It is said that…
It is believed that…, He is thought to have…
The rules
- "It is reported that…" is the passive reporting structure.
- Past and passive: "to have been painted".
- Subject + is said + to + verb, for something true now.
- The stealing happened before the believing, so use "to have stolen".
- It sounds formal and objective, so it is common in news, reports and essays.
- Subject + is expected + to + verb.
Examples
- It is reported that the company will close two factories.
- The painting is thought to have been painted by a student of Rembrandt.
- She is said to speak five languages.
- He is believed to have stolen the money.
- News reports and formal writing
- The price is expected to rise.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.It _____ that the company will close two factories.
2.The painting is thought _____ by a student of Rembrandt.
3.She is said _____ five languages.
4.Which means "People believe he stole the money"?
5.Where is this structure most common?