grammar · neutral
It + be + past participle + that + clause
Impersonal passive using 'It + be + past participle + that-clause' to state what people think or agree (e.g., It is believed that...).
Examples
“It is widely believed that exercise improves mental health.”
“It was agreed that the deadline should be extended.”
“It has been suggested that universities teach more practical skills.”
Band 8 sentence
“It has long been argued that modern education should balance exam practice with creative thinking.”
Collocations
- It is believed that / It was agreed that / It has been suggested that
Common mistakes
It was agreed him to leave.→It was agreed that he should leave. / It was agreed for him to leave is awkward; prefer: It was agreed that he should leave.
It is suggested that to reduce taxes.→It is suggested that taxes should be reduced. / It is suggested that we reduce taxes.
Say it for a higher band
5People believe that + clause→6It is said that + clause→7+It + be + past participle + that + clause
Synonyms
be + past participle + to + infinitive
Easily confused
be + past participle + to + infinitive
“He is believed to have accepted the job.”
Related words
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In The passive
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