Definition / Explanation
Reporting passives allow speakers and writers to report information without naming a specific source in the main clause. This is common in journalism, academic writing, and formal commentary, where the source may be general, unknown, or less important than the claim itself. Two main patterns are common: It is said that... and He is believed to.... The first introduces a statement more impersonally, while the second focuses on the person or thing being talked about. These patterns help create a more objective, distanced tone.
Key Rules
- Use It is said/thought/reported/believed that... for impersonal reporting.
- Use subject + be + past participle + to-infinitive when the subject is the focus: She is believed to live abroad.
- Use to have + past participle if the reported action happened earlier: He is believed to have left.
- These patterns are more formal than People say that...
- They are especially useful when the exact source is not named.
Examples
- It is said that prices will rise.
- He is believed to have left the country.
- The company is expected to announce changes soon.
- It was reported that several people were injured.
- She is thought to be the best candidate.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ He is believed that he left. -> ✅ He is believed to have left.
- ❌ It is said him to be honest. -> ✅ He is said to be honest.
- ❌ She is thought that she knows the answer. -> ✅ She is thought to know the answer.