it was told

USAGE SUMMARY

'it was told' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that was said or narrated, either in the past or in the present. For example: "It was told that the castle was built in the 12th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pharmaceutical industry lobbied on the administration's side once it was told its interests would be protected.

The Economist

But this year, it was told of its selection on Aug. 1.

The New York Times - Sports

That it was told to apologise on its front page for trashing the Labour leader will be galling.

Independent

Then, when things went wrong, it was told that it must fix its deep structural rigidities.

The New York Times

It was told by water regulator Ofwat to return £5m to its customers for failing to deliver leakage reduction targets.

BBC

"It was told to us," one said.

The New York Times

When pressed, parliament, too, did as it was told.

The Economist

It was told only euro members could attend.

The New York Times

It was told by family members over the years, as I discovered.

Princeton University

Once again, it was told to stand down.

The New York Times

It was told by Mike Adamcik, a Houston teacher.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was told", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the information. If the source is ambiguous, consider rephrasing for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was told" in situations where the active voice would be more direct and engaging. Overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound vague and impersonal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was told" functions as a passive construction used to report or relay information. The emphasis is on the information itself rather than the source, which may be unknown or less important. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a common way to introduce narratives or relay information without specifying the speaker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was told" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction for relaying information, as verified by Ludwig AI. It deemphasizes the source while emphasizing the message, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general narratives. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity regarding who or what "it" refers to and avoid overuse to maintain an engaging writing style. The related phrases offer options for adding nuance or specifying the source of information, enriching your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was reported

Focuses on the act of reporting information, often through official channels or news sources. The difference lies in the connotation of formal reporting.

it has been said

Emphasizes a widely accepted or circulated piece of information. The difference is that it implies a more general or communal source of information.

it was narrated

Implies a storytelling context, often in literature or oral tradition. This is different because it focuses on the act of narration rather than simple conveyance of information.

the story goes

Suggests a traditional, often embellished account of events. The difference is that it highlights the narrative aspect and potential for exaggeration.

the word is

Conveys information passed through informal channels or rumors. It is more colloquial and less formal than "it was told".

i was informed

Highlights the speaker's direct receipt of the information. The subject receiving the information is explicit.

sources say

Attributes the information to unnamed or confidential sources. The subject spreading the information is plural and vague.

the account is

Introduces a specific version or telling of an event. The difference is a reference to a specific account, which may be documented.

according to

Attributes information to a specific authority or document. Differs in that it references a more formal source or citation.

people say

Suggests a widespread belief or rumor without a clear source. It's more general than "it was told" and implies collective knowledge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was told" to sound more active?

You can use active alternatives such as "they said", "he reported", or "sources revealed" to create a more direct and engaging tone.

When is it appropriate to use "it was told"?

Use "it was told" when you want to emphasize the information being conveyed rather than the person who conveyed it, or when the source is unknown or unimportant.

What's the difference between "it was told" and "it was said"?

"It was told" often implies a narrative or story, while "it was said" is a more general way of reporting information. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was told" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was told" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction indicating that information was conveyed to someone. Ludwig AI confirms that is perfectly correct and usable in written English.