i was advised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I was advised' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone has given you advice that you are referencing in your writing. Example sentence: "I was advised to take a break after a long day of work to help reduce my stress levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was advised by the police".

The Guardian

"Don't answer it," I was advised.

The New York Times - Sports

I was advised not to.

The New York Times

I was advised to complain yet again.

The Guardian - Money

I was advised not to smoke it all at once.

Independent

I was advised to follow up in six months.

The New York Times

I was advised that everything checked out fine.

The New York Times

"I was advised the situation was not particularly good today.

The Guardian

Anyway, don't walk that route anymore, I was advised.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was advised not to hold my breath.

The Guardian - Music

I was advised that I would need to increase my presence on social media.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether active or passive voice is more appropriate. While "I was advised" is grammatically correct, sometimes using an active construction like "My doctor advised me" can be more direct and engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "I was advised" excessively, as it can make your writing sound indirect or evasive. Vary your sentence structure by using active voice when appropriate to create a stronger and more engaging narrative.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I was advised" is to indicate that the speaker received counsel or guidance from another party. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is commonly used to report recommendations, instructions, or suggestions received. The phrase employs a passive construction, emphasizing the action of advising being performed upon the speaker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was advised" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that the speaker received guidance or counsel. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, formal communications, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the context and indicate the source of advice for enhanced clarity. Alternatives like "I received guidance" or "I was instructed" can be used to vary sentence structure. Avoid overuse to maintain a direct and engaging writing style. Remember to use active voice when appropriate and make your writing style more clear and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received guidance

Focuses on the act of receiving guidance, suggesting a more general form of advice.

I was instructed

Implies a more direct and authoritative form of advice, closer to an order.

It was suggested to me

Emphasizes that the advice came as a suggestion rather than a directive.

I was counseled

Suggests professional or personal advice, often related to a specific issue.

I was given to understand

Indicates indirect communication where the advice is implied rather than directly stated.

I was told

A more informal and direct way of saying someone gave you information or advice.

I learned

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge through advice or instruction.

I was briefed

Suggests receiving specific instructions or information, often in a formal setting.

I consulted with someone

Highlights the act of seeking and receiving advice from someone knowledgeable.

I sought counsel

Implies a deliberate effort to obtain advice, particularly from an expert.

FAQs

How can I use "I was advised" in a sentence?

Use "I was advised" when you want to indicate that you received guidance or instruction from someone. For example, "I was advised to consult a specialist" or "I was advised that further action was necessary".

What can I say instead of "I was advised"?

You can use alternatives like "I was instructed", "I received guidance", or "I was counseled" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I was advised" or "Someone advised me"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "Someone advised me" is in the active voice and is often more direct and clearer. "I was advised" is passive and emphasizes the receipt of advice rather than the advisor.

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

"I was advised" implies receiving guidance or a recommendation, while "I was informed" simply means you received information. For example, "I was advised to invest in stocks" versus "I was informed that the meeting was postponed".