Personal and impersonal passives are advanced structures used to report opinions, rumors, or beliefs without naming a specific source . These are common in journalism and academic writing. aprendeinglesenleganes.com Core Structures Impersonal Passive: Focuses on the reported fact itself using a dummy subject. It + be + past participle + that-clause It is believed that he is rich Personal Passive: Focuses on the person or thing being talked about. Subject + be + past participle + to-infinitive He is believed to be rich aprendeinglesenleganes.com Advanced Tense Variations
The form of the infinitive in a personal passive depends on the relationship between the reporting verb and the action: Active Tense Personal Passive Infinitive Present / Future to + infinitive He is said Continuous to be + -ing He is thought to be lying Past / Present Perfect to have + past participle She is reported to have left Past Continuous to have been + -ing They were reported to have been running Practice Exercises & PDFs
The following resources provide structured practice for these transformations: Advanced Passives Review : A comprehensive guide by the British Council covering both forms and modal passives. Passive Structures & Drills : A detailed lesson and exercise sheet from My English Teacher Academic English Passive Guide
: A focused PDF on impersonal passives and nominalization from Academic English UK Grammar Transformation Table
: A direct download for a transformation table and key word exercises from Aprende Ingles en Leganes aprendeinglesenleganes.com Quick Drill Convert the following sentence into both passive forms: impersonal-passive-2.pdf
Personal and impersonal passive constructions are advanced English grammar tools used to report opinions, rumors, or general beliefs without naming a specific source. These forms are common in formal writing, news reports, and academic texts. 1. Understanding the Two Structures
These constructions usually follow reporting verbs such as say, think, believe, know, report, expect, consider, and understand.
Impersonal Passive: Uses a "dummy" subject (it) to refer to a whole situation or general thought. Structure: It + passive verb + (that) clause. Example: "It is believed that he is innocent".
Personal Passive: Focuses on the person or thing that is the subject of the belief. Structure: Subject + passive verb + to-infinitive. Example: "He is believed to be innocent". 2. Formulating Tenses in Personal Passive
The form of the infinitive in a personal passive sentence depends on the time relationship between the reporting verb and the action in the that-clause. Personal and Impersonal Passive | explanation and exercises
For exercises specifically focusing on the reporting verb "report" in personal and impersonal passive structures, you can find high-quality PDF worksheets and online practice modules through the following resources: 📥 Downloadable PDF Exercises
Perfect English Grammar offers clear PDF worksheets focusing on the "it is said/reported that" (impersonal) and "he is said/reported to" (personal) structures.
Aprende Ingles en Leganes provides a comprehensive table and exercise sheet specifically for reporting verbs like report, say, and believe.
ISLCollective features a variety of community-uploaded PDF reports and worksheets that require transformation between personal and impersonal forms. 📝 Structure Breakdown for "Report"
When using the verb "report" to express a general opinion or fact, you can use these two formal structures: Impersonal Passive: Structure: It + passive reporting verb + that-clause Example: "It is reported that the thief has escaped." Personal Passive: Structure: Subject + passive reporting verb + to-infinitive Example: "The thief is reported to have escaped." 💻 Interactive Online Practice
English-Grammar.at has specific online tasks where you must rewrite sentences starting with "It..." or the personal subject.
Engelsklaslokaal provides a quick-fire exercise to test your ability to distinguish between the two forms using common verbs like think, believe, and report.
This feature covers the Personal and Impersonal Passive , a structure typically used in formal reporting (news, academic papers, or official statements) to talk about what people "say," "think," or "believe". sarreplec.caib.es
Below is a concise guide followed by a set of exercises. You can copy this into a document and save it as a PDF for your study. Quick Grammar Guide When we want to change a sentence like "People believe that he is a genius" into the passive, we have two options: Impersonal Passive: Focuses on the "it" as a placeholder. It + Passive Verb (be + past participle) + that-clause. It is believed that he is a genius. Personal Passive: Focuses on the person/thing being talked about. Subject + Passive Verb + to-infinitive. He is believed to be learnenglish.britishcouncil.org Exercises: Personal & Impersonal Passive
Part A: Rewrite the sentences using the Impersonal Passive (It...) People say that the new law is unfair. They expect that the strike will end tomorrow. Experts think that the climate is changing rapidly. Reporters claim that the company is hiding the truth.
