Grammar Worksheet — Intro
Passive Reporting Structures
Explanation
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.
Form
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Core form | It + be + reporting verb + that + clause | It is believed that the site is older than expected. |
| Variation | Subject + be + reporting verb + to + base verb | The site is believed to be older than expected. |
| Advanced form | Subject + be + reporting verb + to have + past participle | The minister is said to have resigned last night. |
Use to have + past participle when the reported action happened before the reporting time.
Common reporting verbs include say, believe, think, expect, allege, understand, and report.
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.
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.