i am told

USAGE SUMMARY

"I am told" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to information or a statement that was given to you by someone else. It implies that you are relaying information that was told to you by someone else, rather than expressing your own opinion or knowledge. Example: "I am told that the meeting has been rescheduled for next week." This implies that someone else informed you about the change in the meeting schedule. Another example: "I am told that the new restaurant in town serves delicious sushi." This suggests that someone else has recommended the restaurant to you.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It can be miserable, I am told.

The New York Times

These, I am told, are not accidents.

The New Yorker

I am told the video is "obscene".

The Guardian

I am told to shut up again.

The Guardian - Sport

"They were gobsmacked," I am told.

Independent

By 20 per cent, I am told.

Independent

Many times I am told "just throw the junk away".

The New York Times

"I am very sorry, Ma'am," I am told.

The Economist

I am told that I have to make a decision.

The New York Times

I am told Stuart needs 24-hour nursing care.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I am told that even Mr. Buchanan recognizes as much.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am told" to introduce information you've received from another source, especially when you want to remain neutral or distance yourself slightly from the claim's veracity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "I am told" as it can make your writing sound weak or evasive. When possible, identify the source directly for stronger, more credible statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am told" functions as an introductory device, primarily used to attribute information to an unspecified source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates that the speaker is relaying information received from elsewhere, rather than expressing a personal belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I am told" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information attributed to an external source. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's a common and acceptable phrase, overuse can weaken your writing. Consider more direct alternatives or explicitly naming the source for increased impact. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse communication scenarios, allowing speakers to relay information without necessarily endorsing its veracity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i've been informed that

Slightly more formal than "I am told".

i was given to understand

Similar to "I've been informed", but slightly more passive.

it is my understanding

Replaces "told" with "understanding", suggesting a personal interpretation of the information.

i understand that

More direct than "I am told", indicating personal comprehension.

reportedly

Concise way to indicate information from an external source, common in news reporting.

according to sources

Impersonal and often used in journalistic contexts.

it has come to my attention

More formal and indirect, suggesting the information was not actively sought.

i've heard it said

Indicates a less reliable or verifiable source of information.

they say that

Vague and impersonal, distancing the speaker from the information.

rumor has it

Implies the information is unconfirmed and possibly unreliable.

FAQs

How can I use "i am told" in a sentence?

Use "i am told" to introduce information you've learned from another source, without necessarily endorsing it. For example, "I am told the project is behind schedule."

What's a more formal alternative to "i am told"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "I've been informed that" or "it has come to my attention".

When should I avoid using "i am told"?

Avoid using "i am told" when you have direct knowledge or experience of the information. In such cases, a direct statement is more appropriate.

Is "i am told" the same as "i was told"?

While similar, "i am told" suggests the information is current or ongoing, whereas "i was told" implies the information was received in the past. The choice depends on the context and relevance of the information.