Part B: Rewrite the sentences using the Personal Passive (Subject + to...) People believe that she is the best candidate for the job. They report that the thieves stole over $1 million. Scientists consider the discovery to be a breakthrough. Everyone knows that he lives in a secret location. Part C: Mixed Transformation Active: People say that English is easy to learn. Impersonal: __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Answer Key Part A (Impersonal) Part B (Personal) It is said that the new law is unfair. She is believed to be
The Personal and Impersonal Passive (also known as passive reporting structures) are essential tools for academic writing and formal journalism. They allow writers to report rumors, beliefs, and opinions without attributing them to a specific person. Key Differences and Structures
The Impersonal Passive focuses on the action or thought itself, using a "dummy" subject. In contrast, the Personal Passive shifts the focus to the person or thing being talked about. Type Impersonal It is said that he is a genius. Personal He is said to be a genius. How to Transform Sentences
To convert an active sentence like "People believe she is rich" into these forms:
Impersonal Passive: Start with "It", use the passive form of the reporting verb, and keep the original "that" clause: It is believed that she is rich.
Personal Passive: Take the subject of the second clause ("she"), use the passive reporting verb, and change the second verb to a "to-infinitive": She is believed to be rich. Common Reporting Verbs These structures typically use verbs like:
Say, Think, Believe, Know, Report, Expect, Allege, Claim, Understand, Consider. Practice Exercises
You can download comprehensive worksheets and guides from these sources:
Impersonal Passive PDF (ksmclasses): Features clear transformation examples like "They say she works hard" → "She is said to work hard."
Passive Voice PDF Worksheets (english-grammar.at): A library of downloadable PDFs covering all passive levels from elementary to advanced.
Advanced Passive Review (British Council): In-depth explanations of "It is estimated that..." and other complex structures.
Comprehensive Passive Table (Aprendeinglesenleganes): Offers a detailed table and "Key Word Transformation" exercises for FCE/CAE levels. Quick Transformation Challenge: Active: They expect that the economy will grow next year.
Impersonal: It is expected that the economy will grow next year. Personal: The economy is expected to grow next year. impersonal-passive-2.pdf
Here’s a guide to Personal and Impersonal Passive structures, including where to find exercises in PDF format.
3. Where to Download Free PDFs on This Topic
- English Grammar Online (ego4u) – Search “Personal and Impersonal Passive – PDF”
- Perfect English Grammar (by Seonaid Beckwith) – Offers free printable PDF exercises.
- Academic English UK – Provides advanced passive voice worksheets.
- BusyTeacher.org – User-submitted grammar worksheets (many in PDF).
- ISL Collective – Free downloadable grammar exercises with answer keys.
Simply Google: “personal impersonal passive exercises pdf” – many university and ESL websites offer free downloads.
If you’d like, I can also generate a full LaTeX or Markdown document that you can compile or copy-paste into a word processor to create your own PDF. Just let me know!
Mastering the Personal and Impersonal Passive (also known as "Reported Passive") is a common hurdle for advanced English learners. These structures allow you to report what "people say" or "it is believed" without naming a specific person, which is essential for academic and formal writing. 1. Understanding the Two Structures
When reporting general beliefs or opinions using verbs like say, believe, think, report, know, or expect, you can choose between two passive forms:
Impersonal Passive (The "It" Structure): This uses the dummy subject "It." Example: It is said that the CEO will resign. Structure: It + Passive Reporting Verb + that-clause.
Personal Passive (The Subject-Focused Structure): This makes the subject of the reported clause the subject of the new sentence. Example: The CEO is said to resign.
Structure: Subject + Passive Reporting Verb + to-infinitive. 2. Quick Practice Exercise
Try transforming these active sentences into both impersonal and personal passive forms: Active: People believe that he owns a lot of land. Impersonal: It is believed that he owns a lot of land. Personal: He is believed to own a lot of land.
Active: Journalists report that the fire started by accident.
Impersonal: It was reported that the fire started by accident.
