I have told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have told" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been communicated or expressed in the past, often in the context of a conversation or message. Example: "I have told you multiple times that the meeting starts at 10 AM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I have told them that.

Independent

I have told my truth".

The New York Times

I have told it.

The Guardian - Books

Should I have told her why?

The New York Times - Magazine

That is what I have told everyone.

Independent

Why wouldn't I have told them?

The New Yorker

I have told this story before.

The New York Times

Now I have told you.

The New Yorker

Who would I have told?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I have told him privately.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I've told Achilles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have told", ensure the context clearly indicates to whom and what you have communicated. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I have told" without varying sentence structure. This can make your writing monotonous. Instead, rephrase some sentences or use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have told" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that the speaker has conveyed information to someone else. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts to emphasize prior communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have told" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to emphasize that information has been previously communicated. While generally neutral in register, the specific context dictates its overall formality. To ensure clarity and engagement, avoid overuse without providing adequate context or varying sentence structure. Consider using alternatives like "I informed" or "I mentioned" to add variety to your writing. Ludwig's analysis highlights its versatility and commonality in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I informed

This alternative focuses on the act of formally or officially notifying someone of something.

I notified

This suggests a formal way of letting someone know about a fact or event.

I mentioned

This suggests a brief or casual reference to something.

I communicated

This emphasizes the act of conveying information through any medium.

I declared

This implies a formal and often public announcement.

I advised

This indicates giving a recommendation or guidance.

I recounted

This alternative highlights the action of narrating a story or event in detail.

I shared

This emphasizes the act of giving information or experiences to others.

I revealed

This suggests uncovering or disclosing something previously unknown.

I let know

This phrase is more casual and implies simply making someone aware.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I have told"?

You can use alternatives like "I informed", "I mentioned", or "I communicated" depending on the context.

How to use "I have told" in a sentence?

Use "I have told" when you want to emphasize that you have already communicated something to someone. For example: "I have told you multiple times to be careful."

What's the difference between "I have told" and "I told"?

"I have told" emphasizes that the act of telling happened at some point in the past and is relevant now. "I told" simply states that the act of telling occurred in the past, without necessarily implying ongoing relevance.

Is "I have told" formal or informal?

"I have told" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the overall tone and vocabulary used in the sentence.