have been told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been told" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or advice that someone has received in the past and is still relevant or applicable. Example: "I have been told that the meeting will start at 10 AM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I think we should have been told".

The New York Times

"The parents would not have been told".

Independent

"We have been told to withdraw.

Independent

The reader should have been told.

The Economist

I have been told to degrade capability".

The New Yorker

"You have been told this.

The New Yorker

"I have been told this".

The New Yorker

Conservative ministers have been told to abstain.

The Guardian

Choice, we have been told, is empowering.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have been told to be alert.

The New York Times

"I have been told," she says.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been told", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the information, especially if it's relevant to the credibility of the statement. For instance, "I have been told by a reliable source...".

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice in writing, as it can make sentences sound weak or unclear. While "have been told" is grammatically correct, consider using the active voice for a more direct and engaging tone. For example, instead of "I have been told that the deadline is tomorrow", write "Someone told me that the deadline is tomorrow."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been told" functions primarily as a passive construction indicating the reception of information or instructions. As supported by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. The agent (the teller) is either unknown or less important than the recipient of the information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been told" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the reception of information or instructions from an external source. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is generally accepted and usable in a wide range of contexts. While it's versatile, it is advisable to use the active voice when possible for more direct communication. The phrase sees prevalent use in news, science, and business contexts, but should be used judiciously to maintain clarity and conciseness in writing. It is also worth considering the impact of using passive voice and making sure you have a valid justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been informed

Suggests a more formal and direct communication of information, often from an authority or official source.

have been instructed

Highlights the receipt of specific instructions or commands to be followed.

was advised

Suggests receiving counsel or recommendations, usually from someone with expertise.

have received information

Emphasizes the act of receiving information without specifying the source or directness of the communication.

was notified

Emphasizes the formal notification of something, usually an event or a change.

have learned

Indicates the acquisition of knowledge through various means, not necessarily through direct instruction.

it has come to my attention

A formal way of saying that you've become aware of something.

understand that

Focuses on the comprehension of a piece of information rather than the act of being told.

it is my understanding

Expresses personal comprehension of something, often based on prior communication or information received.

have heard it said

Indicates information received through hearsay or general knowledge, not from a specific source.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have been told" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can replace "have been told" with phrases like "have been informed", "was advised", or "it has come to my attention". These alternatives often imply a more official or authoritative source of information.

What's the difference between "have been told" and "have learned"?

"Have been told" specifically indicates receiving information from someone, whereas "have learned" implies gaining knowledge through any means, such as experience, study, or observation. The former emphasizes the act of communication, while the latter focuses on the acquisition of knowledge.

Is it always necessary to specify who told me something when using "have been told"?

While it's not always necessary, specifying the source can significantly enhance the credibility of your statement. If the source is reliable or authoritative, mentioning it can add weight to your claim. Otherwise, omitting the source might be preferable if it's irrelevant or unreliable.

When is it better to use the active voice instead of "have been told"?

Using the active voice is generally preferable when you want to be more direct and concise. For example, instead of saying "I have been told to submit the report", you can say "My manager told me to submit the report", or simply "I was asked to submit the report". This makes the sentence more engaging and easier to understand.