English lesson : The Passive with "It" for Reporting Verbs

 

The Passive with "It" for Reporting Verbs

The English language is wonderfully complex and offers numerous ways to convey messages with subtlety and variety. One such nuance is the use of the passive voice with reporting verbs, especially involving the pronoun “it.” This lesson will delve into how to effectively use this structure to improve clarity, formality, and detachment in your written and spoken English. Let’s break this down into simple, digestible parts to master this useful grammar tool.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the passive with "it," let’s clarify what we mean by reporting verbs and passive constructions.

Reporting Verbs

Reporting verbs are used when speaking about or reporting on someone's words, thoughts, or actions. Common examples include: say, report, claim, and believe.

Passive Voice

Passive voice is a sentence construction where the subject of the sentence is acted upon by the verb. It’s often used to prioritize the action or the recipient of the action rather than who or what is performing the action.

The Role of "It" in Passive Reporting Structures

Using "it" in passive constructions with reporting verbs allows for a more formal or academic tone. It can also help to depersonalize the statement, which can be particularly useful in written reports or academic papers.

How It Works

• Standard Structure: The standard structure for including "it" in passive reporting sentences is:

  {It is + past participle of reporting verb + that + clause} 

• Example:
  • Active Voice: "Scientists say that the medication is effective."
  • Passive Voice: "It is said that the medication is effective."

Benefits of Using This Structure

• Emphasizes the Statement: This structure focuses more on the information or claim itself rather than the speaker.
• Adds Formality: It provides a more formal tone, which is preferred in academic and professional settings.
• Useful for Unspecified Sources: Ideal when the source is general, unknown, or not important.

Examples in Context

To further understand the application, here are more examples:

1. Active to Passive Conversion:
   • Active: "Experts believe the solution is feasible."
   • Passive: "It is believed that the solution is feasible."
2. Varying Reporting Verbs:
   • "The manager stated that the project would be delayed."
   • "It was stated that the project would be delayed."
3. Impersonal Statements:
   • "People think that the policy might change."
   • "It is thought that the policy might change."

Tips for Practice

• Identify Opportunities: Look for sentences in news articles or academic papers where shifting to a passive construction might add clarity or formality.
• Rewrite Sentences: Take active sentences and convert them into passive constructions using "it."
• Peer Review: Exchange exercises with peers to gain feedback and see other uses of passive voice.

Mastering the use of "it" with reporting verbs in passive constructions can significantly elevate the quality of your English writing and speaking. This approach not only adds sophistication but also allows you to communicate more effectively in formal contexts. Practice this structure, and soon it will become an integral part of your English communication toolkit!

By integrating the above strategies and examples into your daily English practice, you'll not only grow more comfortable with passive constructions but also enhance your overall ability to communicate with nuance and precision.