The impersonal passive
- The impersonal passive is a formal way of reporting thoughts, sayings, beliefs and opinions.
- We can use the impersonal passive with say, think, claim and believe.
Form:
1. Subject + verb + that ........................
It +be +V3 + that ...............................
Examples
It is said that dolphins are highly intelligent.
It used to be thought that the Earth was flat.
It is believed that learners will absorb the grammar as they learn the vocabulary.
The impersonal passive can also be formed with the subject + passive verbs + infinitive.
2. Subject 1 + verb + that + Subject 2 + verb ................
Subject 2 + be + V3 + to ............................................
Examples:
- Scientists say that women live longer than men.
Women are said to live longer than men.
- People believe that speaking with foreigners improves social skills.
Speaking with foreigners is believed to improve social skills.
The story is believed to be true.
(They believe that the story is true.)
So, People know that he is talented.
He is known to be talented.