he is told

USAGE SUMMARY

"he is told" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has been informed of something. For example, "he is told that he must finish all his homework before going to bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Is it about bored, tired people having sex?" Yes, he is told.

The New York Times - Books

"Here," he is told.

The Economist

He is told: "Good science takes time".

The New York Times - Books

He is told to run.

The Guardian - Film

And how would he know, unless he is told?

The New Yorker

O.K. he is told, that should do it.

The New York Times

"You will suffer something worse than death," he is told.

The New Yorker

You could always call the police, he is told.

The New York Times

He is told to "try Sky broadband, it's totally unlimited".

Independent

They will never agree, he is told.

The Guardian - Books

"He goes by what he is told".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is told", ensure the context makes it clear who 'he' refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "he is told" when an active voice would be more direct and clear. Overuse of passive voice can make writing seem weak or evasive. For example, instead of "he is told to submit the report", consider "they told him to submit the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is told" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ('he') is the recipient of an action (being told). This grammatical structure allows the speaker or writer to shift focus away from the actor (the one doing the telling) and emphasize the information received by the subject. This construction is validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is told" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that someone receives information or instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a passive construction, shifting focus from the source of the information to the recipient. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's important to ensure clarity regarding who 'he' refers to and to avoid overuse of passive voice. Alternatives such as "he is informed" or "he is instructed" may provide a more direct or nuanced expression depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is informed

Highlights the act of providing information to the individual.

he is instructed

Highlights the giving of commands or directions.

he is advised

Implies a more formal or professional context where recommendations are given.

he is notified

Suggests a formal announcement or official communication.

he receives instruction

Focuses on the reception of guidance rather than direct conveyance of information.

he is apprised of

A more formal way of saying he is made aware of something.

it is conveyed to him

Focuses on the act of communicating something to him.

he learns

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge or understanding.

he gathers

Suggests he infers or deduces information from various sources.

he understands

Focuses on his comprehension of the information.

FAQs

How is "he is told" used in a sentence?

"He is told" indicates that someone receives information or instruction. For example, "he is told to leave the room" means someone instructed him to exit the room.

What are some alternatives to "he is told"?

Alternatives include "he is informed", "he learns", or "he is instructed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "he is told"?

While "he is told" is grammatically correct, active voice (e.g., "they told him") can often be more direct and clearer. Choose the voice that best suits the context and desired emphasis.

What does "he is told" imply about the source of information?

"He is told" often implies that the source of information is either unknown, unimportant, or being deliberately obscured. It's a way to present information without directly attributing it.