Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring

Students' problems

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Inappropriate use of distancing devices

Many Hong Kong students use the passive voice in structures such as It is believed that and It is thought that in order to achieve a more formal tone. Unfortunately, the effect of such expressions is to distance the writer from what follows, and this is inappropriate in cases where the writer agrees with the proposition:

It is thought that animals should have the same equal rights as human beings, as animals and humans were created by God. (TeleNex Students)

In such cases, the writer should use active voice in order to make it clear that a personal opinion is being represented:

I think that animals should have the same equal rights as human beings, as animals and humans were created by God.

For further information about thinking verbs in general, see Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Using verb patterns to represent thoughts and beliefs.

For further information about the use of passive voice in general, see Using passive voice: Overview.

Introduction
Patterns associated with report structures
Problems associated with the that clause
Choosing between to-infinitive and the -ing form
Inappropriate use of distancing devices
Problems with the order of participants
Metaphorical meanings
Problems with wish and hope