Using passive voice
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Passive voice with thinking and saying verbs | page 4 of 4 |
Two different patterns
The use of passive voice with thinking and saying verbs can be particularly useful for students learning certain kinds of formal writing. However, they need to be aware that there are at least two different patterns:
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One common pattern begins with the word it as the subject 
of the passive verb and normally has a that clause following the verb: |
However, it is believed that the issue of appointments to the Executive Council was not raised. (SCMP 21/9/92)
It is understood that fighting started after a row at Joe Bananas between a woman and her boyfriend, celebrating his birthday. (SCMP 16/5/94)
It is argued that the British side could not go on and on producing new proposals for the Chinese side to reject. (SCMP 17/10/92)
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In another common pattern, the subject of the passive verb is the person
or thing involved in the reported event or situation, and the verb of thinking or saying
is normally followed by an infinitive : |
China Motor Bus (CMB) is understood to be considering a similar move.
He is known to have returned to his home returned to his home and collected
his passport, a wallet containing a small quantity of US banknotes, and an overnight bag
before leaving the same evening.
(SCMP 15/10/92)
A fund standing at about £200,000 which was raised to give aid and comfort to homecoming British prisoners after the Second World War is alleged to be growing in direct proportion to the number of old soldiers dying without ever seeing a penny of it. (Microconcord Corpus A)
Introduction
Two different patterns
