Passives with reporting verbs practice

Learn about using passives.

Practice 1: making passives with reporting verbs

Rewrite these sentences, using the passive form of the underlined reporting verb (as in the example below).

Example: Doctors believe that the patient died early this morning.
that the patient died early this morning.

  1. Researchers think that over 75% of road accidents are avoidable.
    that over 75% of road accidents are avoidable.
  2. Scientists have shown that people in less stressful jobs live longer.
    that people in less stressful jobs live longer.
  3. Some people say that if you dream of fish, someone you know is pregnant.
    that if you dream of fish, someone you know is pregnant.

Now do the same with these, using the example below to help you.

Example: Doctors believe that the patient died early this morning.
 to have died early this morning.

  1. We know that pollution affects the ozone layer.
    to affect the ozone layer.
  2. Historians believe that this castle was built over 1,200 years ago.
    to have been built over 1,200 years ago.
  3. A witness alleges that Mr Brown shot his brother during a party last night.
     to have shot his brother during a party last night.

Practice 2: choose the correct passive form

Use the best passive form of the verb in bold to report these statements.

  1. Scientists believe that many dinosaurs had feathers.
    to have had feathers.
  2. Newspapers allege that the CEO disappeared with over £1.5 million.
    to have disappeared with over £1.5 million.
  3. Police think that the boy ran out in front of the car. It wasn't the driver's fault.
    that the boy ran out in front of the car. It wasn't the driver's fault.
  4. Scientists hope that the new drug could be used to treat dementia.
     that the new drug could be used to treat dementia.
  5. Newspapers report that the actor's house is worth over £8 million.
      to be worth over £8 million.
  6. Research has found that people with pets are usually happier.
    that people with pets are usually happier.
  7. Some researchers claim that acupuncture can work on animals.
    that acupuncture can work on animals.

Practice 3: past or present?

Choose the best form of the verb to complete these sentences.

  1. The fire is believed  in the lounge.
  2. UVB radiation is known  skin ageing.
  3. Over 10,000 people are believed  the exhibition when it opened on Monday.
  4. The black mamba is widely agreed  one of the most dangerous snakes in the world.
  5. The footballer is estimated  over $4 million in the last 12 months.