being told that

USAGE SUMMARY

"being told that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the fact that someone has been told something. For example, "He was surprised upon being told that his friend had won the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ADAM GOPNIK: AH — I'm being told that, as the psychoanalysts say, that we have to stop.

The New Yorker

They are now being told that probably the prevalence (of TB) has increased in badgers already.

BBC

We're being told that job numbers are improving.

Huffington Post

Until being told that morning, he didn't know that.

Huffington Post

I love being told that catcalling doesn't exist.

Huffington Post

Only 35% of women recalled being told that they were at risk for CHD.

Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care

Except no one was being told that.

The Guardian - Opinion

But people are not being told that".

The New York Times

Voters are forever being told that they face stark choices.

The New York Times

There's nothing like being told that you're doing it right.

The New York Times

Does the same go for being told that you're beautiful?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being told that", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the telling and who is receiving the information to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "being told that". While grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Opt for active voice where appropriate to create a more engaging and direct tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being told that" functions as a reporting verb phrase in the passive voice, introducing a piece of information that has been communicated to someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being told that" is a versatile phrase used to report information received, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a passive reporting verb phrase suitable for various contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it's most prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in who is conveying the information. While grammatically sound, avoid overuse to prevent passive voice. Consider alternatives like "being informed that" or "being notified that" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being informed that

Focuses on the act of receiving information.

being advised that

Implies receiving counsel or a recommendation.

being notified that

Suggests a formal or official communication.

being made aware that

Highlights the process of someone becoming conscious of information.

being apprised that

Indicates a more formal and thorough briefing.

being instructed that

Focuses on receiving orders or directions.

being cautioned that

Emphasizes a warning or advice against something.

being alerted that

Suggests a notification of potential danger or urgency.

being reminded that

Highlights the act of refreshing someone's memory.

being schooled that

Suggests being taught or corrected, often implying a lesson.

FAQs

How can I use "being told that" in a sentence?

You can use "being told that" to report information you have received. For example, "I was surprised upon "being told that" the project was cancelled."

What are some alternatives to "being told that"?

Alternatives include "being informed that", "being advised that", or "being notified that", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "being told that"?

While "being told that" is grammatically correct, overuse can lead to passive voice. Consider rewriting the sentence in active voice for a more direct style. For example, instead of "I was "being told that" the deadline was extended", try "They told me the deadline was extended".

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "being told that"?

To avoid ambiguity, ensure the context clearly identifies who is telling and who is being told. For instance, specify who provided the information: "The doctor clarified after "being told that" patient condition."