Personal: The fire was reported to have started by accident. 3. Recommended PDF Exercise Resources
If you are looking for downloadable practice sheets, the following sites offer comprehensive worksheets and tables:
Scribd Collection: A wide variety of Personal and Impersonal Passive Exercises including keyword transformation tables and answer keys.
Academic English UK: Provides an Impersonal Passive Blog/PDF that focuses on nominalisation and formal reporting.
KSM Classes: Offers a direct PDF link with 14 practice sentences for transformation.
EnglishGrammar.org: Features a Challenging Impersonal Passive Exercise that is useful for C1-level students.
Impersonal and Personal Passive Exercises | PDF | Verb - Scribd
Once upon a time in the quiet village of Linguistia, the residents were obsessed with how information was shared. They didn’t care who said something; they only cared that it was said.
In this village lived a scribe named Leo. Leo was tired of writing simple sentences like "People say that the dragon is friendly." He felt it lacked mystery. He wanted to master the Personal and Impersonal Passive. Chapter 1: The Impersonal Passive (The "It" Factor) One morning, a rumor started.
Active: People believe that the dragon guards a treasure.Leo transformed this into the Impersonal Passive. It was easy: he started with "It," used the passive form of the reporting verb, and kept the rest of the sentence the same.
Impersonal Passive: It is believed that the dragon guards a treasure. "How formal! How mysterious!" Leo thought. Chapter 2: The Personal Passive (The Subject Shift)
The village Mayor wanted more focus on the dragon itself. He asked Leo to make the dragon the star of the sentence. This was the Personal Passive.Leo took the subject of the second clause (the dragon), moved it to the front, and changed the second verb into an infinitive.
Personal Passive: The dragon is believed to guard a treasure. Chapter 3: The Time Travelers (Past Events)
The next day, the villagers talked about a knight who had visited years ago.
Active: People say that the knight stole an egg.Leo knew that because the stealing happened in the past, he needed a perfect infinitive (to have + past participle). Personal Passive: The knight is said to have stolen an egg. Chapter 4: The Scribe’s Challenge
Leo realized that to truly help the villagers, he needed to provide them with practice. He sat down and wrote out a "scroll of exercises" (which we would call a PDF today). The Exercise List: Active: They claim that the mysterious cave is empty.
The rain lashed against the library windows, blurring the world outside into a grey smear. Inside, the air smelled of old paper and desperation. It was the night before the final grammar exam, and the atmosphere in the study hall was thick with tension.
Elias sat with his head in his hands, a heavy textbook open in front of him. The chapter title was bold and unforgiving: The Personal and Impersonal Passive.
"It’s impossible," Elias groaned, pushing the book away. "I’ll never understand this. It’s too abstract."
Across the table, Clara was calmly highlighting a worksheet. She didn’t look up. "It is said that you are dramatic, Elias."
Elias frowned. "What?"
"She just used the impersonal passive on you," chimed in Marcus from the next seat, spinning a pen between his fingers. "It’s a classic move. She took the active idea—'Everyone says Elias is dramatic'—and made it distant and formal."
Clara finally looked up, smiling. "Exactly. People think the passive voice is difficult. Or, to use the impersonal structure: It is thought that the passive voice is difficult."
"I'm lost," Elias admitted. "Why would I write like that? It sounds like a robot."
"Because," Clara said, sliding a printed sheet across the table. "This isn't just about rules. It’s about shifting focus. Sometimes the subject isn't important. Sometimes the action is all that matters."
Elias looked down at the paper. It was a crinkled Personal Impersonal Passive Exercises PDF that Clara had printed from the university portal. The header read Advanced Transformations.
"Let's look at the first exercise," Clara suggested, tapping the paper. "The prompt is: People believe that the old librarian haunts the third floor."
"Okay," Elias said slowly. "I need to change that?"
"Yes. You have two options," Clara explained. "First, the Impersonal Passive. You focus on the report, not the people. You say: It is believed that the old librarian haunts the third floor."
Elias scribbled it down. "Okay. That sounds like a newspaper headline."
"Good. Now, the second option is the Personal Passive," Clara continued. "You make the librarian the subject. The old librarian..."
Elias hesitated, his pen hovering over the paper. "The old librarian... is believed to haunt the third floor?"
