Advanced Passive Constructions

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

The object at the centre of galaxy M87 is believed to be a supermassive black hole. Scientists noted that the result would need to be replicated before a consensus could be claimed.

Grammar Reference · Advanced Passive Constructions

Passive infinitive

The object is believed to be a supermassive black hole. — subject + passive verb + to-infinitive

Modal + passive

A new planet may have been discovered last year. — modal + have been + past participle

Passive reporting —

The compound was thought to have caused the reaction. — past tense reporting + perfect infinitive

Common error

It is believed that this was discovered ✓ — not is believed to discovered ✗ — use to

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Advanced Passive Constructions

1.The virus to have originated in a cave system in southern Yunnan province.

2.The compound to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in laboratory conditions.

3.Further clinical trials before any treatment protocol could be approved.

4.The asteroid to have passed within 300,000 kilometres of Earth's surface.

5.The results by three independent laboratories before the paper was accepted.

6.A new deep-sea species off the coast of New Zealand earlier this year.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.Scientists believe the comet contains water ice.

2.Researchers think the bacteria caused the outbreak.

3.Experts say the signal may originate from outside our galaxy.

4.The team thought the temperature anomaly triggered the reaction.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Advanced Passive Constructions01EnglishPlans.com