义和隐含意义上都做到精准传达。
### Common Mistakes
尽管“Reporting Verbs”的被动语态非常有用,但对于B1阶段的学习者来说,它常常是错误的来源。这些错误通常源于对 that-clause、不定式以及主语位置之间相互作用的理解不足。识别并理解这些常见陷阱是掌握这一语法点的关键。
  • 混淆两种基本句式(非人称与人称被动)
一个常见的错误是将非人称 (It is said that...) 和人称 (Subject is said to...) 被动语态的元素混在一起使用。要记住:It 后面跟的是 that 从句,而具体的主语后面跟的是 to 不定式短语。
* 错误示例He is said that he is a talented musician. (错误地将“人称主语 + is said”与 that 从句结合了。)
* 正确(非人称)It is said that he is a talented musician. (据说他是一位有才华的音乐家。)
* 正确(人称)He is said to be a talented musician. (他被认为是位有才华的音乐家。)
为什么会错? 中文里我们说“,(大家)说是个有才华的音乐家”,把“他”放在前面,后面直接接“说……”。这种结构和英语的人称被动句式(He is said to be...)有相似之处,但英语的人称被动句式后面必须跟不定式,而不是 that 从句。而中文里直接说“有人说他是个……”这种“非人称”的说法,在结构上又和英语的 It is said that... 相似。这两种中文表达习惯的“混合”很容易导致英语上的错误。
  • 不定式形式使用错误
在人称被动语态中,to 不定式的形式(to be, to have done, to be doing, to have been doing)必须根据原句中被报道动作与主句动作的时间关系来正确选择。
* 错误示例She is known to finish the project last week. (错误地使用了 to finish,而“完成项目”发生在“被知道”之前。)
* 正确She is known to have finished the project last week. (她被认为是上周完成了项目。)
为什么会错? 中文里我们通常不通过动词形式的变化来表达这种时间先后关系,而是依赖时间词(如“昨天”、“上周”)和语境。比如,“她上周完成了项目,大家知道这件事”。在英语中,如果主动句是 They knew she finished the project last week,那么转换成被动句 She was known to have finished the project last week,就需要用 to have finished 来明确表示“完成”这个动作发生在“被知道”这个动作之前。
  • 遗漏 that 从句或主语
有时学习者会误以为 It is said... 后面可以直接跟主语,或者在人称被动句中遗漏了 to 不定式。
* 错误示例It is said him to be the best candidate.It 引导的句式后面应该跟 that 从句,而不是不定式。)
* 错误示例He is said the best candidate. (人称被动句需要 to be 来连接主语和后面的表语/宾语。)
为什么会错? 这可能是因为对两种句式结构记忆不清,或者在模仿时出现了偏差。中文里我们有时会说“,被认为是最好的候选人”,省略了“是”这个连接词,这可能影响了英语中 to be 的必要性。
  • 使用主动语态代替被动语态
在需要客观、正式的语境下,错误地使用了主动语态,未能体现出信息的普遍性或不强调信息来源的特点。
* 错误示例People say that the new drug is effective. (在医学期刊上,这不如 It is said that the new drug is effective.The new drug is said to be effective. 客观。)
为什么会错? 这是最根本的文化和语言习惯差异。中文的直接表达方式在很多情况下更为自然,而英语在特定语境下会选择被动语态来达到不同的表达效果。
### Contrast With Similar Patterns
在学习“Reporting Verbs”的被动语态时,很容易与其他一些语法结构混淆,特别是那些看起来相似但用法不同的句子。这里我们对比一下,帮助你区分。
1. It 引导的被动语态 vs. There is/are 结构
* It is said that... (非人称被动):侧重于转述信息,信息是“被说的”。
* It is said that the new restaurant is very good. (据说那家新餐厅很好。)
* There is/are... (存在句):侧重于陈述某事物存在,不涉及信息来源或转述。
* There is a new restaurant in town. (镇上有一家新餐厅。)
* There are many rumors about the restaurant. (关于那家餐厅有很多传言。)
对比表:
| 结构 | 侧重点 | 例子 |
| :----------------------- | :------------ | :-------------------------------------------------------- |
| It is said that... | 信息转述 | It is said that the earth is round. (据说地球是圆的。) |
| There is/are... | 事物存在 | There is a planet called Earth. (有一颗叫做地球的行星。) |
2. 人称被动语态 vs. 动名词/不定式作主语
* He is believed to be... (人称被动):主语是被评论的对象,动作是“被相信”。
* He is believed to be the best candidate. (他被认为是最佳候选人。)
* To believe him is difficult. (不定式作主语):主语是动作本身“相信他”。
* To believe him is difficult. (相信他很难。)
* Believing him is difficult. (动名词作主语):主语是动作本身“相信他”。
* Believing him is difficult. (相信他很难。)
