immersionlog
Sign inCreate account

〜ものと思われる

it is thought that, it is believed (formal)

Plain form + ものと思われる / ものとみられる

Sign up free to review this point on a spaced schedule.

ものと思われる is an impersonal, cautious conclusion typical of news reports and official statements: 事故の原因は、ブレーキの故障によるものと思われる, "the accident is thought to have been caused by a brake failure".

It avoids saying who thinks so. The passive 思われる makes it sound objective, and もの adds formality. ものとみられる, "it is believed", is used the same way, especially in news.

Typical topics are causes, estimates of damage, forecasts and suspects' whereabouts.

Compare と思う (N4), "I think", which is personal. In conversation, you'd say みたいだ, らしい or と思う.

Examples

  • 事故じこの原因げんいんは、ブレーキの故障こしょうによるものと思おもわれる。

    The accident is thought to have been caused by a brake failure.

  • 犯人はんにんは、まだ近ちかくにいるものと思おもわれる。

    The culprit is believed to still be in the area.

  • 景気けいきは今後こんご、回復かいふくに向むかうものと思おもわれる。

    The economy is expected to recover from now on.

  • 被害ひがいは数億円すうおくえんに上のぼるものと思おもわれる。

    The damage is thought to run to several hundred million yen.

  • 火事かじは、たばこの火ひが原因げんいんだったものと思おもわれる。

    The fire is believed to have been caused by a cigarette.

Related