Special Passive Structures

[Marc]

Hi Torsten,

Yet another question of Marc from Belgium. I have two sentences here with a special passive structure:

It is said that the Prime Minister was involved in drug scandal.

The Prime Minister is said to have been involved in a drug scandal.

Am I right that these sentences mean that people are not sure whether or not the Prime Minister was actually involved?

Then there's the following:

He's supposed to have said that he was very rich.

Is this sentence construction possible and if so, does it also mean that one is not sure whether or not he did say it?

Kind regards,

Marc

[Alan]

Hi,

Yes, you're absolutely right. They are, as we say, alleging something in contrast to stating something as a fact. It is a form adopted by reporters, newspapers to protect themselves in case the 'allegation' turns out to be false. It is also often used by sensation-seeking newspapers which can allege something, get public interest, sell newspapers and then if it is without foundation, they are not involved in any compensation.

Alan
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