I told that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I told that" can be used in written English.
It can be used to introduce a comment, statement, assertion, or observation that was previously made. For example: I told that he never liked the color yellow, but he just bought a yellow jacket.

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I told that story forever.

The New York Times - Arts

I told that story here and here.

The New York Times

"I spoke at his eightieth-birthday party, and I told that story," Zuckerman recalled.

The New Yorker

"I told that boy he was not strong enough to ride that horse," Troxler said.

The New York Times

"When I told that story my voice was trembling, I was so nervous," he recalled.

The New York Times

I told that story to the producers at Granada, and they couldn't give a bugger.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

How would I tell that?

The Guardian - Music

I tell that story for a few reasons.

The New York Times

"I tell that story a lot.

The New York Times

I wasn't told that".

Independent

"I keep getting told that's football.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "I told that" with a more formal alternative like "I mentioned that" or "I stated that" in professional or academic contexts to improve clarity and sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "I told that" in formal documents or academic papers. It can sound too casual. Instead, opt for alternatives like "I stated that" or "I informed [someone] that" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I told that" primarily functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement or piece of information that the speaker previously conveyed. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to report on past communications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I told that" is a common way to introduce a previously made statement, particularly in informal settings. While Ludwig AI's analysis validates its usage, it's essential to consider the context. For more formal writing, alternatives like "I mentioned that" or "I stated that" offer greater precision. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources but is less common in academic or scientific writing. Use "I told that" when informality is acceptable, but opt for more formal phrases in professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I mentioned that

Replaces "told" with "mentioned", softening the statement and focusing on the act of bringing something to someone's attention.

I stated that

Uses "stated" to indicate a more formal and direct declaration of information.

I informed them that

Emphasizes the act of conveying information, often in a professional or official setting.

I communicated that

Highlights the exchange of information, suggesting a broader context than a simple statement.

I conveyed that

Similar to communicated, but implies a more deliberate and careful transmission of information.

I advised that

Suggests giving counsel or a recommendation, adding a layer of guidance to the statement.

I recounted that

Implies narrating or telling a story, often involving details and personal experience.

I shared that

Emphasizes the act of offering information to someone, often in a casual or personal setting.

I reported that

Suggests conveying information as part of an official or journalistic duty.

I let them know that

Focuses on ensuring the recipient is aware of the information.

FAQs

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

You can use "I told that" to introduce a statement you previously made. For example, "I told that the meeting was postponed, but they still showed up".

What are some alternatives to "I told that"?

Alternatives include "I mentioned that", "I stated that", or "I informed them that", depending on the context.

Is "I told that" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "I told that" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives. It is more correct when "that" introduces a subordinate clause.

When is it appropriate to use "I told that"?

Use "I told that" in informal conversations or casual writing. In professional or academic settings, choose alternatives like "I communicated that" to maintain a formal tone.