When discussing unverified information, rumors, or conspiracy theories, you often need a way to distance yourself from a claim. In Swedish, the modal verb ska is frequently used to mean "reportedly," "supposedly," or "is said to."
Present Hearsay and Questions
To report on a current rumor or alleged fact, use ska followed by a bare infinitive verb.
| The conspiracy theory is said to be very true. | Konspirationsteorin ska vara väldigt sann. |
You can also use this structure in questions to ask what is reportedly true. As with all yes/no questions in Swedish, start the sentence with the finite verb (ska).
| Is the spaceship said to be as fast as light? | Ska rymdskeppet vara lika snabbt som ljuset? |
Past Hearsay
If the rumored event took place in the past, use ska ha followed by a verb in its supinum form. This translates to "is said to have" or "reportedly did."
| The alien reportedly crashed the spaceship in the forest. | Utomjordingen ska ha kraschat rymdskeppet i skogen. |
| The cover-up reportedly began directly after the accident. | Mörkläggningen ska ha börjat direkt efter olyckan. |
Adding "Alleged"
For extra distance from a claim, you can pair hearsay verbs with the adjective påstådd (alleged). Like a regular adjective, it takes an -a ending when describing a definite noun.
| alleged | påstådd |
| The alleged driver is said to have been an alien. | Den påstådda föraren ska ha varit en utomjording. |
