are not told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not told" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that information has not been communicated to someone or a group. Example: "The details of the project are not told to the public until the official announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are not told the answers.

The Guardian - Opinion

This means that the ventricles are not told to contract.

Cornell University

But colleges are not told if essays exceed the limit.

The New York Times

They are not told what they will be eating.

The New York Times - Food

If they are refused loans, applicants are not told why.

The Economist

They are not told their watch-list status.

The Washington Post

I cannot guess, and we are not told.

The Guardian - Books

Here too, parents are not told about these tests.

The Washington Post

What, if any, further consequences followed we are not told.

The New York Times - Arts

We are not told whether he sees his mother again.

The Guardian - Books

Space limitations mean that the stories of many fascinating alumni are not told here.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not told" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of receiving (or not receiving) information. It highlights that someone is not the active recipient of knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "are not told" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The truth are not told by him", it's clearer to say "He does not tell the truth".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not told" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action (or, in this case, the lack thereof). It is used to express that information is not being communicated to a particular person or group, often implying a deliberate omission or lack of transparency. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not told" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that serves to highlight a lack of communication. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is appropriate for use across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it can carry different implications depending on the subject. When writing, be aware of contexts where more active phrasing is appropriate and ensure the subject of the phrase is aligned grammatically. By understanding this expression, it's possible to articulate a nuanced lack of information or awareness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not informed

A more formal way of saying someone lacks information.

are not made aware

Highlights that no effort was made to communicate the information.

are not given details

Implies a deliberate withholding of specific information.

are kept in the dark

Emphasizes secrecy and a deliberate withholding of information.

do not receive information

A straightforward statement about the absence of information transfer.

are uninformed

Highlights a lack of knowledge, often implying a negative consequence.

are unaware

Focuses on the lack of consciousness or knowledge about something.

are left unbriefed

Suggests a formal setting where a briefing would normally occur.

are not privy to

Indicates exclusion from confidential or private information.

are not clued in

An informal way of saying someone is not aware of important information.

FAQs

How can I use "are not told" in a sentence?

You can use "are not told" to indicate a lack of communication or information provided to someone. For example, "The patients "are not told" about the potential side effects of the medication".

What's a more formal way to say "are not told"?

A more formal alternative to "are not told" is "are not informed". This phrase carries a similar meaning but is often used in more professional or academic contexts.

Which is correct, "are not told" or "is not told"?

"Are not told" is used with plural subjects, while "is not told" is used with singular subjects. For example, "They "are not told" the truth" versus "He "is not told" the details".

How does "are not told" differ from "don't know"?

"Are not told" implies that information exists but is being withheld, whereas "don't know" simply indicates a lack of knowledge, regardless of whether the information is available. Essentially, "are not told" highlights a communication gap, while "don't know" signifies a knowledge gap.