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Advanced passive structures (It is said that..., He is thought to...)

C1 (Advanced)

Rule details

Advanced passive structures (It is said that..., He is thought to...)

C1 (Advanced)

1. How they are formed

Structures with "It is said that...":

It is + past participle + that + clause

Structures with "He/She is thought to...":

Subject + is/was + past participle + to + infinitive

2. When to use

  • To report indirect information, rumors, or common opinion.
  • Common in news, formal reports, and academic style.
  • Helps make statements neutral and impersonal.

3. Examples

It is said that...

It is said that the company will expand next year.

He is thought to...

He is thought to have left the country.

She is believed to...

She is believed to be one of the best scientists in her field.

4. Differences and notes

It is said that vs He/She is thought to

It is said that is neutral and often impersonal; He/She is thought to focuses on a specific person or object.

Tense usage

These structures can be used with present, past, or future meaning depending on context.

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