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In one of my recent columns, Myths and monsters, I introduced the North American legend of the Wendigo. So, for anyone studying English, here are some tips for sharing legends in English!
Noun clauses are very useful for talking about legends! Let’s look at some active and passive reporting verbs followed by noun clauses.
There are many reporting verbs in English, but words like believe and claim are useful for talking about legends. These verbs can be followed by a noun clause (often a that clause).
Ex. In many cultures, people claim (that) black cats bring bad luck.
Ex. In the past, the Native American people believed (that) a human could transform into a Wendigo.
Remember that a noun clause needs a subject and a verb!
*Note: The word “that” is usually optional in noun clauses.
Reporting verbs are sometimes used in the passive form as well. This form puts more focus on what is said and less focus on who said it. It’s useful if you don’t know who said something or if it’s not important. The reporting verb should be in its past participle form.
Ex. It is thought that black cats are witches’ familiars.
Ex. It was said that a Wendigo always hungered for human flesh.
Another useful structure is be + rumoured + infinitive.
Ex. Kappas are rumoured to love cucumbers, melons, and eggplants.
All of these structures are good for talking about legends because they present information as a common belief, rumour, or superstition rather than a fact.
I hope this will help you to talk about legends in English, and please feel free to share any legends you know in the comments!
Zach
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