Distancing
What is it?
When do we use distancing language?
You'll often see/hear it in the news. Why?
Journalists use this language
- They want to show that their information comes from a source and is not their personal opinion.
- They want to stress that something is not certain and avoid being sued.
Different ways to distance
The passive verbs for saying and reporting
- Using the passive form of verbs like SAY/THINK/EXPECT
- It + passive verb + that + clause
- Subject + passive verb + to infinitive
- There + passive verb + to infinitive
- It was reported last night that the president will resign
- Messi is expected to sign the contract tomorrow.
- There are believed to be many undiscovered species in the Amazon.
Seem and appear
- To give information without saying whether it's true
- It seems/appears that + clause
- Subject seem/appear + infinitive
- It seems that when older people stay busy, they are much healthier
- Would seem or appear provides more distance
- It would seem/appear + that + clause
- It would seem that he has stolen all the company's assets.
- WOULD appear/seem =more formal
Other ways
APPARENTLY: Apparently, time speeds up if you travel at the speed of light.
MAY: The boss may resign but we haven’t received confirmation yet
ACCORDING TO: According to Johnny, Felix is getting married on Tuesday
MIGHT: The lack of rain might be linked to global warming
CLAIM: The health minister claims to have reduced waiting times
Now you try
According to... ...it might... There are thought to be... ...is expected... People say that... It would appear that...
+info
+info
Now you let's play a game
Let's try some speaking
It’s been reported by some newspapers that coffee is good for you and by others that it’s bad? What do you feel – deep down – is the truth?
It is said that the English language has more words than the Spanish? What do you think and which do you find to be the most descriptive language?
According to Fox News, the world is a better place when Trump is president. What do you think? Why/why not?
People say that Gracia is the best neighbourhood to live in in the center of Barcelona.Do you agree?
It is said that depression is much more common in our generation than our parents. Do you agree and why do you think this is/is not the case?
There are said to be more Chinese bars than Spanish ones in Barcelona? Why do you think that the Chinese community favour this type of business?
Thank you!
DISTANCING
Nuria Gallardo Ferrer
Created on February 3, 2026
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Transcript
Distancing
What is it?
When do we use distancing language?
You'll often see/hear it in the news. Why?
Journalists use this language
Different ways to distance
The passive verbs for saying and reporting
Seem and appear
Other ways
APPARENTLY: Apparently, time speeds up if you travel at the speed of light.
MAY: The boss may resign but we haven’t received confirmation yet
ACCORDING TO: According to Johnny, Felix is getting married on Tuesday
MIGHT: The lack of rain might be linked to global warming
CLAIM: The health minister claims to have reduced waiting times
Now you try
According to... ...it might... There are thought to be... ...is expected... People say that... It would appear that...
+info
+info
Now you let's play a game
Let's try some speaking
It’s been reported by some newspapers that coffee is good for you and by others that it’s bad? What do you feel – deep down – is the truth?
It is said that the English language has more words than the Spanish? What do you think and which do you find to be the most descriptive language?
According to Fox News, the world is a better place when Trump is president. What do you think? Why/why not?
People say that Gracia is the best neighbourhood to live in in the center of Barcelona.Do you agree?
It is said that depression is much more common in our generation than our parents. Do you agree and why do you think this is/is not the case?
There are said to be more Chinese bars than Spanish ones in Barcelona? Why do you think that the Chinese community favour this type of business?
Thank you!