Passive reporting: he is said to...
Distancing structures: It is said/believed that... and He is said/thought to be...; to have done for past; news register
I can report claims without naming sources using both passive frames.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
The old mill is said to have ground flour for three centuries before becoming a café.
The old mill is said to have ground flour for three centuries before becoming a café.
The striker is expected to sign on Friday, though nothing is believed to be final.
The striker is expected to sign on Friday, though nothing is believed to be final.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Two reporting frames:
| Frame | Example |
|---|---|
| It is said that + clause | It is believed that the recipe is medieval. |
| Subject + is said to + infinitive | The recipe is believed to be medieval. |
| past below: to have done | He is thought to have left the country. |
| verbs | said, believed, thought, reported, known, expected, alleged |
The personal frame headlines better: the topic goes first. The infinitive carries the time: is said to be (now) vs is said to have been (earlier). The reporter stays unnamed - that's the point.
- *He is said that he... → He is said to be... / It is said that he...
- Past meaning with to be: earlier events need to have done
Common Error Patterns
that-clause after personal frame
is said to + infinitive
Time of the claim vs the event
to be = now; to have done = earlier
The old mill is said to have ground flour for three centuries before becoming a café.
The old mill is said to have ground flour for three centuries before becoming a café.
is said to have done: reported pre-history.
The striker is expected to sign on Friday, though nothing is believed to be final.
The striker is expected to sign on Friday, though nothing is believed to be final.
is expected to / is believed to: sports-news register.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in C1 course exercises