"Bingo," Marcus said, leaning over. "That’s the sophisticated stuff. That’s the structure that gets you an A. Subject + passive verb + to-infinitive."
Elias looked at the sentence. It felt cleaner, more objective. It removed the messy element of "people" and left only the spooky core of the idea.
"Try another one," Clara urged. "Number five. They expect the storm to hit by midnight."
Elias looked out the window at the howling wind. The storm was already there, but he tried to formulate the sentence in his head.
"Okay, impersonal first," Elias said. "It is expected that the storm will hit by midnight."
"Correct," Clara nodded.
"And personal..." Elias paused. "The storm... is expected to hit by midnight."
"Perfect," Clara said. "You're getting it. You're distancing the action from the doer. You're making it objective."
For the next hour, the trio worked through the PDF. The exercises were repetitive, but slowly, the logic began to click in Elias's mind. He stopped seeing the structures as riddles and started seeing them as tools of perspective.
People know that he is a strict professor. -> It is known that he is a strict professor. (Impersonal) People know that he is a strict professor. -> He is known to be a strict professor. (Personal)
As the library clock ticked toward closing time, the librarian approached their table. She was a stern woman with wire-rimmed glasses.
"Everyone expects you to leave now," she said sharply. "We are closing."
Elias packed his bag, a strange calm settling over him. He looked at the librarian, then at his friends.
"Well," Elias said, standing up. "It is expected that we leave now. Or, I suppose, We are expected to leave."
The librarian raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "You have been studying the exercises, I see."
As they walked out into the rainy night, clutching the now well-worn PDF, Elias felt a spark of confidence. The grammar wasn't just rules on a page; it was a way of seeing the world. The rain was no longer just falling; it was said to be falling. The exam wasn't just a test; it was feared to be difficult.
But Elias? He was thought to be ready.
To master personal and impersonal passive constructions, it is helpful to understand how they transform active reporting sentences (e.g., "People say that...") into objective, formal statements Core Concepts and Structures
These structures are primarily used with "reporting verbs" such as think, believe, say, report, know, expect, consider, understand Construction Type Grammatical Structure Example (from "People say Susan is a thief") Impersonal Passive past participle It is said that Susan is a thief. Personal Passive past participle positive t o -infinitive Susan is said to be a thief. Verb Tense Transformations When using the Personal Passive
, the infinitive form changes depending on the timeframe of the original action: Present/Future: Use a simple infinitive ( "They expect him to arrive soon." "He is expected Past/Completed Action: Use a perfect infinitive ( past participle). "People know Susan has stolen the car." "Susan is known to have stolen Practice Exercises
You can practice by converting these active sentences into both passive forms. You can find more comprehensive Personal and Impersonal Passive Exercises (PDF) MyEnglishTeacher or view detailed grammar tables Aprende Ingles en Leganes aprendeinglesenleganes.com Personal and Impersonal Passive | explanation and exercises
Passive reporting structures—often called personal and impersonal passives—are formal ways to express opinions, beliefs, or rumors using reporting verbs like say, believe, think, report, know, claim, and expect. 1. The Two Structures
When you have an active sentence like "People say that he is rich," you can rewrite it in two passive ways: Structure Type Impersonal It + passive verb + that + clause It is said that he is rich. Personal Subject + passive verb + to-infinitive He is said to be rich. 2. Choosing the Right Infinitive (Personal Passive)
The infinitive used in the personal passive depends on the tense of the original second verb: Simple Present/Future: Use to + base verb. They expect him to win. →right arrow He is expected to win. Present Continuous: Use to be + -ing. People think he is waiting. →right arrow He is thought to be waiting. Past/Present Perfect: Use to have + past participle. They say she played well. →right arrow She is said to have played well. impersonal-passive-2.pdf
Mastering Personal and Impersonal Passive: A Complete Guide with Exercises
The passive voice is a staple of English grammar, but as you move toward an upper-intermediate (B2) or advanced (C1) level, you’ll encounter its more sophisticated cousins: the Personal and Impersonal Passive.
These structures are essential for formal writing, journalism, and academic reports. They allow you to report information without focusing on a specific person, giving your writing an objective, professional tone.
