Overview
Impersonal passive structures remove any specific agent and use 'it' as a dummy subject. Patterns: It is said that… / It is believed that… / It is reported that… / It has been confirmed that… These structures are very common in journalism, academic writing, and formal reports to present information without attributing it to a specific source.
What Is Impersonal Passive?
- structure 1It + passive reporting verb + that-clause
- exampleIt is said that prices will rise.
- structure 2Subject + passive verb + to-infinitive
- examplePrices are expected to rise.
- key verbssay, believe, think, report, expect, claim, know, consider
Both Patterns
- it patternIt is believed that he is innocent.
- subject patternHe is believed to be innocent.
- past ref.It is said that she left early.
- past ref.She is said to have left early.
- formal useBoth patterns are formal and impersonal.
Common Errors
- ❌ It is said him to be honest → ✅ He is said to be honest.
- ❌ It is thought he left (past) → ✅ He is thought to have left.
- ❌ Using for informal speech — reserve for formal/written English.
When to use
Journalism
It is reported that three people were injured.
Academic Writing
It is widely believed that the policy was ineffective.
Formal Reports
It is alleged that the regulation was violated.
General Statements
English is considered the global language of business.