I was tipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was tipped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to receiving a gratuity or a piece of information, often in the context of service industries or informal communication. Example: "After the meal, I was tipped generously by the satisfied customer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I was tipped off by James Wood's review, and I read "My Brilliant Friend," which was an utter thrill.

The New Yorker

My own search began when I was tipped off that I was paying more than necessary for my transactions.

The New York Times

As I set out from the local HQ for the count, I was tipped off about the result.

The Guardian

I was tipped off about Blue Pearl by Dawn Klohs and Denise Schaefer, the sisters who co-own A'maree's, an uber-stylish boutique in Newport Beach.

The New York Times

"I was tipped off that I was No. 2 on a five-person list set for execution," Dr. Shafqat Hussain Abbassi told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the early Super Bowl years, I was tipped to an uncrowded neighborhood restaurant on Broad Street, away from the French Quarter, that specialized in steak.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

I was tipping him along and I was worried that Cheltenham might have taken its toll.

The Guardian - Sport

I was tipping sideways, my right leg and just my shoe heel holding me up, but beginning to fall.

The New Yorker

A seasoned journalist just says it; I was tip-toeing around.

Huffington Post

I thought it was a handsome sum until I realized I was tipping someone $1.50 for a six hour guided tour!

Huffington Post

Until I am tipped beneath my slab at the crypt I will divvy up the balance of my time, and study the past so as to go forward.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was tipped", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to receiving a gratuity or a piece of information. Choose alternative phrasing if ambiguity could arise.

Common error

Avoid using "I was tipped" in formal writing where a more precise term like "I was informed" would be more appropriate, especially when referring to receiving information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was tipped" functions primarily as a statement of passive voice, indicating that the subject (I) received either a gratuity (tip) or confidential information. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was tipped" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that the speaker received either a gratuity or confidential information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. While more formal alternatives like "I was informed" exist, "I was tipped" remains a versatile and widely understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received a tip

Focuses on the act of receiving a gratuity directly.

I got a tip

A more informal way of saying I received a tip.

I was given a hint

Shifts the focus from monetary tips to receiving a piece of information.

I was informed

A formal way of saying I received information.

I learned

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge.

Someone alerted me

Highlights that the speaker was warned of something by someone.

I found out

Suggests discovering information, possibly through indirect means.

I was clued in

Implies being made aware of something previously unknown.

I got wind of

Suggests hearing about something through rumors or informal channels.

I was given the inside scoop

Highlights that speaker got the most exclusive information.

FAQs

What does "I was tipped off" mean?

The phrase "I was tipped off" means that someone gave you secret or private information, often about something that is about to happen. It can also refer to receiving a gratuity for a service.

What can I say instead of "I was tipped off"?

You can use alternatives like "I was informed", "I received a hint", or "I learned" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was tipped"?

Yes, it is correct. The correctness of "I was tipped" is supported by Ludwig AI and its usage is verified in different contexts.

How to use "I was tipped" in a sentence?

You can use "I was tipped" to describe receiving a gratuity or a piece of information. For example: "I was tipped generously by the customer" or "I was tipped off about the surprise party".