4 preparatory there

With some verbs (e.g. say, think, feel, report, presume, understand), the passive
structure is possible with there as a ‘preparatory subject’.
There are thought to be more than 3,000 different languages in the world.
(= It is thought that there are ...)

5 perfect, progressive and passive infinitives

A passive verb can be followed by a perfect, progressive or passive infinitive.
He is believed to have crossed the frontier last night.
I was told to be waiting outside the station at 6 o’clock.
The hostages are expected to be released today.
6 exceptions: wanting and liking
Verbs that refer to wanting, liking and similar ideas cannot usually be used in
passive structures with following infinitives.
Everybody wanted Doris to be the manager, (bu t n o t Doris was wanted to
be the manager.)
We like our staff to say what they think, (bu t n o t Our staff are liked to say
what they think.)
419 passives (8): he was considered a genius
After some verbs the direct object can be followed by an ‘object complement’ -
a noun or adjective which describes or classifies the object.
Queen Victoria considered him a genius.
They elected Mrs Sanderson President.
We all regarded Kathy as an expert.
Most people saw him as a sort o f clown.
The other children called her stupid
You’ve made the house beautiful
In passive clauses these are subject complements; they come after the verb.
He was considered a genius by Queen Victoria
Mrs Sanderson was elected President.
Kathy was regarded as an expert.
He was seen as a sort o f clown.
She was called stupid by the other children.
The house has been made beautiful
For more about object complements, see 607.