Practice B2 distancing expressions and passive reporting verbs with targeted exercises. Improve accuracy and fluency with clear examples and tests.
Distancing: Expressions and Passive of Reporting Verbs Exercises
We often use distancing in English to make statements sound less direct, less personal, or more objective. This is especially helpful when writing formally, in school, or when giving information that might not be true. At the B2 level, learning how to distance yourself makes you sound more polite, natural, and professional.
What does distancing mean in English?
Creating space between the speaker and the information is what distancing means. We use certain structures to make what we say sound less direct or less assertive.
Look at:
- People say the company is in trouble.
- Distanced: People say the business is in trouble.
The second sentence sounds more formal and less like a person.
Common Ways to Distance Yourself
Here are some useful phrases for keeping your distance:
- It is said that…
- It is believed that…
- It is thought that…
- It is expected that…
- It seems that…
- It appears that…
Examples:
- It is believed that the policy will change soon.
- It seems that she is not interested in the offer.
- It is thought that the results are inaccurate.
People often use these structures when they don’t know where the information came from or when it doesn’t matter.
Passive of Reporting Verbs
Using reporting verbs in the passive voice is another important way to make distance.
Structure 1:
It + passive reporting verb + that clause
- It is reported that the company has made a profit.
- It is claimed that the product is safe.
Structure 2:
Subject + passive reporting verb + to + verb
- The company is reported to have made a profit.
- The product is claimed to be safe.
Both structures mean the same thing, but the second one is more formal and is often used in news stories.
Verbs for Reporting
Some reporting verbs that are used a lot are:
- say
- believe
- think
- report
- claim
- expect
- know
- consider
Examples:
- He is believed to be one of the best players.
- The event is expected to attract many visitors.
- She is known to speak five languages.
Using the Perfect Infinitive for Things That Happened in the Past
When we talk about things that happened in the past, we say:
to have + past participle
- The company is believed to have lost money last year.
- He is said to have left the country.
This structure helps indicate that the action happened before now.
Why should you use distancing?
Distancing is helpful because it:
- Makes your language sound more formal and academic
- Doesn’t give a strong personal opinion
- Makes you sound more objective
- Used a lot in news and reports
At B2 level, try to mix up your structures. Instead of always saying “people say,” use passive reporting verbs and phrases like “it is believed” or “he is said to…” to sound more fluent and advanced.
