are being told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being told" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is currently receiving information or instructions from another person or source. Example: "The students are being told about the new curriculum changes during the assembly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

workers are being told.

The New Yorker

People are being told to stay alert.

The New York Times

The same stories are being told.

The New York Times - Arts

We are being told a satisfactory tale.

The Guardian - Books

You are being told something about people.

The Guardian - Music

People are being told what to do.

The Guardian

What kinds of stories are being told about Muslims?

Columbia University

Most Americans are being told they are not exercising enough.

The New York Times

In some cases they are being told to cheat.

Independent

Instead, they are being told to stay put in Libya.

The New York Times

Operators are "being told, 'See something, say something.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being told", ensure the context clearly identifies who is doing the telling and who is receiving the information. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Overusing the passive voice, including "are being told", can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Consider using the active voice to create a more direct and engaging tone. For instance, instead of "Students are being told to submit their assignments", write "Teachers are telling students to submit their assignments."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being told" functions as a passive construction of the verb 'to tell', indicating that the subject is receiving information or instructions. Ludwig examples show its usage across varied contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being told" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that someone is receiving information or instructions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. While effective, remember to consider whether using the active voice might create a more direct and engaging tone. This phrase is prevalent in news, academic, and scientific contexts, emphasizing its versatility. Using "are being told" ensures clarity and objectivity in your writing. Overall, it’s a reliable way to convey that someone is the recipient of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are receiving information

Replaces "told" with "receiving information", focusing on the act of getting information, slightly more formal.

are being informed

Substitutes "told" with "informed", emphasizing the provision of knowledge, slightly more formal.

are given to understand

Highlights that an understanding has been imparted, often suggesting a formal or indirect communication.

are advised

Suggests a recommendation or guidance is being provided, often implying a level of expertise.

are notified

Highlights the formal act of being officially informed about something.

are under the impression

Indicates a belief or understanding based on what has been communicated, implying a degree of potential uncertainty.

are instructed

Focuses on receiving commands or directions, emphasizing the authority of the source.

are being directed

Emphasizes the act of being guided or steered towards a specific action or understanding.

are learning

Focuses on the process of acquiring knowledge, indicating a more gradual and active reception of information.

hear

Replaces the passive construction with a simple verb, implying direct reception of information.

FAQs

How can I use "are being told" in a sentence?

You can use "are being told" to indicate that someone is receiving information or instructions, like in "Employees are being told about the new company policy".

What are some alternatives to "are being told"?

Alternatives include "are being informed", "are receiving instructions", or "are advised", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when "are being told" is an option?

While "are being told" is grammatically correct, using the active voice often makes your writing more direct and engaging. Consider rewriting the sentence in active voice if appropriate.

What's the difference between "are being told" and "are informed"?

"Are being told" generally implies a direct conveyance of information, while "are informed" suggests a more formal or official communication of knowledge.