Overview
Highly formal reporting uses: It is widely acknowledged that…, It has been established that…, The evidence suggests that…, Research has demonstrated that…, It is noteworthy that…. These impersonal, passive structures are characteristic of academic journals, legal texts, and official reports.
Academic Attribution
- According toAccording to Smith (2020), the evidence is inconclusive.
- As X arguesAs the author contends, this analysis remains incomplete.
- Passive rep.It has been argued that such distinctions are arbitrary.
- Stance verbThe study contends / asserts / posits that reform is urgent.
Legal / Journalistic
- The defendant is alleged to have + past participle
- Sources close to the matter indicated that…
- It is understood / reported / believed that…
- Attributed speech: stated the minister / the spokesperson added
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Overusing 'says' in academic writing → prefer argues / contends / maintains
- ❌ According to him, he said that → redundant double reporting
- ❌ The study says → ✅ demonstrates / reveals / indicates
When to use
Research writing
As Brown (2021) posits, the framework requires substantial revision.
News reporting
It is alleged that the official accepted undeclared payments.
Legal documents
The claimant asserts that the defendant breached contractual obligations.
Policy reports
It is recommended that further consultation take place before implementation.