I was informed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was informed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone else has told you something. For example: "I was informed that the meeting has been postponed until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a fractured ankle does not require an air ambulance, I was informed.

The New York Times - Travel

Ant, I was informed, was "a gaylord".

The Guardian

I was informed outside the courtroom from a trustworthy source.

Yale University

In that case I was informed about it.

Yale University

I was informed about it the first day.

The New Yorker

I was informed of my impending release a week ago….

The New York Times

"Only initiates know what it is," I was informed.

The New York Times - Travel

I was informed there was a bomb shelter.

The New York Times

Later, I was informed the soot had gone.

The Guardian - Travel

I was informed of David Starkey's involvement at short notice.

The Guardian

Lesbians, I was informed, have a special fondness for Kate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was informed" when you want to indicate that you received information from a specific source but don't want to reveal or emphasize the source's identity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was informed" excessively, as it can make your writing sound passive. Sometimes, it's better to use an active voice construction that directly states who provided the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was informed" functions as a reporting verb in the passive voice. It introduces information that the speaker has received, indicating that the speaker is the recipient of the information, not the originator. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was informed" is a versatile and commonly used expression for reporting information received from an external source. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its usage spans various contexts, notably news, academic writing, and formal business communication. When writing, remember that while it's a perfectly acceptable phrase, overuse can lead to passive voice, so use it judiciously. You can consider alternatives like "I learned" or "I was told" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was told

Implies a direct verbal communication as the source of the information.

I learned

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge, generally applicable to information received through various channels.

I was advised

Specifies that the information came in the form of guidance or recommendation.

I heard

Suggests the information was received through hearsay or less direct means.

It was communicated to me

A more formal way of saying that information was conveyed, emphasizes the act of communication.

I understood

Highlights comprehension and acceptance of the information, rather than just receipt.

I came to know

Indicates a gradual or progressive realization of the information.

I gathered

Indicates the information was collected from various sources or indirect cues.

I received word

Suggests that the information was delivered in a formal or official manner.

I ascertained

Suggests a more formal or investigative process of finding out the information.

FAQs

How can I use "I was informed" in a sentence?

Use "I was informed" to report information you received from someone else, without necessarily revealing who the source is. For instance, "I was informed that the project deadline has been extended".

What are some alternatives to "I was informed"?

You can use alternatives like "I was told", "I learned", or "I heard" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I was informed" instead of "I learned"?

"I was informed" is best when the information comes directly from someone, whereas "I learned" is more general and can refer to knowledge gained from any source, including reading or personal experience.

Is it better to use "I was informed" or state the source directly?

It depends on the context. Use "I was informed" when the source is unimportant or confidential. If the source is credible and relevant, stating it directly (e.g., "My manager told me...") can add weight to the information.