Reference Centre

Language, when you need it

Search concise B2 rules, vocabulary and speaking phrases without leaving the course to hunt through past lessons.

Want more practice? Extra Practice →

Passive & Reporting

Quick rule

seem/appear + to-infinitive · suggest/indicate/imply (that) + clause · This points to + noun.

The tone of the email implies he wasn't consulted.

This appears to be a one-off rather than a trend.

Sales are said to have doubled since the rebrand.

Common mistake

✗ It seems that to be a problem. → ✓ It seems to be a problem. / It seems that there's a problem.

Short practice

Rewrite carefully: 'He's lying.' → He appears to be withholding something.

Related lessonsL43