distancing expressions, the passive C level.ppt

How to distance yourself when writing about facts, newspapers, reporting. Use of passive structures and reporting verbs.

1. ADVANCED LEVEL
EOI CARABANCHEL

2. Ex.: It seems /appears (that/as if /as though) Shakira is in
love with a footballer again
Would seem/appear (that/as if/as though) (even more
distant and less sure):
Ex.: It would seem that the Campos sisters argued a lot in New
York.
Subject+appears/seems+infinitive with to:
Ex.: Shakira seems to be in love with a footballer again.
(PRESENT)
Ex.: The Campos sisters appear to have argued a lot in New York
(PAST)

3. It+passive verb+that-clause (common verbs here: believe, think,
say, report, expect, understand, suggest, agree)
Ex.: It is believed (that) Pablo Motos is depressed.
Ex.: It is said (that) the English teacher drank very much at the
Christmas party last year.
Subject (also there)+passive verb+to infinive (present reference,
with expect: future meaning):
Ex.: Pablo Motos is believed to be depressed.
Ex.: Paquirrín is expected to release a new album as a DJ this year
Subject (also there)+passive verb+ to have +past participle (past
reference)
Ex.: The English teacher is said to have drunk very much at the
Christmas party last year.

4. Apparently:
Ex.: Apparently, Belen Esteban and Andreita went
to Benidorm at Christmas.
According to:
Ex.: According to reliable sources, David Beckham
is divorcing Victoria.
May/might:
Ex.: The Minister may have been watching a
football match during the crisis.