It is said / believed / thought that...

Use this pattern when you want to share an idea without naming who said it.

You start with It is said/believed/thought that and follow it with a full clause.

• It is believed that this herbal remedy helps people sleep better.

• It is thought that ancient folklore influenced modern health habits.

Subject + is/are said / believed / thought to + verb

Use this pattern when you want to focus on the topic right at the start.

Put the main subject first, followed by is or are matching the subject and the simple verb.

• Peppermint is thought to ease a headache during therapy.

• These natural extract powders are said to boost energy levels.

to have + past participle

Use this pattern when the belief is about something that happened in the past.

Add to have and the past action word right after the reporting phrase.

• My grandmother is said to have cured her cough with this plant treatment.

• Ancient practitioner groups are believed to have used this herb centuries ago.

Reporting verb choice

Choose your reporting verb depending on how sure people are about the statement.

Use is known to for facts, is said to for general belief, and is claimed to when you doubt the claim.

• This vitamin supplement is known to support immune health.

• The sugar pill is claimed to cure every illness, but it is just a placebo born from a popular myth.