Using passive voice
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Passive voice with thinking and saying verbs | page 2 of 4 |
Passive voice with thinking verbs
The following extract illustrates the use of passive voice with thinking verbs in a newspaper report. The focus of this report is China's relationship with the last Governor of Hong Kong under British rule; the article was written soon after Mr Patten's arrival in the territory:
The head of China's de facto embassy in the territory has renewed the mainland's call for convergence with the Basic Law in his first meeting with the Governor, in what is seen as a veiled warning against any major political reforms.
The call by Mr Zhou Nan, the Director of the New China News Agency (NCNA), comes as Mr Chris Patten is putting together his maiden policy address, slated for October, in which he is expected to outline his plans for constitutional development.
China is understood to be concerned that the new style of government under Mr Patten may bring about changes to the political system which will not be conducive to convergence.
Hong Kong's future political system and the financing for the new airport are understood to have topped the agenda at the more than 1 1/2-hour meeting at Government House.
However, it is believed that the issue of appointments to the Executive Council was not raised. (SCMP 21/9/92)
This use of passive voice allows the writer to avoid revealing a source or taking
personal responsibility for the facts and opinions reported. For further information about
reasons for omitting the agent, see 
Using passive voice:
Omitting or including the agent (p 3).
For further information about thinking verbs in general, see Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Using verb
patterns to represent thoughts and beliefs.
Passive voice with thinking verbs
