I was only informed

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "I was only informed" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use this phrase to refer to the fact that you have been recently informed about something. For example, "I was only informed about the new policy this morning".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Myself, I was only informed a half-hour afterwards".

The New York Times

On my first visit to the salon, which also offers cut, color and nail services, I was only informed at the end of a blowout by my stylist, Chrissy, that it would cost $50 (instead of upfront as is the norm, according to Jennifer Denton, a founder).

The New York Times

I was only informed that my partner was having a complicated labour and that she had to go for caesarean section and they asked me to sign the consent form for the operation".

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The images acquired by expert guidance and by autonomous subjects were reviewed by a blinded expert who was only informed of the anatomic region (i.e. shoulder, knee, ankle, etc).

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Lady Brittan was only informed in October.

The Guardian

The opposition was only informed after announcement of its candidate and requested to fall in line".

The New York Times

Ehsan Ehsanullah, who has since joined a Taliban splinter group, said the initiative to kill Yousafzai had been taken by junior fighters and that the leadership was only informed later.

The Guardian

Dr Rowan Williams received no notice of the papal plan and was only informed of the development a fortnight before a press conference to announce it, where he looked visibly uncomfortable.

The Guardian

The patient was not aware of this communication and was only informed of this during the clinical review.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

The safety of dozens of patients was raised but the NHS was only informed about a handful of cases.

BBC

McIlroy was only informed of the possible infringement after finishing his round, though before he had signed his card.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was only informed", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the information and what the information was. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was only informed" when you had prior knowledge of the subject. This phrase indicates you received limited or delayed information, not that you were entirely ignorant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was only informed" functions as a passive voice construction used to indicate that the speaker was the recipient of information. The use of 'only' emphasizes a limitation in the amount or timing of information received. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was only informed" is a grammatically sound and useful construction in English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is employed to denote that the speaker received information, often implying limitations or delays. While considered neutral in register, it can be adjusted for formality using appropriate synonyms. Its usage is most prevalent in news, science, and wiki contexts. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the source and specifics of the information to avoid ambiguity. Being mindful of these aspects will allow for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was only told at the last minute

Stresses the urgency and lack of preparation time.

I received limited notification

Emphasizes the scarcity of information received.

I was informed just now

Highlights immediacy of being informed.

I was notified belatedly

Highlights the lateness of the notification.

I was simply briefed

Highlights how simple was the briefing.

I was advised just recently

Focuses on the recent timing of the advice.

I learned of it shortly before

Indicates a short timeframe between learning and the event.

I was belatedly apprised

Formal way to say being informed late.

I was recently apprised of the matter

Highlights that the speaker had just been informed on something specific.

I had just been made aware

Highlights the recent change in awareness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I was only informed" for different contexts?

Consider alternatives like "I received limited notification", "I was notified belatedly", or "I was only told at the last minute" depending on whether you want to emphasize scarcity, lateness, or urgency.

Is "I was only informed" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "I was only informed" is generally suitable for formal writing, but in some contexts, a more formal option like "I was recently apprised of the matter" might be preferred.

What does "I was only informed" imply?

The phrase "I was only informed" implies that the speaker received limited information, possibly belatedly, and may not have had a complete understanding or sufficient time to prepare. It often suggests a passive role in receiving information.

How does the meaning change if I use "I was simply informed" instead of "I was only informed"?

Using "I was simply informed" instead of "I was only informed" can suggest the information given was simple or basic. While "I was only informed" implies limited or delayed information, "I was simply briefed" focuses on the nature of the information itself, rather than the timing or extent.