are told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are told" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or instructions that are communicated to someone, often in a passive voice. Example: "Children are told to always look both ways before crossing the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their kids are told.

The New Yorker

Or so we are told.

The New Yorker

The media do what they are told.

The Economist

The best stories are told repeatedly.

The New York Times - Books

"We are told 'trespassers' in tunnel.

Independent

People know more than they are told.

The New Yorker

They will do as they are told.

The Economist

Fight for us, they are told.

Independent

"Owen was enamored, enamored," we are told.

The New York Times - Books

Businesses are told to innovate or die.

The Economist

This is no accident, we are told.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are told" when emphasizing the passive reception of information or instructions, especially when the source of the information is less important or unknown.

Common error

Avoid using "are told" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "They are told by the manager to arrive early", consider "The manager tells them to arrive early" if the manager's action is the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are told" functions as a passive construction of the verb 'tell'. It indicates that the subject receives information or instructions from an unspecified or less important source. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are told" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive construction used to indicate that someone receives information or instructions. As Ludwig highlights, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, writers should be mindful of choosing the appropriate voice, opting for active voice when the source of information is important. Remember that while "are told" is widely accepted, more formal alternatives like "are informed" or "are advised" might be preferable in specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are informed

This alternative implies a formal communication of information.

are advised

This suggests a recommendation or guidance being given.

are instructed

This indicates a more direct and authoritative instruction.

are notified

This implies an official announcement or notification.

receive information

This focuses on the act of acquiring information.

are made aware

This highlights the process of becoming conscious of something.

are apprised of

This is a more formal way of saying "are informed".

are given to understand

This suggests a subtle or indirect communication.

it is reported that

This indicates information being conveyed through reports.

it has been said

This implies a general or commonly known piece of information.

FAQs

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

You can use "are told" when you want to express that someone receives information or instructions, often without specifying who is providing them. For example, "Students "are told" to submit their assignments on time."

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

"Are told" generally implies a simpler communication, while "are informed" suggests a more formal or official notification.

What are some alternatives to "are told" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "are advised", "are instructed", or "are notified".

Is it always appropriate to use "are told" in formal writing?

While "are told" is grammatically correct, in some formal contexts, it may be preferable to use a more specific and active construction to clearly identify the source of the information or instruction.