it was told that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was told that" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a piece of information or a story that someone has told you or someone else. For example: It was told that the legendary dragon was seen in the forest near the old castle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

N64 Magazine ended their review by saying, "it was told that Majora's Mask should cower in the shadow of Ocarina of Time.

Wikipedia

Romania fared slightly better in the report, though it was told that its reform efforts remain "fragmented".

The New York Times

He noted that for the first 13 years after the company began selling corporate server software in 1989, it was told that its products were not reliable enough for that market.

The New York Times

When the agency forwarded its finding to the White House, it was told that the e-mail would not be opened.

The New York Times

The city has been fighting cuts for the last two years but stepped up its battle in January, when it was told that it would receive even less than it had expected.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

When I saw the town, it felt like it was telling that kind of story.

The Washington Post

It is telling that motherhood receives the most attention.

The New Yorker

So it's telling that Trump prefers "dishonest".

The New Yorker

It's telling that most of my current roles are dark and nasty.

The New Yorker

It is telling that few of today's biggest stars have widely used nicknames.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was told that" to introduce information attributed to a source, especially when the source is not the primary focus of the sentence. This helps maintain objectivity.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive constructions like "it was told that". Instead, consider active voice alternatives to make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of saying "It was told that the meeting was canceled", you could say "Sources reported that the meeting was canceled."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was told that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing information attributed to an unspecified or generalized source. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is a grammatically correct way to convey information received from an external source.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was told that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to introduce information received from an external source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct way to attribute information. It functions as a reporting clause, allowing for indirect conveyance of details. While neutral in register, it's primarily found in news and media contexts. When aiming for more impactful writing, consider using active voice alternatives to avoid overusing passive constructions. For more formal contexts, "it was reported that" or "it was stated that" can serve as effective substitutions. Remember to prioritize clarity and engagement in your writing by thoughtfully choosing between active and passive voice constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was reported that

Focuses on conveying information obtained through official channels or reports.

it was mentioned that

Emphasizes the act of someone briefly referring to the information.

it was stated that

Highlights a formal declaration or pronouncement of the information.

it was indicated that

Suggests that the information was hinted at or implied rather than explicitly stated.

information was conveyed that

Highlights the action of transferring data between individuals

i was informed that

Shifts the focus to the speaker as the recipient of the information.

according to reports

Attributes the information to external reports, implying a degree of verification.

sources say that

Attributes the information to unnamed sources, often used in journalistic contexts.

the word is that

Indicates that the information is circulating as a rumor or common knowledge.

the story goes that

Introduces the information as part of a narrative or anecdote.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it was reported that" or "it was stated that". These options lend a more authoritative feel to your writing.

Is "it was told that" considered passive voice?

Yes, "it was told that" is a passive construction. While grammatically correct, overusing passive voice can make your writing seem less direct. Consider active alternatives when appropriate to improve clarity.

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

"It was told that" is impersonal and focuses on the information being conveyed generally. "I was told that" is personal and emphasizes that the speaker is the recipient of the information.

Are there more concise alternatives to "it was told that"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "sources say that" or simply integrate the information directly into your sentence. For example, instead of "It was told that the project is delayed", you could say "The project is reportedly delayed."