In English, using the passive voice is common, but it has specific rules, especially when it comes to certain verbs like ‘say’. In this article, we will explain why the sentence ‘His mother is said that she is an actress’ is incorrect and how to properly use passive constructions with verbs like ‘say’.
The Structure of Passive Voice
Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action or the object of the action rather than the subject performing the action. A typical passive construction follows the structure: subject + be (in the appropriate tense) + past participle. For example, ‘The book was read by the teacher.’
However, with certain verbs like ‘say,’ the passive voice requires a different structure. Let’s explore this in more detail.
Common Mistakes with ‘Say’ in Passive Voice
The error in the sentence ‘His mother is said that she is an actress’ comes from the incorrect use of the word ‘that’ after ‘said’. The correct passive construction when using ‘say’ should involve the use of ‘to’ instead of ‘that’. The correct sentence would be ‘His mother is said to be an actress.’
This is because ‘say’ is a verb that often takes an infinitive in the passive form (as in ‘said to be’). The use of ‘that’ in this context is incorrect because it does not follow the standard structure of passive voice with ‘say’.
Proper Usage: ‘Said to be’
When using ‘say’ in the passive voice, the correct form is ‘said to be’. This structure is used to indicate that something is claimed or reported about someone or something. For example:
- ‘She is said to be a talented musician.’
- ‘He is said to have completed the project.’
In these examples, the focus is on the claim or report being made, not on who is making the claim.
Other Common Passive Verbs and Their Structures
Other verbs that can be used in the passive voice with similar constructions include ‘believe’, ‘know’, ‘think’, and ‘report’. Here are some examples:
- ‘The new product is believed to be effective.’
- ‘It is thought that the project will be finished soon.’
- ‘The news was reported to be true.’
In all of these examples, the verb is followed by an infinitive form (‘to be’) and the past participle, which is the correct passive voice structure for these verbs.
Conclusion
In summary, ‘His mother is said that she is an actress’ is incorrect because the verb ‘say’ requires a different passive voice structure, which is ‘said to be’. Understanding the correct usage of passive voice with verbs like ‘say’ is essential for constructing accurate and natural-sounding English sentences.
By mastering the use of passive voice, especially with common verbs like ‘say’, you can significantly improve your English writing and speaking skills. Always remember to use the correct structure and avoid common mistakes like the one in this example!
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