he was advised that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was advised that" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to explain that someone received advice from someone else. For example, "He was advised that he should consult a lawyer before signing the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

He was advised that the second title had "malignant overtones".

The New York Times - Arts

He was advised that if he chose the side entrance he would be filmed and photographed.

The Guardian

He was advised that a sharp rise in the Soviet defense budget would have grave consequences for the Soviet economy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"When Steve came to work for me, he was advised that this was a disaster in terms of a career.

The New Yorker

When Mr. Scalzo discussed the details of the fee with Tyco management, he was advised that it was immaterial.

The New York Times

He was advised that the offer could be accepted provided that nothing was done to entice petitioners into completion of their plans.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But if a fighter wants to buy a specific weapon he is advised that a modern AKM Kalashnikov assault rifle costs US$1,200 (£760), while older AK-47s cost even more.

BBC

He was advised at the hospital that they did not have the facilities to treat him and recommended that he return to Melbourne for treatment and ongoing care.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

I am advised that requires treaty change.

The Economist

Mr. Hays consulted his lawyer, he said, and was advised that he should have no trouble unless Samuel French sends a cease-and-desist order in writing, which had not happened by yesterday afternoon.

The New York Times

He said he wanted to enlist as a private, since he dreaded bearing any responsibility he was not fit for, but was advised that he had to be an officer.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was advised that" when you want to emphasize the source of the information or guidance was external, lending an air of authority or expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "he was advised that" excessively, as it can make your writing sound passive and indirect. Whenever appropriate, rephrase the sentence to use an active voice for a more direct and engaging style. For instance, instead of saying "he was advised that the project was delayed", write "they advised him that the project was delayed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was advised that" functions as a reporting clause, indicating that someone received guidance or information. It is a passive construction, focusing on the recipient of the advice rather than the giver. Ludwig shows multiple examples from reliable sources that validates the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was advised that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that someone received guidance or information, as confirmed by Ludwig's AI analysis. It's most frequently found in news and academic contexts. While a useful phrase, it's essential to avoid overuse of the passive voice and consider more direct alternatives when appropriate. Remember to use this phrase when emphasizing the source or importance of the advice given.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was informed that

Focuses on the transmission of information rather than advice.

he was told that

A more direct and informal way of saying he received information.

he received counsel that

Replaces 'advised' with 'counsel', implying more formal or professional guidance.

he was instructed that

Suggests a formal directive or command rather than a suggestion.

it was recommended to him that

Emphasizes the suggestion aspect of the advice.

he was warned that

Highlights a caution or potential negative consequence.

he understood that

Emphasizes comprehension of conveyed information.

he learned that

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge, possibly through advice.

he gathered that

Suggests an inference or conclusion drawn from advice or information.

it came to his attention that

Indicates that information was brought to his awareness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he was advised that" to sound more active?

Consider using phrases like "he learned that", "he found out that", or "he was told that". For example, instead of saying, "He was advised that the meeting was postponed", try "He learned that the meeting was postponed".

Is "he was advised that" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "he was advised that" can sound somewhat formal. In casual conversations, alternatives like "he was told that" or "he heard that" are more appropriate.

What's the difference between "he was advised that" and "he was informed that"?

"He was advised that" implies receiving guidance or a recommendation, while "he was informed that" simply indicates receiving information. Advice suggests a course of action, while information is a general fact.

When is it best to use the passive voice construction "he was advised that"?

Use "he was advised that" when you want to emphasize the advice received, the source of the advice, or when the actor is unknown or unimportant. For example, "He was advised that further investigation was needed by the experts".