rumored to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rumored to be" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing something that is being speculated or talked about without confirmed evidence. Example: "The actor is rumored to be starring in a new film." Alternative expressions include "said to be" and "reported to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gold was rumored to be abundant, too.

The New York Times

There is rumored to be a servant.

The New York Times - Books

(It's also rumored to be haunted).

The New York Times

Discounts are rumored to be larger.

The New York Times - Arts

Gregor was rumored to be discontented and having affairs.

The New Yorker

(Chocolate is rumored to be a secret ingredient).

The New Yorker

Sobchak is even rumored to be Putin's goddaughter.

The New Yorker

Their next move is rumored to be Skype Milk.

The New Yorker

Last week, a decision was rumored to be imminent.

The New York Times

Comcast, once rumored to be a suitor, is not involved.

The New York Times - Sports

Doris Duke was beautiful, rich, and rumored to be reclusive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "rumored to be" when presenting factual information. Instead, verify the information and present it directly or attribute it to a reliable source.

Common error

Avoid presenting information introduced by "rumored to be" as definitive or factual. Clearly differentiate between speculation and confirmed details to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rumored to be" functions as a hedge, qualifying a statement by indicating that it is based on hearsay or unconfirmed reports. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct. It does not present the statement as a certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rumored to be" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information that lacks definitive confirmation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in news and media, as well as business contexts, to convey speculation or unverified reports. When using this phrase, it's important to indicate the source of the rumor or acknowledge the lack of certainty to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like "said to be" or "alleged to be" can offer subtle variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

said to be

This is a more neutral and common way to express that something is being reported but not confirmed.

reported to be

This emphasizes that the information comes from a specific report or source.

alleged to be

This alternative suggests a formal accusation or assertion that is yet to be proven.

thought to be

This is a more casual way of saying that something is believed or considered to be the case.

purported to be

This indicates that something is claimed or appears to be the case, though not necessarily true.

believed to be

This suggests a widespread belief about something, although it may not be based on solid evidence.

considered to be

This indicates that something is evaluated or judged as being a certain way.

understood to be

This indicates a general understanding or assumption, often within a particular group or context.

presumed to be

This suggests that something is taken for granted based on probability or likelihood.

widely known to be

This suggests that the information is generally accepted or recognized by many people.

FAQs

How can I use "rumored to be" in a sentence?

Use "rumored to be" to introduce information that is circulating but not officially confirmed. For example, "The company is "rumored to be" considering a merger."

What's a less formal alternative to "rumored to be"?

Alternatives like "said to be" or "thought to be" offer a more casual tone while still indicating unverified information.

Is there a difference between ""rumored to be"" and "reported to be"?

"Rumored to be" suggests the information is circulating informally, while "reported to be" implies it has appeared in some form of official or media report.

What should I do if I'm unsure about the accuracy of something ""rumored to be""?

When using ""rumored to be"", always provide a disclaimer indicating that the information is not confirmed. Verify the information through reliable sources before presenting it as fact.