I told of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I told of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when recounting or narrating a story or event to someone, often in a more formal or literary context. Example: "During the meeting, I told of my experiences traveling through Europe last summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In a previous column from Dadaab, I told of a father of eight who had lost two of his children to starvation and feared that he would lose three more.

The New York Times

I'd read letters from troops, seen photograph after photograph and learned all about the horrors of trench warfare, yet not once was I told of men who resembled my Sikh grandfather, walking into battle along French and Belgian roads.

The Guardian

Now wait longer, she said, and I did as I would when the molasses warmed over the pot enoughto come into the brandy,to come into the night begun by small confessions — that this was just a rental, and mine just a floor,that the woman he loved was with another man,his mother mad, his apartment haunted in the crawl space.Then I told of the assault at daybreak betweenthe houses.

The New Yorker

The first person I told of my intention to start meditating at work was the office manager.

BBC

First, I shared an image of God and an angel in the sky, then I told of my trip to Heaven.

Huffington Post

Bud Ryan of Pax Christi spoke about his film The Forgotten Bomb, and I told of our annual protests and prayer vigils.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"They speak of thy awe-inspiring might, and I tell of your greatness".

The New York Times

It is captured by the story I tell of the young girl saying: "Daddy!

The Guardian

However, the world was radically changed during my lifetime, and I tell of that battering as best I can.

The Guardian - Books

Toward the end of this story, I tell of a young man whose head had been cut halfway off, then sewn back on by his rescuers.

The New Yorker

What story am I telling of my life?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I told of" when you want to recount a specific incident or story, especially if you are drawing a parallel or making a point based on that narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "I told of" in casual conversations. Opt for more natural alternatives like "I mentioned" or "I talked about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I told of" functions as a narrative introduction, setting the stage for recounting a past event or story. It is typically followed by the subject matter of the narration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I told of" serves as an introductory phrase when recounting a story or incident. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English, although it carries a slightly formal tone. While "I told of" appears mainly in news and media contexts, alternatives such as "I recounted" or "I narrated" might be more suitable in less formal settings. Therefore, understanding the context and desired tone is important when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I recounted

Focuses on the act of narrating events in detail.

I narrated

Emphasizes the sequential telling of a story.

I described

Highlights the provision of details about a subject.

I related

Implies a connection or relationship between the speaker and the subject of the telling.

I reported

Suggests conveying information, often in a formal context.

I informed about

Highlights the action of giving somebody information.

I communicated

Emphasizes the act of conveying or exchanging information.

I mentioned

Indicates a brief or casual reference to something.

I disclosed

Suggests revealing information, often something previously unknown.

I revealed

Highlights the act of making something known or visible.

FAQs

How can I use "I told of" in a sentence?

Use "I told of" to introduce a story or account you are sharing. For example, "I told of my adventures in South America."

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

You can use alternatives like "I recounted", "I narrated", or "I described" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I told about" instead of "I told of"?

While "I told about" is commonly used, "I told of" is often preferred in more formal or literary contexts. The correctness depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "I told of" and "I mentioned"?

"I told of" usually introduces a more detailed account or story, while "I mentioned" indicates a brief reference.