Advanced Passive & Hedging

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

Ireland's priorities have already been outlined in broad terms by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The presidency is also said to offer Ireland a chance to position itself as a bridge.

Grammar Reference · Advanced Passive & Hedging

Impersonal passive

Use It is said / argued / believed / understood / claimed + that to report without naming a source. Formal register. It is widely believed that the presidency carries real power.

Passive + reporting

Subject + is reported / said / believed / understood + to + infinitive. Officials are reported to have been preparing since 2024. Perfect infinitive for past events.

Hedging adverbials

Adverbs like widely, reportedly, allegedly, arguably, formally, crucially soften or qualify claims without passive construction. Use sparingly or the text reads weak.

Common error

It is said Ireland prepared well. ✗ — always include that: It is said that Ireland prepared well. ✓ The complementiser is obligatory in formal register.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Advanced Passive & Hedging

1.Many people believe that Ireland handles diplomacy well.

2.Sources say that the Council approved the new framework yesterday.

3.Observers claim that the presidency shifted the enlargement debate.

4.People understand that neutrality is more theoretical than real.

5.Analysts expect the candidate countries to join by 2030.

6.Reports suggest that the government seconded fifty extra staff.

02Exercise 2 — Find and Correct the Error

find the error · rewrite the sentence

1.It is said Ireland will chair three hundred meetings per month.

2.The presidency is understood offer a diplomatic window.

3.Officials are reported prepare since late 2024.

4.It is widely argue that small states are effective.

5.Ireland is believed bringing credibility to the file.

6.It is claimed the decision was made in Brussels.

7.The agenda is said outline the three priorities.

8.The result is expected announce next spring.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

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

Advanced Passive & Hedging01classplan.ai