Advanced Passive Structures

Reference

Common mistakes

1. He is thought to leave the country last week. → He is thought to have left the country last week.
   earlier action → to have + PP
2. It is said to be treasure here. → There is said to be treasure here.
   existence → there
3. I don't like being interrupt. → I don't like being interrupted.
   being + past participle
4. She expects promoting soon. → She expects to be promoted soon.
   expect + passive infinitive

Advanced Passive Structures — Exercises

Choose the correct form

Circle the correct answer.

1. The painting is believed _____ in the 1600s. (to have been painted / to be painted / to paint)
2. The suspect is thought _____ in a hotel at the moment. (to be staying / to have stayed / staying)
3. _____ said to be a secret tunnel under the school. (There is / It is / They are)
4. Nobody enjoys _____ at. (being laughed / to laugh / laughing)
5. He hopes _____ for the national team. (to be selected / being selected / to select)
6. She _____ fined for parking there. (got / became / had)
7. The band are said _____ together for twenty years. (to have been playing / to be played / to have played being)
8. _____ been told twice, he still forgot. (Having / Being / To have)

Rewrite with the passive

Complete the second sentence so it means the same.

1. People think he won the race. → He is thought   the race.
2. People believe she is working abroad. → She is believed   abroad.
3. People say there is a ghost in the house. → There   a ghost in the house.
4. I hate it when people interrupt me. → I hate   .
5. They expect that someone will invite them. → They expect   .
6. Someone caught him stealing. (informal) → He   stealing.

Advanced Passive Structures — Answer Key

Choose the correct form

1. to have been painted — Earlier + passive → to have been painted.
2. to be staying — In progress now → to be staying.
3. There is — Existence → There is said to be.
4. being laughed — Passive -ing → being laughed at.
5. to be selected — hope + passive infinitive → to be selected.
6. got — get passive → got fined.
7. to have been playing — Earlier and continuing → to have been playing.
8. Having — Perfect passive participle → Having been told.

Rewrite with the passive

1. to have won
2. to be working
3. is said to be
4. being interrupted
5. to be invited
6. got caught