"Said to be" is a phrase that is used to express the conveyed information or knowledge regarding a specific assertion, claim, or belief. It is often employed to introduce a statement that originates from a source or individual whose identity may or may not be explicitly disclosed. This phrase implies that the information being presented is widely believed, rumored, or reported by others, although its veracity may not be immediately verifiable or proven.
When "said to be" is used, it suggests that the information being conveyed is not being presented as a personal opinion or verifiable fact by the speaker. Instead, they are attributing the statement to another party whose authority or credibility might have led to its acceptance. This phrase is commonly used to introduce subjects of speculation, hearsay, folklore, testimonials, or anecdotal evidence.
The purpose of using "said to be" is to acknowledge that the statement being made might not be universally accepted or proven, but is rather based on collective perception, personal opinion, historical accounts, or conventional wisdom. It provides a sense of detachment, allowing the speaker to distance themselves from the statement by attributing it to a collective viewpoint or an outside source.
In conclusion, "said to be" is a phrase utilized to introduce information where the speaker is attributing a statement to an unverified or unspecified source. It represents a notion that the assertion being made may not be proven factually, but is widely believed or accepted by others.