对比表:
| 结构 | 主语是谁? | 例子 |
| :----------------------------- | :--------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| He is believed to be... | 被评论的对象 (He) | He is believed to be the best candidate. (他被认为是最佳候选人。) |
| To believe him is difficult. | 动作本身 (To believe him) | To believe him is difficult. (相信他这件事很难。) |
| Believing him is difficult. | 动作本身 (Believing him) | Believing him is difficult. (相信他这件事很难。) |
3. 人称被动语态 vs. get 构成的被动语态
* He is believed to be... (be + 过去分词):通常用于正式场合,表示普遍看法、状态或信念,语气客观。
* He is believed to be the mastermind. (他被认为是主谋。)
* He got believed to be... (get + 过去分词):这种用法非常少见,而且通常表示一个突然的、非自愿的不寻常的状态转变。在“Reporting Verbs”的语境下,几乎不用 get
* (不推荐使用 He got believed to be the mastermind.
注意get 构成的被动语态更常用于描述具体的、可感知的动作发生,例如 The window got broken. (窗户被弄坏了。) 而不是用于表达观点或信念。
4. It is said that... vs. It is reported that...
这两个结构非常相似,都用于非人称被动。主要区别在于报道动词的含义:
* It is said that...:表示“据说”,信息来源可能比较模糊,可能是传闻、普遍说法。
* It is said that he won the lottery. (据说他中了彩票。)
* It is reported that...:表示“据报道”,信息来源通常是新闻媒体、官方机构等,更侧重于正式的、有来源的信息。
* It is reported that the president made a speech. (据报道,总统发表了讲话。)
理解这些细微差别,能帮助你在不同的语境下选择最恰当的表达方式。
### Quick FAQ
Q1: 我什么时候应该用 It is said that...,什么时候用 He is said to be...
A1: 这取决于你想强调什么。如果你想强调信息本身,并且说话人是谁不重要(或者信息是普遍看法),就用 It is said that...。例如:It is said that honesty is the best policy. (据说诚实是最好的策略。)
如果你想强调被评论的对象(在这个例子里是 He),并且想把这个对象作为句子的主语,就用 He is said to be...。例如:He is said to be the most honest person in the company. (他被认为是公司里最诚实的人。) 简单说:想强调“信息”,用 It;想强调“人/事”,用 Subject
Q2: 在 He is believed to... 这样的结构中,to 后面的动词形式(to be, to have done 等)到底怎么选?
A2: 这个非常重要!它反映了被报道的动作相对于主句 be 动词的时态。简单记住这个口诀:
* “同时或将来,用原形”:如果被报道的动作和主句 be 动词是同一时态(比如都是现在时),或者表示将来的动作,就用 to + 动词原形
* She is thought to be a good leader. (现在时,被认为是好领导)
* He is expected to win the race. (将来,被期望赢比赛)
* “过去发生,用完成时”:如果被报道的动作发生在主句 be 动词的过去,就用 to have + 过去分词
* They are known to have visited Paris last year. (上周访问巴黎是过去的事,而“被知道”是现在时)
* “进行状态,用进行时”:如果被报道的是一个正在进行的状态,就用 to be + -ing
* He is said to be working on a new project. (正在工作)
* “完成进行,用完成进行时”:如果被报道的是一个持续到某个时间点的动作,就用 to have been + -ing
* She is believed to have been studying law for years. (多年来一直在学习法律)
Q3: It is said that...It is rumored that... 有什么区别?
A3: 两者都用于转述信息,但侧重点略有不同。
* It is said that...(据说……):这是一个比较通用的说法,可以指任何形式的传达,包括普遍的说法、流传的说法,甚至是一些没有明确来源的信息。
* It is rumored that...(有传言说……):这个说法更明确地指向“传言”,暗示信息的来源可能不太可靠,或者信息在传播过程中可能失真。它带有更多的猜测和不确定性。
在正式场合,如果信息来源可靠,用 It is reported that...;如果信息是普遍看法,用 It is said that...;如果是未经证实的传闻,用 It is rumored that...
Q4: 我在新闻里看到 The suspect was alleged to have escaped. 这种句子,alleged 是什么意思?
A4: Alleged 的意思是“被指控的”、“声称的”。to allege 是“指控”、“声称”。当它用在被动语态中,比如 The suspect is alleged to have escaped.,意思是“据称(或被指控)嫌疑人已逃脱。”
这种用法非常常见于法律和新闻报道中,因为它强调了这只是一个指控或声称,其真实性尚未最终确定。它和 said, believed 等词一样,都是“Reporting Verbs”家族的一员,用于在陈述事实的同时,保持一定的客观性或表明信息的来源/性质。

