they were informed that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were informed that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when conveying that someone has received information about a specific matter or situation. Example: "They were informed that the meeting has been rescheduled to next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patients were invited to provide veridical information and they were informed that data were used in a confidential manner.

BMC Infectious Diseases

They were informed that the results would not contain any information that would allow individuals to be identified.

BMC Medical Education

All women invited to participate in the ABC study were given written information explaining the purpose of the study and they were informed that participation was voluntary.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

They were informed that they would not receive the dictator's donation.

Nature

They were informed that Mr. O'Neill had the material in his office safe.

The New York Times

They were informed that they had to run the next hunt, and MIT's newest tradition was solidly on its way.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Eventually they were informed that schools could not put a label on the fruit because "Fairtrade" was a brand name.

The Guardian

They were informed that the more accurate their answers, the better their chances of winning a prize.

Harvard Business Review

But their opinions changed when they were informed that the Karolinska student was the publicized 1999 murderer.

The New York Times - Health

But at the Bowlmor Lanes they were informed that "no one under 21 is allowed in after 6 p.m".

The New York Times - Style

About half a dozen people turned up, bemused when they were informed that the meeting had been officially cancelled.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “they were informed that” to clearly and directly state that someone has received information. This construction is suitable for formal writing and reporting, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overusing passive constructions like “they were informed that” can make writing seem indirect and less engaging. Consider active alternatives such as “someone informed them that” to create a more dynamic style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were informed that" functions as a common construction used to report that a group of people received particular information. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It sets the stage for conveying specific details or instructions that followed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were informed that" is a versatile phrase for conveying that a group received specific information. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, especially in science, news, and academic contexts. While extremely common, writers should avoid overusing passive constructions and consider active alternatives to enhance engagement. Remember, the goal is clarity and directness in communicating information effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were notified that

Emphasizes the act of formally communicating information, often through official channels.

they were advised that

Suggests a more consultative or guiding tone, implying the information was intended as advice.

they were told that

A more direct and simple way of saying information was conveyed.

it was communicated to them that

Formal and emphasizes the act of communication rather than the information itself.

they learned that

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

they came to understand that

Highlights a process of comprehension, implying a deeper understanding.

they were made aware that

Emphasizes bringing something to someone's attention, possibly something previously unknown.

they were apprised of the fact that

Highly formal and suggests a detailed briefing on a specific matter.

information was provided to them stating that

Highlights information delivery, focusing on the information source.

they gathered that

Indicates the information was inferred or collected from various sources, rather than directly stated.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were informed that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "they were notified that", "it was communicated to them that", or "they were apprised of the fact that".

What's a simpler way to say "they were informed that"?

A simpler alternative is to use "they were told that", which conveys the same meaning in a more straightforward manner.

Is it always necessary to use "that" after "they were informed"?

While grammatically correct, the "that" is sometimes omitted in informal contexts. However, including "that" after "they were informed" generally enhances clarity, especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "they were informed that" and "they learned that"?

While both suggest gaining knowledge, "they were informed that" implies someone conveyed the information to them, whereas "they learned that" suggests they acquired the knowledge through their own efforts or other means.