Someone told me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Someone told me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey information that you received from another person, often to introduce a statement or claim. Example: "Someone told me that the meeting has been rescheduled for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Someone told me to come backstage and meet Robert.

Independent

"Someone told me that you took her away.

The New York Times

Someone told me about extra work.

The New York Times - Magazine

Someone told me a person was dead.

The New Yorker

Someone told me TV people type less.

The New York Times - Magazine

Someone told me I was wanted in the hallway.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Someone told me I should run for president.

The New York Times - Arts

Someone told me they saw you pick them up".

The New York Times

Someone told me to wait in the reception area.

The New York Times - Magazine

Someone told me that was a world record".

The Guardian - Sport

"Someone told me that actors don't typically make much money," she said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Someone told me", consider the level of certainty. It implies less certainty than stating information as a fact.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on vague attributions like "Someone told me" in formal writing. Whenever possible, provide specific sources to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Someone told me" functions as a hedge, introducing information received indirectly. It attributes information to an unspecified source, softening the assertion's strength. Ludwig confirms that this is a standard and accepted way to introduce information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Someone told me" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for attributing information to an unspecified source. It's versatile across different contexts, though less suitable for formal or scientific writing where specific sources are expected. Ludwig highlights the phrase's correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage. When using this phrase, remember to consider the desired level of certainty and avoid over-reliance on vague attributions in contexts requiring credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A person told me

Replaces "someone" with "a person" for specificity.

I was told

Passive voice construction indicating receipt of information.

I heard

A simpler, more direct way to indicate receiving information.

Someone mentioned to me

More detailed, specifying the act of mentioning.

I was informed

Formal way to indicate receipt of information.

I learned that

Indicates gaining knowledge from an external source.

I understand that

Indicates comprehension based on information received.

I gathered that

Indicates an inference based on information received.

I've been advised

Suggests receiving counsel or guidance.

Word has it that

An idiomatic expression for rumors or widespread information.

FAQs

How can I use "Someone told me" in a sentence?

"Someone told me" is used to introduce information you received from an unspecified person. For example, "Someone told me the meeting was canceled".

What are some alternatives to "Someone told me"?

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

Is it better to say "Someone told me" or "I was told"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "I was told" is more passive. "Someone told me" emphasizes that an unknown person provided the information.

When should I avoid using "Someone told me"?

In formal writing or situations requiring high credibility, avoid vague attributions like "Someone told me". Provide specific sources whenever possible.