as told before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as told before" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to information or a story that has been previously mentioned or narrated. Example: "The events unfolded as told before, leading to an unexpected conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As told before, and recounted by Ingram, the similarities between kuru and scrapie were first noticed by William Hadlow, when he visited an exhibition at the Wellcome Medical Museum in London in July 1959 that described the clinical features of kuru and illustrated its neuropathological changes.

Brain

For example, here's a quote: To the World You're Just a Teacher, But To Me Your A Hero! If the marker bleeds through, find the same size of construction paper, fold as told before, and glue the paper onto the back.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As I told before, [most of the individuals] comes to the workshop with an open mind.

Vice

Imperial War Museums have provided unique access to their archives and experts, which has uncovered a wealth of stories, many of which have never been told before, as well as astounding photography, sound and film footage.

BBC

The new ending, just as true as the one I told before, draws from what I learned that day and what I came to believe: No matter how deep the water, I will save myself.

Huffington Post

This early story has been told before, as has that of Constructivists like Willys de Castro and the pre-Conceptual Waldemar Cordeiro in Brazil.

The New York Times - Arts

The nuns here are eager to put the loss behind them and continue with normalcy, as we were told before and then learned through our conversations with them.

Princeton University

Geography The Zika virus has been in the Pacific Islands, and other parts of the world, as we are being told, before now.

Huffington Post

It's a story that's been told before, typically as distinct narratives: Detroit and cars, Detroit and race, Detroit and labor, Detroit and music.

The New York Times - Books

I did as told, but not before I turned to him and said: "Don't pull the plug too soon.

The New York Times

For example, when informed that their socioeconomic status is relevant to a task they are being asked to complete, such as by being told before a test that students in poverty do not do as well on it, on average, as wealthier students, low-income students perform worse than they when nobody suggests the disparity (Spencer & Castano, 2007).

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as told before" to smoothly reference information or narratives that have already been introduced to your audience, ensuring clarity and preventing unnecessary repetition. It works best when the previous mention is relatively recent and easily recalled.

Common error

Avoid using "as told before" if the prior mention is vague or too far back in the text, as this can confuse readers who may not remember the initial context. Always ensure the reference is clear and easily accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as told before" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating that the information being presented has been previously mentioned or narrated. Ludwig's examples show its use in introducing or reiterating details that are already known to the audience.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as told before" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to reference previously mentioned information or narratives. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While relatively uncommon, its purpose is to connect with the audience by signaling shared knowledge. For alternative phrasing, consider using "as previously stated" or "as mentioned earlier". When using "as told before", ensure the reference is clear to avoid confusing your audience. While its use is valid in several contexts, remember to tailor your word choice to match the overall tone and style of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as previously stated

Emphasizes that the information has been formally stated or declared earlier.

as mentioned earlier

Highlights that the information was brought up in a prior discussion or writing.

as recounted before

Implies a story or narrative has been retold.

as narrated previously

Focuses on the act of storytelling or narration that happened before.

as detailed earlier

Suggests a more comprehensive explanation was provided in the past.

as explained before

Highlights that an explanation was already given.

as reported previously

Implies the information was formally documented or announced.

as communicated earlier

Focuses on the act of conveying information in the past.

as shared before

Implies that the information was informally given to another person.

as indicated previously

Highlights that the information was suggested or pointed out before.

FAQs

How can I use "as told before" in a sentence?

You can use "as told before" to refer back to information or a story that has already been shared or narrated, for example, "The story unfolded "as told before", leading to a surprising twist".

What are some alternatives to "as told before"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as previously stated", "as mentioned earlier", or "as recounted before", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "as told before" formal or informal?

"As told before" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate for situations where the prior information is readily accessible to the audience. More formal alternatives like "as previously stated" may be preferred in highly formal writing.

How does "as told before" differ from "as previously mentioned"?

While both phrases refer to previously shared information, "as told before" often implies a narrative or story, whereas "as previously mentioned" is more general and can refer to any kind of information. Consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate phrase.