IT IS SAID THAT HE ... / HE IS SAID TO INFINITIVE (IMPERSONAL PASSIVE)
When we talk about what other people say, believe, feel, we can use two possible passive forms.
Active: People say that Mr Smith is a millionaire.
Passive (1): It + passive + that-clause
It is said that Mr Smith is a millionaire
Passive (2): Subject + passive + to infinitive
Mr Smith is said to be a millionaire
We use these passive forms in a formal style and with verbs such as:
It is reported that the president is seriously ill.
The president is reported to be seriously ill.
It is believed that she is living in Brazil.
She is believed to be living in Brazil.
When the action is earlier (completed), we use the ‘perfect infinitive’ (to have + past participle).
It is believed that the fire started late last night.
The fire is believed to have started late last night.
Exercise. Make two new sentences in the passive, beginning with the words in brackets.
1. People expect that the government will win the election. (The government)
1.a.
1.b.
2. People say that the monument is over 200 years old.
1.c.
1.d.
PASSIVE VOICE
