told about that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told about that" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be used in informal spoken contexts, but it lacks clarity and proper structure for written communication. Example: "She was told about that incident during the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

When told about that, Ms. Temieva offered only a skeptical snort.

The New York Times

So I'm not sure the full story has been told about that one.

The Guardian - Sport

The jury has not been told about that period of detention, and has heard a largely straightforward criminal case involving dozens of government witnesses and forensic findings.

The New York Times

Limits were placed on what the public could be told about that hearing, but O'Dwyer has now ruled that much of his judgment can be reported.

The Guardian - Music

Of course, there are stories to be told about that, but it's time people are exposed to all the facets of our Indian life".

The Guardian - Film

The umpires for this series were told about that incident, and they asked if there was still a problem between the teams when the lineups were exchanged Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

There's something rather telling about that.

The Guardian - Music

What is the story I want to tell about that?

The New York Times

I have many stories to tell about that dreadful period.

The New York Times

Minority traffic wardens have many tales to tell about that.

The Guardian

Phillips lived to tell about that dive and 45 others.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use stronger verbs such as informed, notified, briefed, or apprised to clarify the type of information shared or the context of communication.

Common error

Avoid using "told about that" in formal documents or academic papers. This phrase is often considered too casual and may diminish the credibility of your writing. Opt for more formal language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told about that" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone received information. However, Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically incorrect in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "told about that" is relatively common, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Its function is to indicate that someone has been informed, but its register leans towards informal. When aiming for more formal or professional communication, alternatives such as "informed of that", "notified about that", or "apprised of that" are recommended to enhance clarity and maintain a professional tone. Always consider the context and audience when choosing between informal and formal language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informed of that

Replaces "told" with a more formal synonym "informed", indicating conveyance of information.

notified about that

Substitutes "told" with "notified", implying a formal announcement or warning.

apprised of that

Replaces "told" with "apprised", suggesting a more detailed explanation or briefing.

made aware of that

Rephrases the expression to focus on the state of being informed, using a more descriptive structure.

given information about that

Specifies the type of communication as "information", emphasizing the content being shared.

briefed on that

Indicates that a concise summary or set of instructions was given regarding the subject.

advised about that

Suggests that counsel or recommendations were provided concerning the topic.

counseled on that

Implies that advice was given, often in a more personal or professional context.

lectured about that

Denotes a formal presentation or discourse on the subject.

schooled about that

Implies that a lesson or training was provided regarding the subject.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "told about that"?

More formal alternatives include "informed of that", "notified about that", or "apprised of that". These options provide a more professional tone in writing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "told about that"?

While commonly used in informal speech, "told about that" is not considered grammatically correct in formal written English. It is better to use alternatives that adhere to standard grammatical rules.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "told about that"?

The phrase "told about that" is generally more appropriate in casual conversations or informal settings. In formal writing or professional communication, it is advisable to use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives.

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "told about that" to make it sound more professional?

To make a sentence sound more professional, replace "told about that" with alternatives such as "was informed of that", "was notified about that", or "was briefed on that". This substitution enhances the clarity and formality of your writing.