are told to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are told to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is instructed or directed to do something by another person or authority. Example: "Students are told to submit their assignments by Friday to ensure timely grading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those ready to join whatever they are told to!

The Guardian

Businesses are told to innovate or die.

The Economist

Yet voters are told to consider sportsmanship.

The New York Times - Sports

"But we are told to keep consuming.

The Guardian

Is it because we are told to?

The New Yorker

We are told to be happy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Entrepreneurs are told to take their big ideas elsewhere.

The Economist

Men are told to satisfy a woman first in bed.

The New York Times - Books

One of her paintings you are told to sleep on.

The New York Times - Magazine

One of her paintings you are told to burn.

The New York Times - Magazine

For interviews, they are told to have questions ready.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are told to", ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving the instruction and who is receiving it to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are told to" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language like "are instructed to" or "are directed to" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are told to" primarily functions as a passive construction indicating instruction or direction. It signifies that a subject receives guidance from an external source. As shown by Ludwig examples, it is used to convey instructions, commands, or advice given to individuals or groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are told to" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate instruction or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various writing styles, although more formal options like "are instructed to" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, and its usage should clearly specify who is giving the instructions and who is receiving them to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are instructed to

Emphasizes a formal or official command or direction.

are directed to

Highlights a specific guidance or order towards a certain action or location.

have been told to

Indicates a past instruction that remains relevant.

are advised to

Suggests a recommendation or counsel rather than a strict order.

are requested to

Implies a polite or formal solicitation for an action.

are ordered to

Conveys a strong, authoritative command.

are expected to

Focuses on anticipated behavior or performance.

are required to

Highlights a mandatory obligation or necessity.

it is suggested that they

Presents a recommendation in a more indirect and formal manner.

it is recommended that they

Conveys a professional or expert endorsement of a particular action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are told to" is used to indicate that someone has received instructions or directions. For example, "Students "are told to submit" their assignments on time."

What's a formal alternative to "are told to"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "are instructed to" or "are directed to" instead of "are told to".

What does "are told to" imply?

The phrase "are told to" implies that there is an authority figure or source providing instructions to someone. The tone can range from neutral to slightly authoritative, depending on context.

Is there a difference between "are told to" and "are advised to"?

Yes, "are told to" suggests an instruction or command, while "are advised to" implies a recommendation or suggestion. The former is more direct and less open to interpretation.