Personal Impersonal Passive Exercises Pdf -

English grammar is a ladder. You start with the simple present, climb to the past tense, and then tackle the active vs. passive voice. But just when you think you have mastered the standard passive sentence (The ball was thrown by John), the language throws a curveball: the personal and impersonal passive constructions.

These structures are the hallmark of advanced English, commonly found in academic writing, news reports, and formal speeches. If you are preparing for exams like Cambridge First (B2), Advanced (C1), or IELTS, understanding the difference between “He is said to be rich” (personal) and “It is said that he is rich” (impersonal) is non-negotiable.

This article provides a complete breakdown of personal vs. impersonal passive voice, followed by a direct link to download a comprehensive "Personal Impersonal Passive Exercises PDF" to cement your skills. personal impersonal passive exercises pdf


Task: Rewrite the following active sentences using both the impersonal and personal passive.

Active: Journalists report that the company is launching a new product. English grammar is a ladder

(Answers: It is reported that the company is launching a new product. / The company is reported to be launching a new product.)

Before you download the exercises, check for these three classic errors: Task: Rewrite the following active sentences using both

  • Using the wrong tense in the infinitive:

  • Adding an unnecessary 'to be' with adjectives:


  • | Personal Passive | Impersonal Passive | |----------------------|------------------------| | Focuses on a specific person/thing affected by an action. | Focuses on a general opinion, belief, or reporting verb. | | Form: Subject + be + past participle (+ by agent) | Form: It + be + past participle + that-clause or Subject + be + past participle + to-infinitive | | Example: The cake was eaten by Tom. | Example: It is said that Tom eats cake. / Tom is said to eat cake. |

    Common impersonal passive verbs: say, think, believe, know, report, consider, expect, understand, claim