Page 423 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

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However, passive structures are often possible with preparatory it (see 446). It was thought that she was a spy.
It was felt that he was the right man for the job.
It is said that his company is in trouble.
infinitive objects: They decided to ...
A few verbs that are followed by infinitives (for example decide, agree) can also be used in passive structures beginning with it.
They decided to meet at twelve. -> It was decided to meet at twelve.
We agreed to open a new branch. -> It was agreed to open a new branch. However, most verbs cannot be used in this way.
We hope to make a profit this year. (BUT NOT U is hotnti to make . ..) passives (7): He is believed to be • • •
object + infinitive: He asked me to send . ..
Many verbs can be followed by object + infinitive (see 283). He asked me to send a stamped addressed envelope.
We chose Felicity to be the Carnival Queen.
In most cases, these structures can be made passive.
I was asked to send a stamped addressed envelope. Felicity was chosen to be the Carnival Queen.
We were told not to come back.
They are allowed to visit Harry once a week.
verbs of thinking, feeling and saying
With verbs like think, feel, believe, know etc, the object + infinitive structure is rather formal and often unusual.
They believe him to be dangerous. (more normal: They believe that ...) However, the passive structure (e.g. He is believed to be ...) is common, and often occurs in news reports.
He is believed to be dangerous.
Moriarty is thought to be in Switzerland.
She is known to have been ma"ied before.
It is considered to be the finest cathedral in Scotland.
Note that with say, the infinitive structure is only possible in the passive. His company is said to be in trouble.
(BUT NOT They 8ti}' his oontpalt), to be ill trouble.) hear, see, make and help
These verbs can be followed, in active structures, by object + infinitive without to (see 281). In passive structures to-infinitives are used. Compare:
- I saw him come out ofthe house.
He was seen to come out ofthe house.
- They made him tell them everything.
He was made to tell them everything.
- They helped him (to) get out ofthe country.
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He was helped to get out ofthe country.
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