it told me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it told me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to information or a message that was conveyed to you by someone or something. Example: "The book was so engaging that it told me secrets about the universe I had never considered before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It told me to hurry up".

The New York Times

It told me how I was valued.

Harvard Business Review

It told me how I was seen.

Harvard Business Review

"I don't want to be that lady," it told me.

The New York Times

It told me everything I needed to know".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It told me he was listening and proactive".

The New York Times

It told me what it was".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It tells me several things.

The New York Times

It tells me a lot.

The New York Times

It tells me absolutely nothing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It tells me.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it told me" to personalize the experience. Add authenticity by using it when you want to showcase how an object, device or even an abstract thing communicated with you.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "it told me" in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it indicated", "it revealed", or "I understood" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it told me" functions as a reporting clause, introducing information or a message that the speaker received from a non-human source. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it told me" is a versatile expression used to attribute information or experiences to non-human sources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. As shown by Ludwig examples, it appears frequently in News & Media as well as Academic and Science contexts, spanning from GPS directions to artistic interpretations. To enhance your writing, ensure the referent of 'it' is clear and consider varying your phrasing with alternatives like "it informed me" or "it revealed to me" to avoid repetition. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "it told me" to add nuance and clarity to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it informed me

This alternative suggests a more formal and direct conveyance of information.

it revealed to me

This implies a disclosure of something previously unknown or hidden.

it indicated to me

This suggests a less direct, more subtle form of communication or sign.

it communicated to me

This conveys a general sense of conveying information.

it showed me

This suggests a visual or demonstrative way of conveying information.

i was advised that

This indicates a recommendation or guidance received.

i understood that

This refers to personal comprehension or interpretation of a message.

i gathered that

This implies inferring information from incomplete or indirect sources.

i learned that

This conveys the acquisition of knowledge through experience or study.

i was given to understand

This indicates receiving information, often indirectly or unofficially.

FAQs

What does "it told me" mean?

The phrase "it told me" indicates that a non-human entity or source conveyed information or a message to the speaker. The "it" could refer to a book, a sign, an app, or even an abstract feeling.

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

You can use "it told me" when describing how something other than a person communicated information to you. For example: "The GPS "told me" to turn left" or "The data "told me" the project was on track".

What are some alternatives to "it told me"?

Some alternatives to "it told me" include "it informed me", "it indicated to me", or "it revealed to me". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the information being conveyed.

Is "it told to me" grammatically correct?

No, "it told to me" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "it told me". The verb "tell" takes a direct object, so the preposition "to" is unnecessary.