as told by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as told by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to attribute a story or account to a specific person or source, indicating that the information is being relayed from their perspective. Example: "The story of the hero's journey was captivating, as told by the ancient bard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As told by Ivan's sad, guilt-ridden lover, Anna Sergeyevna: "The whole village died.

Independent

As told by Glinsky, Theremin's story is much more than the invention of innovative musical instruments.

Johns Hopkins University

Compares stories as told by different newspapers.

The New Yorker

As told by David Benedict to Vanessa Thorpe.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But the context of the murder, as told by Adams later told an even murkier tale.

University of California, Berkeley

Comment about Northville, Michigan, as told by a friend who spent Christmas there visiting relatives.

The New Yorker

The hunt for Eichmann, as told by Stangneth, is as fascinating as it is frustrating.

Independent

Above, the history of the case as told by The Times's William K. Rashbaum.

The New York Times

Legend of the statue of Prometheus as told by one of the Radio City Guides.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"He begins to imagine his own heroic death as told by Daniil Kharms".

The New Yorker

The Greek myths as told by Homer, Ovid, Virgil, and many others offer crucial lessons about human experience.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as told by" to give credit and context when sharing someone's personal experience or unique perspective. It adds authenticity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as told by" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "according to" or "narrated by" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as told by" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce the source of a narrative or account. It indicates that the information being presented is coming directly from a specific individual's perspective. As seen in Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as told by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to attribute a narrative or account to a specific source. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function is to indicate that the information is being presented from a particular individual's perspective, adding authenticity and context. While adaptable across various registers, it's frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. To avoid redundancy, consider using alternatives like "according to" or "narrated by". Overall, "as told by" is a reliable and effective way to credit sources and enhance the credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to

Indicates that information comes from a particular source, similar to attributing a narrative.

narrated by

Emphasizes the act of storytelling from a specific viewpoint.

in the words of

Highlights the exact phrasing and perspective of the source.

from the perspective of

Focuses on the viewpoint and understanding of a specific individual or group.

reported by

Indicates the relaying of information from a source, often used in journalism.

as recounted by

Highlights the act of retelling a story or event.

described by

Focuses on the details provided by a particular source.

in the account of

Refers to a specific version or telling of events.

related by

Similar to narrated but can also apply to non-narrative information.

from the testimony of

Highlights evidence or statements given by a witness or source.

FAQs

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

Use "as told by" to attribute a story or account to a specific person or source. For example, "The events, "as told by" the witness, painted a vivid picture of the scene."

What are some alternatives to "as told by"?

You can use alternatives such as "according to", "narrated by", or "in the words of" to vary your phrasing and avoid repetition. Each alternative slightly shifts the emphasis of the attribution.

Is "as told by" formal or informal?

"As told by" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "as told by" and "according to"?

"As told by" typically refers to a narrative or story being conveyed from someone's perspective, while "according to" simply indicates that information comes from a particular source, without necessarily implying a narrative.