How would you rephrase: "A visitor to the art gallery ______ an 18th century painting"?

The rephrased sentence, "A visitor to the art gallery is alleged to have damaged an 18th century painting," effectively conveys the notion that there is a claim or assertion regarding the visitor's actions, without implying certainty. The use of "alleged" suggests that the information is based on an accusation or belief rather than verified evidence, which is appropriate in contexts where events are still under investigation or are subject to dispute. This word choice maintains a neutral stance regarding potential guilt or wrongdoing, simply stating that such a claim exists.

In contrast, other options introduce different nuances. For example, “is said to have damaged” and “is reported to have harmed” focus more on what people are saying or reporting rather than on the legal or protective connotations of "alleged." Additionally, "is considered to have harmed" implies a more definitive judgment about the visitor's actions, suggesting a consensus or conclusion rather than an ongoing discourse about the event. Thus, "is alleged to have damaged" stands out as the most suitable transformation for preserving the original meaning while reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the claim.