In formal texts, such as newspapers, descriptions or scientific processes, when we want to talk about what is generally thought or said, we use passive structures with reporting verbs. It is also used when people gossip as it is not important who first said, but it's supposed to be in the mouth of many people.
The construction is formed from:
Passive reporting verb + to + infinitive or perfect infinitive
He is considered to be a great piano player
(people consider him to be a great piano player)
He is believed to have reached Mountain Everest’s summit
(people believe he has reached Mountain Everest’s summit)
James is thought to have been at home that night
(They think that John was at home that night)
He was proved to have murdered his wife
(someone proved he had murdered his wife)
Or we can also use impersonal expressions, such as:
- it is believed
- it may be considered
- it was said
- it is known
- it is thought
- it was expected
It is believed that Leif Eriksson reached America before Columbus
Leif Eriksson is believed to have reached America before Columbus
It is known that Smith broke into several houses.
Smith is known to have broken into several houses.
It is often considered that women are more sensitive than men.
Women are often considered more sensitive than men.
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