In this guide, we’ll break down the formulas, show you how to switch between them, and provide personal impersonal passive exercises to help you practice. 1. What is the Impersonal Passive?
The impersonal passive is used to report what "people" in general say, think, or believe. It uses the dummy subject "It." The Formula: It + Passive Verb (is said/is believed) + that + clause. Active: People say that he is a genius. Impersonal Passive: It is said that he is a genius. Common Reporting Verbs:
Say, believe, think, report, know, claim, understand, consider, expect. 2. What is the Personal Passive?
The personal passive shifts the focus to the subject of the second clause, making the sentence feel more direct while remaining formal. The Formula: Subject + Passive Verb + to-infinitive. Active: People say that he is a genius. Personal Passive: He is said to be a genius. Handling Different Tenses
The "to-infinitive" part changes depending on when the action happened:
Present/Future Reference: Use the Simple Infinitive (to do). It is thought that she lives in London. →right arrow She is thought to live in London. Past Reference: Use the Perfect Infinitive (to have done). It is reported that the thieves escaped. →right arrow The thieves are reported to have escaped.
Continuous Action: Use the Continuous Infinitive (to be doing). It is believed that they are working hard. →right arrow They are believed to be working hard. 3. Transformation Chart Active Voice Impersonal Passive (It...) Personal Passive (Subject...) People believe he is rich. It is believed that he is rich. He is believed to be rich. They expect the price will rise. It is expected that the price will rise. The price is expected to rise. Reporters say the fire started at 3 AM. It is said that the fire started at 3 AM. The fire is said to have started at 3 AM. 4. Personal Impersonal Passive Exercises
Try these practice sentences to test your knowledge. (Scroll down for the answer key). Part A: Rewrite into Impersonal Passive (It...) People think that the company is losing money. Scientists believe that the climate is changing rapidly. They claim that the painting is a forgery. Part B: Rewrite into Personal Passive (Subject...) It is expected that the strike will end tomorrow. It is known that he spent time in prison. It is thought that the hackers are using a proxy server. Part C: Mixed Transformation (Active to Personal) People say that she owns three houses.
Experts believe that the manuscript was written in the 15th century. 5. Answer Key Part A: It is thought that the company is losing money. It is believed that the climate is changing rapidly. It is claimed that the painting is a forgery. Part B: The strike is expected to end tomorrow. He is known to have spent time in prison. The hackers are thought to be using a proxy server. Part C: She is said to own three houses.
The manuscript is believed to have been written in the 15th century. Download the "Personal Impersonal Passive Exercises PDF"
Practicing these structures is the only way to make them feel natural. If you are a teacher looking for classroom materials or a student studying for the Cambridge FCE/CAE or IELTS, you can find comprehensive personal impersonal passive exercises PDFs on educational sites like ISLCollective, EnglishGrammar.at, or Perfect English Grammar.
Pro Tip: When searching for PDFs, look for "Passive Reporting Verbs" or "Causative Passive" worksheets, as these topics are often grouped together in advanced grammar books!
The Mysterious Case of the Missing PDF
It was a typical Monday morning at the office when Emma, a diligent employee, stumbled upon a peculiar problem. She had been tasked with completing a series of grammar exercises to improve her language skills, specifically focusing on personal, impersonal, and passive voice constructions. The exercises were provided in a PDF format, which she had downloaded from the company's online learning platform.
As she sat at her desk, sipping her coffee and opening her laptop, Emma realized that the PDF file was nowhere to be found. She had saved it to her desktop the previous day, but now it had vanished into thin air. She searched her computer, checked her downloads folder, and even looked in the recycle bin, but there was no sign of the file.
Panicked, Emma tried to access the online learning platform again, but it seemed that the PDF had been removed or was no longer available. Her deadline to complete the exercises was looming, and she needed the file urgently. She decided to reach out to her colleagues and superiors, hoping someone might have a copy of the PDF or know how to retrieve it.
The response she got was surprisingly passive. Her colleagues seemed uninterested in helping her, and her superiors were too busy to respond. It was as if the entire office had become impersonal, with no one taking responsibility for the missing file.
