explicitly told that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explicitly told that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone was clearly and directly informed about something. Example: "She was explicitly told that the meeting was rescheduled for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He said he was explicitly told that was the reason: "I was removed from that post... Shortly after that I got another job somewhere else".

The Guardian

It may well be, however, that bile, blood and phlegm were all regarded as hot, since blood and bile were regarded as hot, and we are explicitly told that Philolaus argued that phlegm was hot, although it was typically regarded as cold (Lloyd 1963, 120).

SEP

"I was explicitly told that the bloodletting had come to an end".

The New Yorker

The children and their parents were explicitly told that these "dose extender" pills contained no drug.

The New York Times

"The staff were explicitly told that the meeting they were then having constituted a verbal contract which was legally binding.

The Guardian - Business

"When I was brought in here, I was explicitly told that the bloodletting had come to an end.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I do understand that that has happened," Watkins said of the merged inquiries, although he said N.C.A.A. officials have never explicitly told him that was true.

The New York Times - Sports

Miss Rayna James has lost her voice, and it would be very sad and shocking, if three weeks of "Nashville" promos hadn't explicitly told us that would happen.

Huffington Post

Sure enough, I was shown an authorization screen that explicitly told me that the app would not be able to access my private messages … after which it swiftly did in mere seconds.

TechCrunch

The two men met again four days later, and afterwards Quisling wrote a memorandum that explicitly told Hitler that he did not consider himself a National Socialist.

Wikipedia

The suit also charges that F.B.I. agents "explicitly told Monteilh that Islam was a threat to America's national security".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explicitly told that" to convey that someone received very clear and direct information, leaving no room for misinterpretation. This is especially useful in legal, professional, or scientific contexts where precision is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "explicitly told that" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "told that" or "informed that" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your language sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explicitly told that" functions as a reporting verb phrase, indicating that someone was directly and unambiguously informed of something. This phrase often introduces a subordinate clause that contains the specific information conveyed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explicitly told that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate clear and direct communication of information. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase frequently appears in news, scientific, and professional contexts, emphasizing the importance of precision and clarity. While versatile, remember to reserve it for situations where the directness of the message is crucial and consider more informal alternatives in casual settings. The sources show that it's important for emphasizing that information was unambiguous and direct, avoiding misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly informed that

Emphasizes the clarity of the information conveyed, focusing on the recipient's understanding.

directly notified that

Highlights the directness of the communication, suggesting no intermediaries were involved.

expressly stated that

Focuses on the explicit nature of the statement, implying a formal or official declaration.

specifically instructed that

Indicates a precise set of instructions were given, emphasizing the detail and clarity.

unequivocally advised that

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the advice given, highlighting its decisiveness.

definitely communicated that

Highlights the certainty and lack of doubt in the communication process.

formally advised that

Suggests an official context for the advice, emphasizing its serious nature.

plainly revealed that

Implies a straightforward disclosure, where the information was made easily understandable.

categorically asserted that

Emphasizes the firm and assertive nature of the statement, leaving no room for doubt.

authoritatively declared that

Highlights the power and influence behind the declaration, emphasizing its official or expert source.

FAQs

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

"Explicitly told that" indicates someone received clear, direct information. For example, "The students were explicitly told that the exam would cover all chapters."

What are some alternatives to "explicitly told that"?

Alternatives include "clearly informed that", "directly notified that", or "expressly stated that". The best choice depends on the context and desired emphasis.

Which is correct: "explicitly told that" or "implicitly told that"?

"Explicitly told that" means directly and clearly informed, while "implicitly told that" implies understanding something without being directly told. They have opposite meanings.

What's the difference between "explicitly told that" and "specifically told that"?

While both convey direct instruction, "explicitly told that" emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity, whereas "specifically told that" highlights the detail and precision of the instructions.