grammar · neutral
be thought to + V
used to express a general opinion or supposition about something
Examples
“The structure is thought to date from the Roman period.”
“He is thought to be the most likely candidate for the role.”
“The device is thought to improve patient outcomes.”
Band 8 sentence
“The compound is generally thought to have originated from a natural geological process rather than human activity.”
Collocations
- is generally thought to
- is widely thought to
Common mistakes
The species thought to migrate south every winter.→The species is thought to migrate south every winter.
Say it for a higher band
5people think + clause→6it is thought that + clause→7+be thought to + V
Synonyms
be believed to + V
Easily confused
be assumed to + V
“The sample is assumed to be sterile before testing.”
be supposed to + V
“The train is supposed to arrive at noon.”
Related words
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In The passive
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