Overview
Use it is said that, he is believed to, they are thought to in formal writing.
Structures
- ItIt is said that he resigned. (impersonal)
- HeHe is said to have resigned. (personal)
- PastIt was reported that the deal was signed.
- PerfShe is believed to have left the country.
Common Reporting Verbs
- say, report, believe, think, claim — general reporting
- allege, suggest, consider, expect — formal/media
- know, find, show, understand — evidence-based reporting
- Pattern: subject + is/are + past participle + to + infinitive
Common Mistakes
- ❌ He is said that he won → ✅ He is said to have won
- ❌ It is believed he will resign (slightly informal) → ✅ He is believed to be about to resign
- Tense: is said to be (present) vs is said to have been (past)
When to use
News reporting
It is reported that talks have broken down.
Academic writing
The results are believed to support the hypothesis.
Legal / formal
He is alleged to have committed fraud.
Business reports
The company is expected to announce profits tomorrow.