“People say/think/consider/believe/know(that)…” = have 2 passive forms.’
Example: * People say (that) Messi is a good soccer player. * Passive Voice:"It is said (by people) (that) Messi is a good soccer player."OR"Messi is said (by people) to be a good soccer player."
* People say (that) Maradona was a good soccer player. * Passive Voice:"It is said (by people) (that) Maradona was a good soccer player."OR"Maradona is said (by people) to have been a good soccer player." * People said (that) Maradona was a good soccer player. * Passive Voice:"It was said (by people) (that) Maradona was a good soccer player." OR"Maradona was said (by people) to be a good soccer player."
What’s the difference in the meanings?
1 A twelve-year old bird captured fourteen wolves in a single day.
2 A twelve-year old bird is believed to have captured fourteen wolves in a single day.
If you are not sure of the truth of a statement, one of these passive constructions with say, think, believe, suppose or consider can be used.
It + passive + that clause
It is said that a trained eagle is worth twelve horses.
a subject + passive + infinitive with to
The American condor (a type of vulture) is believed to be almost extinct.
A twelve-year old bird is believed to have captured fourteen wolves in a single day.