Common Reporting Verbs in Passive

Verb It + Passive + That Subject + Passive + To-Infinitive
Say
It is said that...
He is said to be...
Think
It is thought that...
She is thought to have...
Believe
It is believed that...
They are believed to live...
Consider
It is considered that...
It is considered to be...
Report
It is reported that...
The news is reported to be...
Claim
It is claimed that...
He is claimed to have...
Know
It is known that...
She is known to work...
Expect
It is expected that...
Prices are expected to rise...

Contractions in Reporting Passives

Full Form Contracted Form Usage
It is said
It's said
Common in speech
It is thought
It's thought
Common in speech
He is said
He's said
Common in speech
They are believed
They're believed
Common in speech

Meanings

A grammatical construction used to report what people in general say, think, or believe, often used in news and academic writing to maintain objectivity.

1

General Hearsay

Reporting rumors or widely held beliefs without a specific source.

“It is said that the house is haunted.”

“He is thought to be the best player in the league.”

2

Formal/Academic Reporting

Presenting facts or theories in a way that sounds objective and authoritative.

“It is considered that the experiment was a success.”

“The virus is known to spread through air droplets.”

3

Historical/Past Beliefs

Describing what people used to believe in the past.

“It was once thought that the Earth was flat.”

“The ruins were believed to be of Roman origin.”

Reference Table

Reference table for 被动语态:转述动词(据说...)
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 believed that they are lost.
Negative (Subject)
Subject + is not + V3 + to + infinitive
They are not believed to be lost.
Past (It)
It + was + V3 + that + clause
It was thought that the war was over.
Past (Subject)
Subject + was + V3 + to + infinitive
The war was thought to be over.
Perfect Infinitive
Subject + is + V3 + to have + V3
He is said to have stolen the money.
Continuous Infinitive
Subject + is + V3 + to be + V-ing
She is thought to be hiding in Paris.

正式程度

正式
He is widely held to be an exceptional leader.

He is widely held to be an exceptional leader. (Describing a politician or boss)

中性
It is said that he is a great leader.

It is said that he is a great leader. (Describing a politician or boss)

非正式
They say he's a great leader.

They say he's a great leader. (Describing a politician or boss)

俚语
Word is, he's the GOAT.

Word is, he's the GOAT. (Describing a politician or boss)

The Reporting Verb Web

Reporting Verbs

Belief

  • Believe Believe
  • Think Think
  • Consider Consider

Speech

  • Say Say
  • Report Report
  • Claim Claim

Knowledge

  • Know Know
  • Understand Understand

Active vs. Passive Reporting

Active (Casual)
People say he is rich. Focus on 'People'
Passive (Formal)
It is said that he is rich. Focus on the 'Information'

Choosing Your Structure

1

Do you want to start with 'It'?

YES
Use: It + is + V3 + that...
NO
Go to next step
2

Do you want to focus on the person?

YES
Use: Subject + is + V3 + to-infinitive
NO
Use active voice

Verbs for Different Situations

📰

News

  • Report
  • Allege
  • Claim
🔬

Science

  • Know
  • Observe
  • Prove
💬

Gossip

  • Say
  • Rumor
  • Think

按水平分级的例句

1

It is said that he is rich.

Se dice que él es rico.

2

It is known that she is a teacher.

Se sabe que ella es profesora.

3

It is thought that it will rain.

Se piensa que lloverá.

4

It is reported that the shop is closed.

Se informa que la tienda está cerrada.

