Advanced passive constructions

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

The origins of what is now a month-long phenomenon are generally traced to 1969. It is believed that over 50 countries now host Pride events. Several brands were reported to have faced boycotts. The parade is said to be the largest in the world.

Grammar Reference · Advanced passive constructions

Impersonal it-passive

Use It is believed / said / claimed / reported that... to attribute a claim without naming a source. Common in journalism and academic writing.

Subject + passive +

Use The event is said to be / is considered to be to make the subject carry the attributed claim. More concise than the it-passive.

Passive + perfect inf.

Use was reported to have faced / is believed to have caused when the reported event happened before the reporting moment.

Common error

It is said that the campaign was succeeded ✗ → the campaign is said to have succeeded ✓ — use active perfect infinitive, not passive, after said to.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Advanced passive constructions

1.People generally consider the São Paulo parade to be a landmark event. → The São Paulo parade a landmark event.

2.Experts believe that workplace inclusion raises productivity. → It workplace inclusion raises productivity.

3.Journalists reported that the brand had withdrawn its campaign. → The brand its campaign.

4.Researchers claim that visible employees perform better. → It visible employees perform better.

5.Critics have long said that corporate Pride support is performative. → Corporate Pride support performative.

6.Many observers regard the 1969 uprising as the movement's founding moment. → The 1969 uprising the movement's founding moment.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.Many people think Pride has changed from protest to celebration.

2.Observers say the boycott surprised company executives.

3.Researchers have found that open employees are more creative.

4.Critics argue that rainbow-washing damages genuine activism.

5.Reports indicate the parade drew over three million people.

6.Scholars widely regard Judith Butler's work as foundational.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

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

Advanced passive constructions01classplan.ai