It is said that…, he is thought to…
Report beliefs and claims formally: It is said that…, He is thought to be…, They are believed to have…
In this lesson you will
- Use It is said/believed that + clause
- Use subject + is thought to + infinitive
- Use perfect infinitives for past beliefs
Learn
Impersonal passives report what people say, think, believe, expect, report, claim without saying who: they’re common in news and academic writing.
Pattern 1: It + passive + that + clause: *It is believed that the painting is a fake.*
Pattern 2: Subject + passive + to-infinitive: The painting is believed to be* a fake.*
For a past event use the perfect infinitive: He is said to have left* the country.* For ongoing: She is thought to be working* on a new novel.*
| Active | It is… that… | Subject + to… |
|---|---|---|
| People say he is rich. | It is said that he is rich. | He is said to be rich. |
| Experts think it was built in 1200. | It is thought that it was built in 1200. | It is thought to have been built in 1200. |
Examples
- It is estimated that 40,000 people attended.
- The suspect is believed to be hiding abroad.
- The company is reported to have lost millions.
- It is expected that prices will rise.
Vocabulary
estimate
roughly calculate
allege
claim without proof
suspect
a person thought to be guilty
fake
not real
attend
be present at
Practice
Complete the sentence.
Listening: News report
Audio isn’t available in this browser — read the transcript instead.
A rare painting has been discovered in an attic in Lyon.
It is believed to have been painted in the seventeenth century and is thought to be worth several million euros.
The owners are said to have bought the house only last year.
The painting is expected to be sold at auction in the spring.
1.Where was the painting found?
2.When is it believed to have been painted?
3.What is expected to happen?
Speaking
Report five rumours or beliefs about famous places, people or legends in your country using impersonal passives.
Writing
Write a short news report (100–120 words) about an unusual discovery, using at least four impersonal passive structures.
Lesson quiz
The ship is thought ___ in 1850.
Review
Key points
- It is said/believed/thought that + clause.
- Subject + is said to + infinitive.
- to have done for past; to be doing for ongoing.
What you learned
- ✓ I can report beliefs formally.
- ✓ I can use both patterns.
- ✓ I use perfect infinitives for the past.
Grammar reference: The passive voice, Reported speech