he was informed that

USAGE SUMMARY

"he was informed that" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone received information or was made aware of something. Example: He was informed that the meeting had been rescheduled for next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was informed that the Midlanders have no intention of selling their prize asset during this transfer window.

The Guardian - Sport

He was informed that the pay phones were dead.

The New York Times

On arrival at 4am, he was informed that it started at midday.

The Guardian

Like Abbasi, he was informed that he would not be issued with a UK passport.

The Guardian

He was informed that if he did not start treatment immediately he would die.

The New Yorker

When he came to he was informed that his father was dead.

Independent

Instead, he was informed that he couldn't hire any additional investigators.

The New Yorker

He was informed that such an endorsement had already been made.

The New Yorker

This afternoon he was informed that his plea to the Queen for clemency was turned down.

The Guardian

Hannibal, it is said, was within five miles of Tarentum, when he was informed that the town was taken.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Yesterday, he was informed that he would probably have to take three more days off sometime next week.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, ensure the information following "he was informed that" is precise and directly relevant to the subject.

Common error

While "he was informed that" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound convoluted. Consider active voice alternatives like "they told him that" for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was informed that" functions as a passive construction used to report that someone received information. It indicates the reception of news, instructions, or other details, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

26%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Unknown

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was informed that" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction used to report the reception of information. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely accepted and utilized across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. While "he was informed that" serves as a neutral and formal way to convey received information, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and explore active alternatives for a more direct and engaging style. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources, solidifying its status as a standard and reliable expression in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was told that

This phrase is a direct synonym, replacing "informed" with "told" for a less formal tone.

he learned that

This alternative replaces "was informed" with the simpler verb "learned", indicating the acquisition of knowledge.

he received information that

This phrase explicitly states the reception of information, providing a more descriptive alternative.

he found out that

This alternative suggests a discovery of information, often implying a more casual or investigative context.

he gathered that

This alternative implies that the information was collected or inferred from various sources.

it was communicated to him that

This alternative uses a more formal and passive construction to emphasize the communication process.

he was advised that

This suggests a formal recommendation or guidance, implying a degree of expertise or authority.

he understood that

This highlights comprehension of information rather than just reception. The semantic transformation is not minimal in this case.

he ascertained that

This suggests a more formal and investigative method of information gathering.

news reached him that

This alternative uses a more dramatic or literary tone to convey the arrival of news.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he was informed that"?

You can use alternatives like "he learned that", "he was told that", or "he found out that" depending on the context.

Is "he was informed that" formal or informal?

"He was informed that" generally carries a neutral to formal tone. More informal alternatives include phrases like "he heard that" or "he got wind of it".

How to use "he was informed that" in a sentence?

Use "he was informed that" to introduce information someone received: "He was informed that the project deadline had been extended."

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

"He was informed that" simply indicates receiving information. "He was advised that" implies receiving guidance or a recommendation from someone knowledgeable.