1

It is believed that they live in London.

Se cree que viven en Londres.

2

It is said that the food here is good.

Se dice que la comida aquí es buena.

3

It is known that water boils at 100 degrees.

Se sabe que el agua hierve a 100 grados.

4

It is thought that the movie starts at 8.

Se piensa que la película empieza a las 8.

1

He is said to be a very talented musician.

Se dice que es un músico muy talentoso.

2

It is reported that the strike will end soon.

Se informa que la huelga terminará pronto.

3

The company is thought to be losing money.

Se piensa que la empresa está perdiendo dinero.

4

It was once believed that the sun went around the Earth.

Una vez se creyó que el sol giraba alrededor de la Tierra.

1

The suspect is alleged to have fled the country.

Se alega que el sospechoso ha huido del país.

2

It is widely considered that his latest book is his best.

Se considera ampliamente que su último libro es el mejor.

3

The painting is believed to be a genuine Picasso.

Se cree que la pintura es un Picasso auténtico.

4

It is expected that interest rates will rise next month.

Se espera que las tasas de interés suban el próximo mes.

1

The manuscript is purported to be the work of a 15th-century monk.

Se pretende que el manuscrito sea obra de un monje del siglo XV.

2

It is contended that the current policy is fundamentally flawed.

Se sostiene que la política actual es fundamentalmente defectuosa.

3

The CEO is understood to be considering his resignation.

Se entiende que el CEO está considerando su renuncia.

4

It has been suggested that the two events are linked.

Se ha sugerido que los dos eventos están vinculados.

1

The findings are widely held to have significant implications for the field.

Se considera ampliamente que los hallazgos tienen implicaciones significativas para el campo.

2

It is surmised that the civilization collapsed due to prolonged drought.

Se conjetura que la civilización colapsó debido a una sequía prolongada.

3

The senator is reputed to have been involved in the scandal.

Se dice que el senador estuvo involucrado en el escándalo.

4

It is gathered from the evidence that the fire was intentional.

Se deduce de la evidencia que el incendio fue intencional.

容易混淆

Passive Voice: Reporting Verbs (It is said that...) 对比 Active Reporting (They say...)

Learners often use 'They say' in formal writing where 'It is said' is required.

Passive Voice: Reporting Verbs (It is said that...) 对比 Standard Passive

Mixing up 'The book was written' (action) with 'The book is said to be' (opinion).

Passive Voice: Reporting Verbs (It is said that...) 对比 It says vs It is said

Using 'It says' to mean 'People say'.

常见错误

Is said that he is rich.

It is said that he is rich.

In English, you cannot start a sentence with 'Is'. You need the dummy subject 'It'.

People is said he is rich.

It is said he is rich.

You are mixing 'People say' and 'It is said'.

It says that he is rich.

It is said that he is rich.

Using 'says' makes it sound like the word 'It' is actually speaking.

He said to be rich.

He is said to be rich.

You forgot the verb 'to be' which is required for the passive.

It is thought he rich.

It is thought that he is rich.

You need the full clause (subject + verb) after 'that'.

He is thought being rich.

He is thought to be rich.

After a passive reporting verb, use 'to + infinitive', not '-ing'.

It believed that...

It is believed that...

Missing the auxiliary 'is'.

He is said to have steal the money.

He is said to have stolen the money.

After 'to have', you must use the past participle (V3).

It is reported the plane to be late.

It is reported that the plane is late.

You are mixing the two patterns. Use 'It... that' or 'The plane... to be'.

He is thought to be live in London.

He is thought to live in London.

Don't use 'be' before a main verb in the infinitive unless it's continuous.

The CEO is alleged having lied.

The CEO is alleged to have lied.

Even at advanced levels, the 'to-infinitive' rule for reporting verbs is often missed in favor of the gerund.

It is contended the policy being wrong.

It is contended that the policy is wrong.

Complex reporting verbs still require the 'that' clause or 'to-infinitive' structure.

句型

It is ___ that ___.

___ is/are thought to ___.

It was once believed that ___.

The suspect is alleged to have ___.

Real World Usage

TV News Broadcast constant

It is reported that the storm is heading north.

Academic Essay very common

It is generally accepted that the data is accurate.

Office Gossip common

He's said to be getting a promotion.

Legal Document very common

The defendant is alleged to have committed the act.

