it has been told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been told" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been communicated or reported, often in a narrative or storytelling context. Example: "In the ancient texts, it has been told that the hero embarked on a great journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The festival is funded by the British Council and has Prince Charles as its patron, but it has been told that it will need to be compliant with Islamic 'sharia law' in order to gain the MCB's full support.

The Guardian

A community knitting group that makes garments for sick babies claims it is no longer allowed to meet at a library because it has been told its needles are "dangerous" and its members are too noisy.

Independent

In its brief Dropbox said it has been told by the government that it was not allowed to give the precise number of national-security requests it receives.

The Guardian - Tech

Sources in the firm say it has been told to close all its positions by the end of the year.Although the transformation of Salomon may be the most dramatic, other investment banks are moving in the same direction.

The Economist

It has been told to take action to change its exam procedures and policies.

The Guardian

The story of the 2008 Presidential campaign is a more than twice-told tale, but this is the first time it has been told in the style of an airport potboiler.

The New Yorker

It has been told before.

The New York Times

It has been told to close by 12 February".

Independent

This is not the first time it has been told.

The New York Times

It has been told better, and been funnier, elsewhere (Elvis Mitchell).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It has been telling me what to do ever since, and so far it has never been wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has been told" when you want to emphasize the passive voice, highlighting that the information was conveyed without specifying who did the telling. It is particularly useful in storytelling or when the source is unknown or unimportant.

Common error

Avoid using "it has been told" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "It has been told to me that the project is delayed", prefer "Someone told me that the project is delayed" or "I was told that the project is delayed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been told" functions as a passive construction, emphasizing the information being conveyed rather than the person or entity doing the telling. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English, typically appearing in narrative or reporting contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been told" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to convey information or narratives, often without specifying the source. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English, with examples showing its prevalence in news, media and science contexts. While relatively uncommon, it serves a useful purpose in emphasizing the information itself rather than the teller. When writing, consider whether a more active construction would be clearer, and avoid overuse in contexts where direct phrasing is preferred. Alternatives such as "it has been said" or "the story goes" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been said

Replaces "told" with "said", offering a more generic expression of conveying information.

it is reported

Emphasizes the reporting or relaying of information, often with an implication of journalistic or official sources.

it is known

Implies that the information is widely recognized or accepted as fact.

it is understood

Suggests a common agreement or assumption about a particular matter.

it is rumored

Indicates that the information is circulating as a rumor and may not be verified.

it is alleged

Indicates that a claim has been made, but its truth is not yet established.

the story goes

Introduces a narrative or anecdote, often suggesting a less formal or historical context.

as the story goes

Similar to "the story goes", adding a bit more emphasis to the narrative nature of the information.

the word is

Suggests that the information is circulating informally or through hearsay.

the tale is

Refers specifically to a narrative or story, often with a traditional or folklore connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "it has been told" in a sentence?

You can use "it has been told" to indicate that a story, information, or instruction has been communicated, often without specifying the source. For example, "It has been told that the treasure is hidden on the island."

What are some alternatives to saying "it has been told"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it has been said", "it is reported", or "the story goes".

Is "it has been told" formal or informal?

"It has been told" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more direct phrasing may be preferred in some situations. It’s often found in narrative or descriptive writing.

When should I use "it has been told" instead of "I was told"?

Use "it has been told" when you want to de-emphasize the source of the information or when the source is unknown or irrelevant. Use "I was told" when you want to emphasize your personal experience of receiving the information.