In this unit, we will explore how to transform reporting clauses into the passive voice, understand their structure, and practice using them effectively. By the end of this unit, you will understand how to use passive reporting clauses effectively in English. Let’s dive in!
What Are Reporting Clauses?
Reporting clauses are phrases used to introduce direct or indirect speech. They typically include a subject and a reporting verb (e.g., “he said,” “she explained”). In active voice, these clauses focus on the person speaking. However, in passive voice, the focus shifts to the action or message itself.
For example:
- Active: She said, “I am tired.”
- Passive: It was said that she was tired.
In this lesson, we will focus specifically on passive reporting clauses.
Structure of Passive Reporting Clauses
The structure of a passive reporting clause is as follows:
| Component | Example |
|---|---|
| Subject + Verb (Passive) | It was reported… |
| That-Clause | …that the meeting had been postponed. |
Key Points:
- The subject of the sentence is often it or the thing being discussed.
- The verb is in the passive form (e.g., was said, has been announced).
- A that-clause follows the reporting verb to provide additional information.
Examples of Passive Reporting Clauses
Here are some examples to illustrate how passive reporting clauses work:
| Active Sentence | Passive Sentence |
|---|---|
| They said that the project would start soon. | It was said that the project would start soon. |
| The manager announced the new policy. | The new policy was announced by the manager. |
| Someone suggested canceling the event. | Canceling the event was suggested. |
- It was said that the project would start soon.
- The new policy was announced by the manager.
- Canceling the event was suggested.
Common Verbs Used in Passive Reporting Clauses
Below is a list of common verbs used in passive reporting clauses:
| Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Say | It was said that the weather would improve. |
| Report | It was reported that the company had made a profit. |
| Announce | The results were announced yesterday. |
| Suggest | It was suggested that we leave early. |
| Believe | It is believed that the suspect fled the country. |
| Claim | It was claimed that the product was defective. |
Why Use Passive Reporting Clauses?
Passive reporting clauses are useful when:
- The doer of the action (the person who said or did something) is unknown or unimportant.
- Example: It was reported that the building collapsed.
- You want to emphasize the action or event rather than the person responsible.
- Example: The decision was announced last week.
- The information comes from an official source or authority.
- Example: It was stated in the report that sales had increased.
Tips for Mastery
- Always check if the subject of the sentence is important. If not, use the passive voice.
- Remember to use the correct tense with the verb in the passive form.
- Present: It is believed…
- Past: It was reported…
- Practice identifying passive reporting clauses in news articles or formal reports.
Summary
In this lesson, we learned:
- What reporting clauses are and how they function.
- How to structure passive reporting clauses.
- Common verbs used in passive reporting clauses.
- When and why to use the passive voice in reporting.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll master this advanced grammar concept!