Question 1

What is the impersonal passive and how do I form it?

Accepted Answer

The impersonal passive uses "It" as a formal subject with reporting verbs. Form: It + is/was + past participle + that clause. Example: "People say he is rich" → "It is said that he is rich." Common verbs: say, believe, think, know, expect, report, understand, allege.

Question 2

What is the personal passive with reporting verbs?

Accepted Answer

The personal passive makes a person the subject of the sentence. Form: Subject + is/was + past participle + to infinitive. Example: "People believe she is the best" → "She is believed to be the best." For past actions, use the perfect infinitive: "He is known to have left."

Question 3

How do I use the causative "have something done"?

Accepted Answer

The causative structure shows someone arranged for another person to do something. Form: have/get + object + past participle. Example: "A mechanic repaired my car" → "I had my car repaired." Use "get" for informal contexts. Also used for negative experiences: "I had my wallet stolen."

Question 4

What is the difference between "have" and "get" in causative structures?

Accepted Answer

"Have something done" is neutral/formal (I had my hair cut). "Get something done" is more informal and can imply effort or persuasion (I finally got my car fixed). Both mean someone else performs the action for you. In continuous tenses, use: "I'm having/getting my car serviced tomorrow."

Special Passive Structures Exercises