IMPERSONAL PASSIVE
Para referirnos a algo que muchas personas creen o piensan acerca de alguien o de algo, es
frecuente utilizar estas dos construcciones:
- It + “to be” + past participle (vb principal) + that + oración.
- Sujeto pasivo + “to be” + past participle (vb principal) + to-infinitive.
Por ejemplo:
People believe that English is the most widely spoken language
It is believed that English is the most widely spoken language.
English is believed to be the most widely spoken language.
Police have reported that Peter caused the accident.
It has been reported that Peter caused the accident.
Peter has been reported to have caused the accident.
Rewrite the sentences in the passive voice. Use impersonal passives:
1 Doctors think that this technique is a revolution for heart diseases.
It is thought that this technique is a revolution for heart diseases.
This technique is thought to be a revolution for heart diseases.
2 The locals believed that a witch lived in that house.
It was thought that a witch lived in that house.
A witch was thought to have lived in that house.
3 They say garlic keeps your liver in perfect working condition.
It is said that garlic keeps your liver in perfect working condition.
Garlic is said to keep your liver in perfect working condition.
4 People think pollution is not a minor problem.
It is said that pollution is not a minor problem.
Pollution is said not to be a minor problem.
5 People say that this orchestra is the best in the world.
It is said that that this orchestra is the best in the world.
This orchestra is said to be the best in the world.
6 They believe that the thieves have left the country.
It is believed that that the thieves have left the country.
The thieves are believed to have left the country.
7 We expect that they will arrive in time for dinner.
It is expected that that they will arrive in time for dinner.
They are expected to arrive in time for dinner.
8 My mum believes that we are able to win the competition.
It is believed that that we are able to win the competition.
We are believed to be able to win the competition.
9 People thought that Jimmi Hendrix was a genius.
It was thought that that Jimmi Hendrix was a genius.
Jimmi Hendrix was thought to have been a genius.
10 People believe King Arthur lived in the 9th century.
It is believed that King Arthur lived in the 9th century.
King Arthur is believed to have lived in the 9th century.
