Overview
Passive reporting structures are used when the speaker is unknown or unimportant. Two patterns: It is said/believed/thought/reported that + clause, and Subject + is said/believed/thought + to-infinitive (active) or to have + past participle (past). These are common in formal and journalistic English.
Passive Reporting Structures
- It is said thatIt is said that he is the best candidate.
- It is believed thatIt is believed that the building is unsafe.
- It is reported thatIt is reported that profits have fallen.
- It is thought thatIt is thought that she will resign.
Subject Passive Pattern
- He is said toHe is said to be the best candidate.
- She is believed toShe is believed to have resigned.
- They are reported toThey are reported to be in talks.
- He is thought toHe is thought to have left the country.
Academic and Journalistic Use
- These structures are common in formal, journalistic, and academic English.
- JournalisticThe suspect is said to have fled the country.
- AcademicIt is generally believed that language shapes culture.
When to use
Journalism
The CEO is reported to have resigned.
Academic
It is widely believed that climate change poses a threat.
Legal
He is alleged to have committed fraud.
Business
The deal is understood to be worth £2 billion.