is told not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is told not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is instructed or advised against doing something. Example: "He is told not to speak during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

And most of this is told, not shown.

The New York Times - Books

She is told not to seek him out, so of course she does.

The New York Times

She is told not to discuss the case with anyone including her lawyer.

The Guardian

When someone is told not to pry, the reason is it's "none of your beeswax".

The Guardian

One group watches a funny film but is told not to laugh, while the control group can laugh at will.

The New York Times

Lyndon B. Johnson was an epic pointer, even though every child is told not to do that.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

I was told, not asked.

The New York Times - Magazine

We're told, not engaged.

The New York Times

I was told not to follow.

The New York Times

They were told not to worry.

The New York Times

And they were told not to witness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is told not" when you want to convey a direct instruction or prohibition, particularly in a narrative or descriptive context. Ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving the instruction and who is receiving it.

Common error

Avoid using "is told not" excessively in formal writing where active voice would be more direct and concise. Overuse can make the writing sound weak or indirect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is told not" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone receives an instruction or prohibition. Ludwig AI validates its use, supported by numerous examples across various contexts. The auxiliary verb "is" followed by the past participle "told" creates the passive voice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is told not" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction to indicate that someone has received an instruction or prohibition. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki sources. Alternatives such as "is instructed not to" or "is advised against" can add nuance depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid overuse in formal writing where active voice might be more appropriate. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively conveys a direction or warning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is instructed not to

Replaces "told" with the more formal "instructed", implying a higher degree of authority.

is advised against

Uses "advised" to suggest a recommendation rather than a direct order.

is warned not to

Emphasizes the potential negative consequences of the action.

is prohibited from

Indicates a formal ban or restriction.

must not

Expresses a strong prohibition or obligation not to do something.

is not allowed to

Indicates a lack of permission to perform the action.

is discouraged from

Suggests that the action is not recommended, but not strictly forbidden.

should not

Offers a weaker form of advice or recommendation against the action.

is requested not to

Implies a polite instruction or request.

is asked not to

Indicates a simple request, without strong authority.

FAQs

How to use "is told not" in a sentence?

Use "is told not" to indicate that someone has received an instruction or warning against doing something. For example, "She "is told not" to open the door."

What can I say instead of "is told not"?

You can use alternatives like "is instructed not to", "is advised against", or "is warned not to" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is told not" or "is not told"?

"Is told not" is generally the correct construction when indicating a prohibition or instruction. "Is not told" implies a lack of information or communication.

What's the difference between "is told not to" and "is asked not to"?

"Is told not to" implies a direct instruction or order, while "is asked not to" indicates a request or polite suggestion.