I am often told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am often told" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you frequently receive information or feedback from others. Example: "I am often told that my presentations are engaging and informative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I am often told it's irreconcilable with the quaint, bookish and aloof culture of jazz.

The Guardian - Music

I am often told how courageous I am for being vocal about gay rights issues in the military.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am often told, even now, that what I write isn't literature, it's a document," she said.

The Guardian - Books

"Whenever I assert myself or stand up for other women, I am often told I am just seeking attention.

The Guardian - Books

I am often told that it's more a matter of confidence, but having a skinny physique means I don't have any.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a Russian journalist who speaks out against the regime, I am often told to get out of the country if I don't like it — and just as often that, as someone who has lived in the United States and could live there again, I have no right to talk or write about Russia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I was often told, 'Burn more'," he told me.

The Guardian - Tech

I'm often told it's dangerous to be a woman on the road alone.

The Guardian

"As a young man, I was often told that I was a daydreamer, a rubbernecker, an exaggerator," he said.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, I'm often told that I must be gay because I support an inclusive movement.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm often told I look like Holland Taylor, the movie actress in "Two and a Half Men".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using alternatives like "People often say to me" or "I frequently hear" to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid overuse. While "I am often told" is grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive constructions can make your writing sound indirect. Balance it with active voice where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am often told" functions as an introductory expression to signal that the information being presented is derived from recurring statements or feedback from other individuals. It serves to attribute the ensuing content to external sources, lending it potential credibility, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science & Research

20%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am often told" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce information or opinions that you frequently hear from others. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers examples from reputable sources. While versatile, remember to use it judiciously and consider alternative phrases to maintain variety in your writing. The phrase is generally neutral, fitting in diverse contexts from news media to business communications. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use this phrase to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I frequently hear

Emphasizes the act of hearing information regularly, using "frequently" as a synonym for "often".

People often say to me

Highlights the source of the information as being directly from people, adding a personal touch.

It is often said to me

Uses a passive construction to emphasize the information being conveyed rather than the speaker.

I've been told many times

Focuses on the repeated nature of being informed, using "many times" to indicate frequency.

It's a common thing I hear

Indicates that the information is not only frequent but also widespread.

I am constantly informed

Uses "constantly" to convey a continuous flow of information, suggesting a high frequency.

Regularly, I'm informed

Inverts the sentence structure for emphasis, with "regularly" highlighting the consistent nature of the information.

I repeatedly get told

Uses "repeatedly" to stress the recurrence of the information being shared.

Many people have mentioned to me

Highlights that numerous individuals have brought the information to the speaker's attention.

I'm always hearing

Emphasizes the continuous nature of hearing the information, using "always" for frequency.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I am often told" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "It is frequently stated to me that..." or "I am regularly informed that...". These options provide a more detached and professional feel compared to the original phrase.

What are some informal alternatives to "I am often told"?

In casual conversation, you might say "people often say", "I frequently hear", or "I've been told". These are more conversational and less stilted.

Is there a difference between "I am often told" and "I am frequently told"?

The difference is subtle. "Often" and "frequently" are synonyms, but "frequently" might imply a slightly higher degree of regularity or a more formal context than "often". The phrases are largely interchangeable.

How to avoid overuse of the phrase "I am often told" in writing?

To avoid repetition, vary your introductory phrases. Instead of always using "I am often told", try "people say", "it is commonly believed", or directly state the information without attribution if it's generally known. The key is sentence variety.