only to be informed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only to be informed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a situation where someone receives information after a prior action or expectation, often with a sense of disappointment or irony. Example: "I was excited to hear about the promotion, only to be informed that the position had already been filled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

After a half hour more, Lincoln again sent word, only to be informed that the general had gone to sleep.

The New York Times

Interviewed on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, she recalled telling her music teacher she wanted to be a conductor, only to be informed: "Girls don't do that".

The Guardian - Music

He had planned on seeing the patient, only to be informed by Petrela that she was already in the operating room and was having her head cut open.

The New York Times - Magazine

A judge ordered his extradition, only to be informed that Breyer had died the night before the extradition order was signed.

The New Yorker

He said he unveiled the usual bountiful spread, only to be informed that Ms. Spears ate nothing but BLT sandwiches for lunch.

The New York Times - Food

Mr. James closed his eyes, emotionally transported, throughout his performance — only to be informed that a technical snag would necessitate another.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

To combat the fear of having a panic attack or a heart attack, you not only need to be informed about aviation but also need to learn about fear and its effects on the body during high-stress situations, van Gerwen explained.

Huffington Post

The practice of reporting systematic reviews of test accuracy should improve if readers not only want to be informed about the limitations in the available evidence, but also on the associated implications for the performance of the evaluated tests.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The practice of reporting systematic reviews of test accuracy should improve if readers not only want to be informed about the limitations in the available evidence, but also on the associated implications for the performance of the evaluated tests in clinical practice.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Clive Gillinson, the hall's executive and artistic director, said he could only wait to be informed by city officials.

The New York Times - Arts

Some were happy to be able to help the "greater good", yet others, while understanding this opinion, felt that it was only courteous to be informed about the research and that the data should not be taken without the patient's knowledge.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only to be informed" to create a sense of irony or contrast between an expectation and the reality of the situation. This adds depth and narrative interest to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overuse by varying sentence structure. While "only to be informed" is passively constructed, too many passive constructions can make your writing feel weak. Instead, consider active alternatives where appropriate for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only to be informed" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a purpose clause, modifying a verb by expressing the unexpected consequence or outcome of an action. Ludwig AI shows it connects an initial action with a subsequent piece of information that often contrasts with the intended or expected result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only to be informed" functions as an adverbial phrase to express an unexpected or contrasting outcome following an action or expectation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in News & Media and Wiki sources. It serves to add irony or surprise to the narrative. When using it, be mindful of avoiding passive voice overuse. Alternatives include "only to discover" and "just to learn" for similar but nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only to find out

Emphasizes the process of uncovering or revealing information.

only to discover

Focuses on the act of finding something out, emphasizing the discovery aspect.

just to learn

Highlights the acquisition of knowledge as a direct consequence.

merely to be told

Stresses the simplicity and passivity of receiving information.

simply to hear

Focuses on the act of hearing the information, often implying a lack of further action.

to then be notified

Highlights the formal process of receiving a notification.

subsequently being advised

Emphasizes the element of receiving guidance or counsel after an event.

later to be apprised

Suggests a formal or official communication of information.

eventually being made aware

Stresses the gradual realization or understanding of something.

in turn being advised

Focuses on the aspect of receiving guidance in return or as a response to something.

FAQs

How can I use "only to be informed" in a sentence?

You can use "only to be informed" to express a situation where someone undertakes an action or holds an expectation, but then receives information that contradicts or alters that expectation. For example: "I arrived at the meeting early, "only to be informed" that it had been canceled."

What are some alternatives to "only to be informed"?

Some alternatives include "only to discover", "just to learn", or "only to find out". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "only to be informed"?

Yes, "only to be informed" is grammatically correct. It follows a standard pattern of using "only to" followed by an infinitive verb phrase to express a contrasting or unexpected outcome.

What's the difference between "only to be informed" and "just to be informed"?

"Only to be informed" implies a greater sense of contrast or surprise compared to "just to be informed". "Only to be informed" suggests a prior expectation that was then overturned by the information received, whereas "just to be informed" is a more neutral statement of receiving information.