History Textbook common

It was believed that the king had died in battle.

Travel Guide occasional

The fountain is said to bring good luck.

🎯

The 'Distance' Trick

Use this when you want to disagree with someone politely. Instead of 'You are wrong', say 'It is thought by some that your approach might have issues'.
⚠️

Avoid 'It is told'

We say 'It is said' or 'I was told', but never 'It is told that...'. The verb 'tell' always needs a person as an object.
💡

Journalist Mode

If you aren't 100% sure of a fact, use 'It is claimed that'. It protects you from being wrong!
💬

Reputation

Use the 'Subject + is said to' pattern when talking about someone's reputation. It sounds much more natural than 'People say he is...'.

Smart Tips

Start your sentences with 'It is reported that...' or 'It is alleged that...'.

Someone said there was a fire. It is reported that there was a fire.

Use the 'Subject + is said to' pattern. It's more descriptive.

People say he is a good boss. He is said to be a good boss.

Avoid 'I think'. Use 'It is considered that...' or 'It is argued that...'.

I think the data is wrong. It is considered that the data may be inaccurate.

Use 'to have + V3' to show the action happened before the reporting.

People think he was a spy. He is thought to have been a spy.

发音

/ɪt ɪz ˈsɛd ðæt/

Stress on the reporting verb

In the phrase 'It is SAID that', the stress usually falls on the past participle to emphasize the nature of the report.

/ɪtɪz/

Linking 'It is'

In natural speech, 'It is' often sounds like 'It's' or 'Idiz' with a soft 'd' sound in American English.

Falling intonation for facts

It is known that the Earth is round. ↘

Conveys certainty and authority.

Rising intonation for rumors

It is said that he's leaving? ↗

Conveys doubt or asks for confirmation.

记住它

记忆技巧

Remember S.T.A.R.: Said, Thought, Alleged, Reported. These are your 4 main reporting stars!

视觉联想

Imagine a news anchor sitting behind a desk. They aren't saying 'I think...', they are reading a script that says 'It is reported that...'. The desk is the 'It is' that supports the whole story.

Rhyme

When you don't know who to blame, 'It is said' is the name of the game!

Story

A secret agent needs to share information without revealing his source. He writes a letter starting with 'It is believed that the enemy is near.' By using the passive, he keeps his source safe and sounds like a professional spy.

Word Web

Itissaidthatthoughtbelievedreportedto be

挑战

Look at a news headline today. Try to rewrite it using 'It is said that...' or 'The [Subject] is reported to...'.

文化笔记

British academic writing relies heavily on the impersonal passive to sound modest and objective, avoiding 'I think' at all costs.

Journalists use 'alleged' to avoid lawsuits (libel). If they say 'He stole it', they can be sued. If they say 'He is alleged to have stolen it', they are safe.

In casual conversation, 'It's said that' is less common than 'Word has it' or 'They say', but 'He's said to be' is common when discussing celebrities.

This structure comes from the Latin 'impersonal passive' where verbs like 'dicitur' (it is said) were used to convey general truths.

对话开场白

It is said that travel broadens the mind. Do you agree?

He is thought to be the greatest athlete of all time. Who am I talking about?

It is rumored that a new iPhone is coming out soon. Have you heard anything?

In your country, what is said to be the best dish for a visitor to try?

日记主题

Write a short news report about a fictional bank robbery. Use at least three reporting passives.
Describe a local legend or ghost story from your hometown.
Discuss a scientific fact you find interesting.
Write a formal recommendation for a friend's job application.

常见错误

Incorrect

正确


Incorrect

正确


Incorrect

正确


Incorrect

正确

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct passive form of 'believe'.

It ___ that the Earth was flat.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: was believed
The context is historical, so we use the past tense 'was'.
Choose the correct structure. 多项选择

He is thought ___ in New York.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to live
The pattern is 'Subject + is thought + to-infinitive'.
Find the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Is said that the movie is very long.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Is said
It should be 'It is said'. Every English sentence needs a subject.
Rewrite 'People say she is a genius' using the passive. Sentence Transformation

She ___ a genius.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is said to be
This follows the 'Subject + passive + to-infinitive' pattern.
Is this sentence correct? True False Rule

'It is reported the company to be closing.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
You cannot use 'It' with the 'to-infinitive' pattern. It should be 'It is reported that the company is closing' or 'The company is reported to be closing'.
Match the verb to its formal use. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Crime, 2-Theory, 3-Gossip
Allege is for crimes, surmise is for theories, rumor is for gossip.
Which is more formal? Grammar Sorting

A: They say he's late. B: He is reported to be late.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B
Passive reporting is always more formal than 'They say'.
What is the past participle of 'think'? Conjugation Drill

It is ___ that...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: thought
Think-thought-thought.

