Passive Reporting Structures

• CEFR C1
• Grammar
• Printable
• Answer key

Passive Reporting Structures is a printable grammar worksheet for English language learners at CEFR level C1. It covers formal reporting with it is said that and subject + be + reported to, with 5 exercises and an answer key.

Passive reporting structures allow speakers to distance themselves from a claim or report information formally.

Use It + passive reporting verb + that-clause when the information is more important than the source.

Use subject + passive reporting verb + to-infinitive to focus on the person, organisation, or event being reported.

Examples

• It is believed that the painting was completed in 1620.
• The painting is believed to have been completed in 1620.
• It is understood that negotiations are still continuing.
• The company is expected to announce job losses.
• Several officials are alleged to have ignored the warnings.
• It has been reported that the policy will be reviewed.
• The results are thought to be reliable.
• The suspect is said to have left the country.

What's in this worksheet

1. Complete the sentence
2. Correct the mistake
3. Transform the sentence
4. Mixed practice
5. Controlled production

Common mistakes

• The painting is believed that it was completed in 1620.  →  The painting is believed to have been completed in 1620. Use subject + passive reporting verb + to-infinitive, not that.
• It is said the minister to resign.  →  It is said that the minister resigned. After it is said, use a that-clause.
• The suspect is said to leave yesterday.  →  The suspect is said to have left yesterday. Use to have + past participle for an earlier action.
• Several officials are alleged that ignored warnings.  →  Several officials are alleged to have ignored warnings. Use to have ignored after are alleged.