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Interactive Grammar: Passive Structures in Reported Speech quiz

Use passive reported speech — It is said that, He is believed to, They are reported to have — in formal and journalistic English.

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Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Questions

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Duration

~31 min

Questions

Level

Advanced

Overview

Passive reporting structures are used when the speaker is unknown or unimportant. Two patterns: It is said/believed/thought/reported that + clause, and Subject + is said/believed/thought + to-infinitive (active) or to have + past participle (past). These are common in formal and journalistic English.

Passive Reporting Structures

It is said thatIt is said that he is the best candidate.
It is believed thatIt is believed that the building is unsafe.
It is reported thatIt is reported that profits have fallen.
It is thought thatIt is thought that she will resign.

Subject Passive Pattern

He is said toHe is said to be the best candidate.
She is believed toShe is believed to have resigned.
They are reported toThey are reported to be in talks.
He is thought toHe is thought to have left the country.

Academic and Journalistic Use

These structures are common in formal, journalistic, and academic English.
JournalisticThe suspect is said to have fled the country.
AcademicIt is generally believed that language shapes culture.

When to use

Journalism

The CEO is reported to have resigned.

Academic

It is widely believed that climate change poses a threat.

Legal

He is alleged to have committed fraud.

Business

The deal is understood to be worth £2 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on passive Structures in Reported Speech cover?

Use passive reported speech — It is said that, He is believed to, They are reported to have — in formal and journalistic English.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Advanced (C1) learners and forms part of the Direct and Indirect Speech section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying passive Structures in Reported Speech?

Start with the definition above, then work through the examples to see how passive Structures in Reported Speech behaves in context. Since this is a Advanced (C1) topic within direct and indirect speech, focus on the exceptions, register, and subtler uses covered here — at this level the goal is precision and knowing when native speakers would (and wouldn't) choose this structure. Finish with the quiz below to check what's actually sticking.

How does passive Structures in Reported Speech relate to the rest of direct and indirect speech?

Passive Structures in Reported Speech is one of the Advanced–level topics grouped under Direct and Indirect Speech on Grammartier. Understanding it well makes the related lessons in the same category easier to follow — use the related-lessons links on this page to keep building on it once you've completed this quiz.