it is told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is told" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about something that is being said based on something that people have heard, rather than something that has been directly observed. For example: "It is told that the old building was haunted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet it is told with beautiful simplicity and rollicking readability.

Independent

The way it is told, though, is gripping.

The Guardian

It changes for the occasion on which it is told.

The Guardian

Too bad none of it is told very well.

The New York Times

How it is told, though, is another matter entirely.

The Guardian - Books

It is told in a style that has been "novelized".

The New York Times - Books

LONDON — Sometimes the story is less important than the way it is told.

The New York Times - Arts

It is told through the eyes of family and a love of the game.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

It is told in Julavits's signature style: sharp-eyed, sardonic, hilarious.

The New York Times - Books

It is told as if the author was drunk or high on heroin.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is told" when you want to indicate that information is based on hearsay, tradition, or a second-hand account, rather than direct evidence.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice, including "it is told", as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider using a more active construction if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is told" functions as an introductory phrase to present information that is based on hearsay, tradition, or narrative accounts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

19%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is told" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information based on second-hand accounts, tradition, or hearsay. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media. While it is useful for conveying information without direct attribution, writers should avoid overusing the passive voice and consider more active constructions when appropriate. Alternatives like "it is said" or "it is reported" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Remember to use "it is told" when you want to share a piece of information that may not be verifiable but is part of a broader narrative or shared understanding. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is reported

Changes the verb to 'reported', indicating information received but not necessarily verified.

it is said

Replaces 'told' with 'said', conveying a sense of hearsay or common knowledge.

the story goes

Emphasizes the narrative aspect, implying a traditional or well-known account.

the word is

Indicates a rumor or piece of information circulating among people.

it's rumored

Highlights the uncertainty and potential lack of factual basis.

narrative recounts

Uses a more formal tone, focusing on the recounting of events.

accounts suggest

Presents the information as based on multiple accounts or testimonies.

tradition holds

Indicates the information is part of a long-standing tradition or belief.

they say

A simpler and more direct way to convey that the information is based on hearsay.

history relates

Implies a historical account is being referenced.

FAQs

What does "it is told" mean?

"It is told" signifies that a piece of information is conveyed through hearsay, stories, or traditions rather than being directly observed or proven.

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

You can use "it is told" to introduce a narrative or a piece of information that is based on a second-hand account. For example, "It is told that the castle is haunted."

What are some alternatives to "it is told"?

Alternatives to "it is told" include phrases like "it is said", "it is reported", or "the story goes", depending on the context.

Is "it is told" formal or informal?

"It is told" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in narrative or descriptive writing where the source of information is not directly verified.