In the world of academic and professional communication, presenting a viewpoint requires not only clarity but also tact and objectivity. Instead of making absolute assertions, introducing information with a neutral structure can enhance persuasion and demonstrate linguistic sophistication. One of the most powerful tools for this is the phrase "It is said that...". This is not just a mere grammatical structure, but a technique that allows you to present social opinions, rumors, or common beliefs without taking a definitive stance. Let's explore how to master this tool to elevate your communication and writing skills.

Why is the "It is said that" structure important in communication?

In many situations, especially when discussing complex social issues, citing an unspecified source or a general opinion is very useful. The 'It is said that' structure allows the speaker or writer to do so formally and objectively. It creates a safe distance between the speaker and the information being conveyed, implying that it is a belief, a rumor, or a widely accepted fact, rather than the speaker's personal opinion.

The main benefits of using this structure include:

• Creating Objectivity: By hiding the speaker, the sentence becomes less personal and appears more academic and professional.
• Avoiding Direct Responsibility: When you are unsure about the authenticity of information, this structure helps you relay it without committing to its accuracy.
• Increasing Persuasiveness: Citing a "common view" can make your argument seem more widely supported, even without a specific source being named.

In which contexts is "It is said that" used?

This structure is extremely versatile and can be applied in various contexts, from formal writing to everyday communication.

• In Academic Writing: When presenting common theories or viewpoints in a particular field. Example: "It is said that early exposure to music can enhance a child's mathematical abilities."
• In Journalism: When reporting on unverified information or circulating rumors. Example: "It is said that the two companies are close to a merger agreement."
• In Speeches and Presentations: To introduce a popular idea or belief before analyzing or refuting it. Example: "It is often said that failure is the mother of success, but let's delve deeper into what that truly means."
• In Everyday Conversation: When recounting a rumor or a piece of folklore. Example: "In my village, it is said that the old tree at the top of the hill has magical powers."

How to use "It is said that" correctly?

Grammatically, there are two main ways to use this structure and other passive reporting verbs. Mastering both will help you express yourself more flexibly.

Method 1: It + be + said + that + Clause

This is the most basic and easy-to-use structure. You simply place the clause containing the information you want to report after the phrase "It is said that".

• Example: It is said that regular exercise improves mental health.

Method 2: Subject + be + said + to-infinitive

This structure is a bit more complex but demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency. The subject of the subordinate clause in Method 1 is promoted to the main subject of the sentence.

• If the action in the subordinate clause happens in the present or future, use to + V-infinitive.
  Example: Regular exercise is said to improve mental health.
• If the action in the subordinate clause happened in the past, use to + have + V3/ed (Past Participle).
  Example: He is said to have been a great musician in his youth.

What are some structures similar to "It is said that"?

"It is said that" belongs to a larger group of structures called Passive Reporting Verbs. You can replace "said" with many other verbs to express different shades of meaning, making your writing richer and more precise.

Some other common passive reporting verbs:

• It is believed that... - Expresses a common belief.
• It is thought that... - Expresses an opinion or assumption.
• It is reported that... - Often used in news.
• It is expected that... - Expresses an expectation.
• It is claimed that... - Expresses an assertion that may not be proven.
• It is alleged that... - Often used in legal contexts, for an unproven accusation.

How to avoid overusing "It is said that" when presenting opinions?

Although very useful, overusing "It is said that" and similar structures can make your writing seem vague, indecisive, and weak. Readers might feel that you are avoiding making your own arguments and are only relying on general opinions.

Balancing Tips:

• Use it as an introduction: Use "It is said that" to open a paragraph, introducing a common viewpoint. Then, use the following sentences to analyze, support, or refute that viewpoint with your own evidence and reasoning.
• Cite specific sources when possible: Instead of saying "It is said that...", if you have a specific source, cite it. For example: "According to a 2023 study by Harvard University...".
• Express personal opinions clearly: Do not hesitate to use phrases like "In my view...", "I argue that...", or "This essay will contend that..." when you want to present your own opinion.

How to apply "It is said that" to analyze a specific social opinion?

Let's consider the topic "The impact of social media on the mental health of young people". You can use passive reporting structures to present different streams of thought objectively.

"It is widely believed that social media has a detrimental effect on the mental well-being of adolescents, contributing to anxiety and low self-esteem. For instance, platforms like Instagram are often said to promote unrealistic body standards. However, it is also argued that these platforms can provide a sense of community and support for marginalized youth. Some studies, in fact, suggest that online connections are crucial for those who feel isolated in their physical environments."

In the paragraph above, you have presented both sides of the issue without definitively stating which view is correct. This demonstrates a deep understanding and a balanced approach, which is highly valued in academic writing.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of "It is said that" and other passive reporting verbs is a significant step toward becoming a sophisticated and effective communicator. It is not just a grammatical tool but also a rhetorical strategy that helps you present information objectively, professionally, and persuasively. By practicing and applying this knowledge, you can confidently lead discussions on complex social issues and enhance the quality of your writing.