I've been advised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I've been advised" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when someone has been given advice or information, and is letting the reader know that they were informed of that advice or information. For example: "I've been advised by my doctor to limit the amount of caffeine I consume."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

I've been advised by the Foreign Office.

Independent

That's what I've been advised.

The Guardian

"As I've been advised, it's looking pretty positive.

The Guardian

"I've been advised only to say that we can't comment on it right now".

The New York Times - Sports

"I've been advised that I should rest a bit longer," Baltacha said.

Independent

I've been advised to carry Good & Plenty candy; licorice is reputedly therapeutic for acid reflux.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Since I left two years ago I've been advising the club on things concerning the squad," he wrote in De Telegraaf on Saturday .

BBC

"I've been advising her to keep calm, keep consistent, be in that confident place and don't think about that end goal.

BBC

"I've been advising them for two-and-a-half years on the existing portfolio and will be investing new capital in new investments as well as follow ons".

TechCrunch

I had been advised about Schilling's ambitions.

The New Yorker

But I had been advised to steer clear of some of Larapinta's precincts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I've been advised", specify the source of the advice to add credibility and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "I've been advised" as it can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Consider using active voice where appropriate, such as "My lawyer advised me..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I've been advised" functions as a reporting clause, indicating that the speaker is relaying information or guidance received from another source. It commonly introduces an explanation or justification for a subsequent action or statement. As Ludwig highlights, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I've been advised" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig. Its function is to report guidance or information from an external source, often adding credibility or justifying actions. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While it is a useful phrase, consider specifying the source of the advice for greater impact and avoiding over-reliance on the passive voice. Ludwig's examples offer valuable insight into its various usages and nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I've been told

More direct, but doesn't necessarily imply advice.

I was informed

Focuses on receiving information, not necessarily advice.

I received counsel

More formal and implies professional guidance.

I was guided

Emphasizes direction and support.

I learned

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge, not the source.

I have it on good authority

Indicates the reliability of the information source.

I'm under the impression

Indicates a belief based on indirect communication.

It has come to my attention

Formal way of indicating received information.

My understanding is

Expresses a personal interpretation based on received information.

I've been schooled

Informal, implies learning a lesson.

FAQs

How can I use "I've been advised" in a sentence?

You can use "I've been advised" to indicate that you have received guidance or information from someone, such as "I've been advised to rest by my doctor" or "I've been advised against it by my lawyer".

What are some alternatives to "I've been advised"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I've been told", "I was informed", or "I received counsel", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "I've been advised" or name the advisor?

Naming the advisor, such as "My doctor advised me", is generally stronger and more credible. However, "I've been advised" can be useful when the source must remain confidential or is irrelevant to the main point.

When is it appropriate to use "I've been advised" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "I've been advised" in formal writing when you need to indicate that your actions or statements are based on professional guidance, especially in legal, medical, or business contexts. For instance, "I've been advised not to comment on the ongoing investigation".