The Passive voice with a formal subject It
The Passive Voice with a formal subject It:
It is said, it was said, it is reported, it was reported—these phrases are examples of the passive voice with a formal subject.
They are often used to attribute information to a general source or to distance the statement from a specific speaker.
It is said: This phrase is used to attribute a statement or rumour to some unspecified people or sources.
For example: It is said that the old castle is haunted.
It was said: This is similar to it is said, but it is used in the past tense.
For example: It was said that the meeting had been cancelled.
It is reported: This phrase is used when referring to information that has been published or broadcasted by the media or other sources.
For example: It is reported that the company will be releasing a new product next month.
It was reported: Like the previous phrase, this one is also used in the past tense, referring to information that was previously reported.
For example: It was reported in the news yesterday that the stock market experienced a significant drop.
These constructions are useful when you want to convey information without specifying the exact source, making your writing more formal and objective.
However, as with any writing technique, it’s important to use them appropriately and not excessively.
The Passive voice with a formal subject It
The Group of Tenses of the Passive Voice
The Indicative Mood-the Passive Voice
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs