expressly told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressly told" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone was clearly and explicitly informed about something. Example: "She was expressly told not to share the confidential information with anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

She also said she was expressly told that Starr would not be identified.

The Guardian

Maddy French, Vienna Restaurants Service is almost always included, and you can safely assume it is unless expressly told otherwise.

The Guardian - Money

His wife was still seven months' pregnant and the couple had expressly told the hospital that they did not want to know the sex of their child.

Independent

Our prisons are already full to bursting with people who failed to watch The West Wing or The Wire when they were expressly told to.

The Guardian - Opinion

In any event, they say that the company expressly told bidders in sale documents that it "could sell to whom it chose — or to no one at all".

The New York Times

You think he might have called him about this research you wanted him to do?" "I expressly told him not to".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

This is all that he expressly tells of his aim and methods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You might expressly tell them to think about and articulate what the photos, video and images convey that they did not understand from reading about the situation in Egypt.

The New York Times

They "are expressly telling the buyers that it is an 'all-cash' purchase and if you choose to take financing after you close, that is at your option," said Vanessa Grout, the chief executive of Douglas Elliman Florida.

The New York Times

A good rule of thumb is never to have anyone stay over unless they expressly tell you they'd like to have their hair turn completely white by the morning.

The New Yorker

It is easy to deduce, from the adaptations to his alarm clock and the different ways he and his father communicate, that Jacob has a hearing impairment, but there is no need to expressly tell the reader this fact.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expressly told" when you want to emphasize that the instruction or information was given in a clear, direct, and unambiguous manner, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "expressly told" in casual conversation or informal writing where a simpler phrase like "told" or "said" would suffice. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the clarity and explicitness of the communication are particularly important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressly told" functions as a past participle phrase, typically acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state of being clearly and explicitly informed about something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English and helps to emphasize the clarity of instruction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expressly told" is a grammatically sound and useful construction to underscore the clarity and directness of a communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and wiki sources. While it is not as common as simply "told", "expressly told" adds emphasis, ensuring that the message's explicitness is highlighted. Remember to reserve it for situations where clarity is paramount and to avoid overuse in informal settings. Using alternatives like "explicitly instructed" or "clearly informed" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicitly instructed

Focuses on the act of giving instructions in a clear and detailed manner.

clearly informed

Emphasizes the clarity of the information conveyed to someone.

specifically directed

Highlights the precision and target of the direction given.

expressly directed

Highlights the precision and target of the direction given, the difference with "expressly told" is in the verb

formally notified

Suggests a formal and official communication of information.

given specific instructions

Emphasizes the details and nature of the instructions provided.

unequivocally stated

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the statement made.

categorically asserted

Focuses on the firm and absolute nature of the assertion.

plainly conveyed

Emphasizes the simplicity and directness of the communication.

definitely communicated

Highlights the certainty and definiteness of the communicated message.

FAQs

How can I use "expressly told" in a sentence?

You can use "expressly told" to emphasize that someone received clear and explicit instructions. For instance, "The students were expressly told not to open the exam until instructed".

What are some alternatives to "expressly told"?

Alternatives include "explicitly instructed", "clearly informed", or "specifically directed". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "expressly told" than "told"?

Yes, "expressly told" is more formal than simply "told". The addition of "expressly" emphasizes the clarity and directness of the communication, making it suitable for formal writing and speech.

What does "expressly" mean in "expressly told"?

In "expressly told", "expressly" means "in a clear and direct way." It emphasizes that the information or instruction was communicated without any ambiguity or possibility of misunderstanding.