Score: /8

练习题

8 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct passive form of 'believe'.

It ___ that the Earth was flat.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: was believed
The context is historical, so we use the past tense 'was'.
Choose the correct structure. 多项选择

He is thought ___ in New York.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to live
The pattern is 'Subject + is thought + to-infinitive'.
Find the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Is said that the movie is very long.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Is said
It should be 'It is said'. Every English sentence needs a subject.
Rewrite 'People say she is a genius' using the passive. Sentence Transformation

She ___ a genius.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is said to be
This follows the 'Subject + passive + to-infinitive' pattern.
Is this sentence correct? True False Rule

'It is reported the company to be closing.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
You cannot use 'It' with the 'to-infinitive' pattern. It should be 'It is reported that the company is closing' or 'The company is reported to be closing'.
Match the verb to its formal use. Match Pairs

Match: 1. Allege, 2. Surmise, 3. Rumor

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Crime, 2-Theory, 3-Gossip
Allege is for crimes, surmise is for theories, rumor is for gossip.
Which is more formal? Grammar Sorting

A: They say he's late. B: He is reported to be late.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B
Passive reporting is always more formal than 'They say'.
What is the past participle of 'think'? Conjugation Drill

It is ___ that...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: thought
Think-thought-thought.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct passive form. 填空

The new policy ___ to improve working conditions for remote employees.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is expected
Identify and correct the grammatical error. Error Correction

It is thought the team leader is resigning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is thought that the team leader is resigning.
Select the grammatically correct sentence. 多项选择

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is understood to have finished her degree last year.
Translate the sentence into English. 翻译

Se dice que el museo está abierto hasta tarde los jueves.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["It is said that the museum is open late on Thursdays.","The museum is said to be open late on Thursdays."]
Arrange the words to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The website is expected to be launched soon.
Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct ending. Match Pairs

Match the sentence halves:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choose the most appropriate reporting verb in passive voice. 填空

The suspect ___ to have fled the country immediately after the incident.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is alleged
Correct the error in this Instagram caption. Error Correction

It is saying that this view is incredible! #travelgram

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is said that this view is incredible! #travelgram
Identify the sentence that uses the structure correctly. 多项选择

Which option is grammatically sound?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The project manager was understood to be working late every night.
How would you translate this TikTok caption? 翻译

Se rumorea que esta canción será el éxito del verano.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["It is rumored that this song will be the summer hit.","This song is rumored to be the summer hit."]
Put the words in the right order for a formal report. Sentence Reorder

Reorder the words to form a coherent sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The documents are believed to have been destroyed.
Pair the reporting verb with an appropriate context where its passive form would be used. Match Pairs

Match the verb to its common usage context:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

常见问题 (8)

You can! But 'It is said' is more formal and objective. It's better for writing.

No, only verbs of thinking (believe, think), saying (report, claim), or knowing (know, understand).

Meaning is the same. 'It is said that' focuses on the whole idea; 'He is said to' focuses on the person.

Both are correct. 'It's said' is more common in speaking; 'It is said' is better for formal writing.

Yes! 'It is expected that...' is a common way to talk about the future.

No. Use 'It is said that' or 'I was told that'.

Use 'It was said that...' or 'He is said to have been...'.

Yes, it's standard in both British and American English, especially in news.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Se dice que...

Spanish doesn't use a dummy subject like 'It'.

French moderate

On dit que...

French uses an active structure (On dit) for the same purpose.

German high

Es wird gesagt, dass...

German word order in the 'dass' clause is different.

Japanese moderate

...to iwarete iru

Japanese puts the reporting verb at the end of the sentence.

Arabic moderate

Yuqal anna...

Arabic doesn't need a separate word for 'It' or 'is'.

Chinese low

据说是 (Jùshuō shì)

Chinese has no passive conjugation for this; it's a lexical choice.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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