Passive constructions are often used with verbs like say, believe, and know. Other verbs which are used in the passive are: consider, think, understand, report, allege, expect, fear, claim and deny.
It + passive + that-clause
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Subject + passive + to + infinitive
+ infinitive |
There + the passive subject + passive
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| It is said that William Shakespeare could not have written all the plays on his own. |
A language was once believed to be taught like a form/structure rather than a means of communication. |
There were 17 students tested in English at level B2.
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The verb be rumoured only exists in the passive form.
The Cambridges are rumoured to be spending a lot of time with Kateʼs parents.
Two passive constructions in the same sentence: It is known that European English is influenced by German and French.
An existential there allows an indefinite subject to be placed in a passive clause, which enables greater focus on the passive subject.