she was told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was told" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone received information or instructions from someone else. Example: She was told to meet her boss at 2pm for an important meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sorry, she was told.

The New York Times

No, she was told.

The New York Times

Vitamins, she was told.

The New Yorker

She was told that Mme.

The New Yorker

Not possible, she was told.

The New Yorker

"Stick with the traffic," she was told.

The New York Times

"Regulate your life," she was told.

The New York Times

Rukundo, terrified, did as she was told.

Independent

"Your daughter's missing," she was told.

The New Yorker

Girls don't play, she was told.

The New York Times - Sports

"The list is frozen," she was told.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "she was told", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the information. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

While "she was told" is grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound passive and less engaging. Consider rephrasing to active voice where appropriate, such as "Someone told her" to make the sentence more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was told" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject received information or instructions from an unspecified source. Ludwig examples show its common use in reporting events and conveying information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was told" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is effective for conveying information received by a female subject, particularly when the source is unspecified or less important than the information itself. The phrase enjoys widespread use in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While correct, being aware of its passive nature and considering active alternatives can improve writing style. Remember to clarify the source of information where relevant to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was informed

A more formal way of saying she received information.

she was advised

Suggests she received guidance or a recommendation.

she received word

Implies a message was communicated to her.

she was notified

Focuses on the formal act of being made aware.

she learned

Focuses on the act of gaining knowledge, rather than being directly informed.

it was explained to her

Highlights the act of explanation as the method of informing.

she found out

Emphasizes discovery, which could be through indirect means.

she heard

Highlights the auditory reception of information.

she understood

Highlights comprehension after receiving information, not the act of telling.

she gathered

Suggests an inference or conclusion drawn from information, rather than direct instruction.

FAQs

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

Consider alternatives like "someone told her", "she heard from someone", or "she learned that" for a more direct and engaging tone. The best choice depends on the context and who you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "she was informed" and "she was told"?

"She was informed" is generally more formal and suggests an official or structured communication. "She was told" is more neutral and can apply to any situation where information was conveyed.

Is it always necessary to specify who told her when using "she was told"?

While not always necessary, specifying the source adds clarity and credibility. If the source is unimportant or unknown, "she was told" is sufficient. If the source is important, include it (e.g., "She was told by her doctor").

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "she was told"?

Avoid using "she was told" in situations where it's crucial to establish accountability. In those cases, try to identify and name the source directly to avoid ambiguity.