[Grammar] Use of indirect speech and passive form ...

[greenfly]

1) Is using indirect speech to write similar to using the passive form? E.g. if the reported version is written: They believe he never smiled at anyone. The passive equivalent is He is believed never to have smiled at anyone. However, the latter appears to be in the active form.

2) Which one of the following is incorrect please?

a) We look forward to your continuous support.
b) We look forward to your continued support.
c) We look forward to your continual support.
d) Looking foward to your continued support.

Kindly advise.

 

[philo2009]

1) Is using indirect speech to write similar to using the passive form? E.g. if the reported version is written: They believe he never smiled at anyone. The passive equivalent is He is believed never to have smiled at anyone. However, the latter appears to be in the active form.

A sentence is generally judged active or passive according to the form of its main verb phrase.

Consequently your sentence would rate as passive, even though it contains an active dependent VP.

 

[Barb_D]

2) Which one of the following is incorrect please?

a) We look forward to your continuous support.
b) We look forward to your continued support.
c) We look forward to your continual support.
d) Looking foward to your continued support.

Kindly advise.

a and c are certainly uncommon and not the norm. d is informal.