is told by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is told by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating who narrates or conveys a story or information. Example: "The story is told by an anonymous narrator who provides insight into the characters' thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This book is told by Sylvie.

The Guardian

Their story is told by others".

The New York Times - Arts

The story of the rival suitors is told by Herodotus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most of the story is told by the heroine herself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Firstly, the story is told by a group of people.

The Guardian

The story is told by an unreliable narrator, Oliver Tate.

The Guardian - Books

Such is the tale that is told by "The King's Speech".

The New Yorker

And it is told by the poor islanders to calm a frightened little girl.

The New York Times

The story is told by a Frenchman, in a French rhythm, but in English.

The New Yorker

But the story is told by Stieglitz, or at least inflected by his largesse.

The New York Times - Arts

The story is told by John Weinberg, who was then a young Goldman banker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is told by" consider the impact of the narrator's perspective on the story. A story "is told by" a specific character will inherently reflect their biases and experiences.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "is told by" as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Opt for active voice where appropriate to create a more engaging and direct narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is told by" functions as a passive voice construction used to indicate the narrator or source of a story, account, or information. As Ludwig AI correctly assesses, this construction highlights who is doing the telling, rather than the story itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is told by" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the narrator or source of a story or information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While it's a passive construction, it effectively highlights the narrator's role and perspective. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, balancing clarity with the need for active and engaging writing. Alternatives like "is narrated by" or "is recounted by" can offer variety while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is narrated by

Focuses specifically on the act of narration.

is recounted by

Emphasizes the retelling of a story or event.

is related by

Highlights the connection between the teller and the story.

is conveyed by

Focuses on the transmission of information.

is presented by

Emphasizes the manner in which the information is shown or offered.

is authored by

Highlights the creator or writer of the story.

is described by

Focuses on the detailed account provided by someone.

comes from the perspective of

Highlights the viewpoint from which the story is told.

is voiced by

Emphasizes the act of speaking or expressing the story.

is attributed to

Focuses on the source or origin of the information.

FAQs

How can I use "is told by" in a sentence?

The phrase "is told by" indicates who narrates or conveys a story or information. For example, "The story is told by an anonymous narrator who provides insight into the characters' thoughts."

What are some alternatives to "is told by"?

You can use alternatives such as "is narrated by", "is recounted by", or "is related by" depending on the context.

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

While "is told by" is a passive construction, its appropriateness depends on the context. If you want to emphasize the narrator or source, it's suitable. However, using active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging.

What's the difference between "is told by" and "is written by"?

"Is told by" typically refers to narration or spoken accounts, while "is written by" refers to authorship of written works. The choice depends on whether the information is conveyed orally or in writing.