Determined to solve the mystery, Emma took matters into her own hands. She began to investigate, scouring the company's digital archives and searching for any clues that might lead her to the PDF. Along the way, she encountered a series of cryptic messages and ambiguous instructions, which only added to her frustration.
As she delved deeper into the mystery, Emma realized that the disappearance of the PDF was not just a simple technical glitch. It seemed to be a symptom of a larger problem, one that involved the company's approach to communication and employee support. The more she learned, the more she became convinced that the issue was not just personal, but also reflective of a broader, impersonal culture.
With her detective skills sharpened, Emma eventually tracked down the PDF to a hidden folder on the company's server. It turned out that the file had been intentionally removed by a colleague, who had been tasked with updating the learning materials. The colleague had been too busy to update the platform properly, and the PDF had slipped through the cracks.
With the PDF safely back on her computer, Emma completed the exercises and submitted them on time. As she reflected on her experience, she realized that the mystery of the missing PDF had taught her a valuable lesson about perseverance, initiative, and the importance of clear communication in the workplace.
From then on, Emma approached her tasks with a more proactive and problem-solving mindset, using her skills to overcome obstacles and improve the work environment. And as for the PDF, it became a symbol of her determination and resourcefulness, a reminder that even the most impersonal challenges can be overcome with a personal touch.
Exercises:
- Identify the personal, impersonal, and passive voice constructions in the story.
- Rewrite the story using a more passive voice throughout.
- Create a list of questions that Emma could have asked her colleagues and superiors to retrieve the PDF more efficiently.
Answers:
- Personal: Emma, she, her; Impersonal: it, there; Passive: the PDF had been removed, the file had been intentionally removed.
- (Example) The PDF was needed by Emma, but it had been removed from the platform. The file was searched for by her, but it was nowhere to be found.
- (Example) What steps had been taken to update the learning materials? Who was responsible for removing the PDF? Can I get a copy of the updated materials?
Answer Key (Consolidated)
Part A:
- This bridge was built in 1995.
- He is considered an expert in the field.
- The company is expected to announce a merger.
- Three suspects have been arrested.
- The road is being repaired at the moment.
Part B:
- It is said that the economy is recovering.
- It is believed that the treasure is buried on this island.
- It is expected that prices will rise next year.
- It is thought that the settlement dates back to the Iron Age.
- It was reported that the negotiations failed.
Part C:
- He is said to work 16 hours a day.
- The team is believed to have finished the project.
- The government is expected to lower taxes.
- The painting was thought to be a forgery.
- The company is claimed to be losing money.
Part D:
- is considered
- is said
- was believed
- is visited
- is expected
- Explain the topic clearly so you understand the difference between personal and impersonal passive.
- Provide ready-to-use exercises (with answers) that you can copy into a Word/Google Doc and save as a PDF.
- Suggest reliable sources where you can download free PDFs on this grammar point.
Mastering Advanced English Grammar: Personal and Impersonal Passive Exercises (PDF Included)
English grammar is a ladder. You start with the simple present, climb to the past tense, and then tackle the active vs. passive voice. But just when you think you have mastered the standard passive sentence (The ball was thrown by John), the language throws a curveball: the personal and impersonal passive constructions.
These structures are the hallmark of advanced English, commonly found in academic writing, news reports, and formal speeches. If you are preparing for exams like Cambridge First (B2), Advanced (C1), or IELTS, understanding the difference between “He is said to be rich” (personal) and “It is said that he is rich” (impersonal) is non-negotiable.
This article provides a complete breakdown of personal vs. impersonal passive voice, followed by a direct link to download a comprehensive "Personal Impersonal Passive Exercises PDF" to cement your skills.
1. Summary: Personal vs. Impersonal Passive
| Personal Passive | Impersonal Passive | |----------------------|------------------------| | Focuses on a specific person/thing affected by an action. | Focuses on a general opinion, belief, or reporting verb. | | Form: Subject + be + past participle (+ by agent) | Form: It + be + past participle + that-clause or Subject + be + past participle + to-infinitive | | Example: The cake was eaten by Tom. | Example: It is said that Tom eats cake. / Tom is said to eat cake. |
Common impersonal passive verbs: say, think, believe, know, report, consider, expect, understand, claim