Passive with Reporting Verbs: 'It is said that...'

This structure uses a dummy subject. That subject is the word it. In English, every sentence needs a subject. Sometimes, we don't have a specific person acting. So, we use it to fill the gap. It doesn't refer to a physical object. It simply sets the stage for the reporting verb. The reporting verb is always in the passive voice. This means you use be plus a past participle. Finally, you add a that clause. This clause contains the actual news or fact. It is a very tidy way to organize thoughts.

1. 1Start your sentence with the word it.
2. 2Choose the correct tense of the verb to be.
3. 3Add a reporting verb in the past participle form.
4. 4Use the word that to connect the parts.
5. 5Finish with a full subject and verb clause.
6. 6Example: It + is + said + that + he is rich.
7. 7You can change the tense of be easily. Use It was reported that for past events. Use It has been claimed that for ongoing rumors. The main clause after that stays in its original tense. It is like building with Lego bricks. Each piece has a specific, unchangeable spot.

You use this when the source is unknown. It is perfect for general public opinions. Imagine you are writing a news article. You might say, It is reported that the strike ended. This sounds much better than Someone reported it. You also use it in office environments. It helps when discussing sensitive company rumors. For example, It is rumored that bonuses are coming. It keeps the conversation professional and calm. Use it in science to discuss theories. It is believed that water exists on Mars. It shows you are being careful with facts. It is the language of experts and diplomats.

Do not use this for your own opinions. If you think the coffee is bad, say so. Don't say, It is thought that the coffee is bad. That sounds very strange and robotic. Avoid it in casual chats with close friends. It can make you sound a bit cold. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. Green means formal reports and news. Red means a cozy dinner with your family. Also, avoid it if you know the source. If the CEO said it, name the CEO. Using the impersonal passive there might seem sneaky. It is all about the right context.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. The biggest mistake is forgetting the word it. You cannot start with Is said that.... English always needs that dummy subject. Another error is using the wrong preposition. People often try to use to instead of that. Remember, this pattern requires a full clause. Don't mix it up with the personal passive. That is the He is said to be version. They are similar but have different structures. Finally, watch your tenses in the that clause. Make sure they match the timeline of the story. It is a bit like juggling. You have to keep all the balls in the air.

Compare It is said that he is kind with He is said to be kind. Both mean the same thing. However, the first one is often easier to build. The It version allows for more complex clauses. You can say, It is said that he has been working hard. The personal version would be He is said to have been working. That second one is a real tongue twister! The It pattern is your safe harbor. It keeps the grammar simple and the meaning clear. Use the It version when the subject is long. It prevents the sentence from becoming top-heavy and awkward.