2. PASSIVE INFINITIVES: Why ?
• Speculation: X is said… X is believed….
• Helen graduates today
• Helen is said to graduate today
Phil has a very important deal to close.
Phil is believed to have a very important deal to be closed.
The police is investigating the nanny
The police is said to be investigating the nanny.
3. Why?
• Journalistic writing
• The current Pope is expected to have a less traditional approach.
• The woman found by the tunnel is rumoured to be victim of a serial
killer.
THINK ALLEGE CONSIDER BELIEVE
REPORT RUMOUR SUPPOSE KNOW
EXPECT UNDERSTAND SAY
4. Rules
1. It is said that clapping revives fairies. (Simple Present)
Clapping is said to revive fairies.
2. It is believed Robert is lost in action. (Passive)
Robert is believed to be lost in action
3. It is said «Dancing with the Stars» will be cancelled. (Future)
«Dancing with the Stars» is said to be cancelled. (future)
4. Nannies are working hard with those children.
(Present Progressive)
Nannies are rumored to be working hard with those children.
5. Mynor will be working elsewhere from now on. (F. Prog)
Mynor is supposed to be working elsewhere…
5. PASSIVE GERUNDS: Why?
• To change focus: Agent to Action
• I don’t like Mom paying my brother to go shopping
I hate my brother being paid for duties.
• My boss wants me typing this as fast as I can.
This document being typed is what everyone wants
• The principal needs someone taking care of the students.
The students being taken care of is the admnistration’s wish.
6. Rules
• Action+ being + the progressive action in past participle
• Thomas likes fighting for his rights.
• Rights being fought for by students is incredible.
• Kelly works in stopping the Global Warming.
• Global Warming being stopped is Kelly’s project.
