told by

USAGE SUMMARY

"told by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate the source of a story or information. For example: The story of the shipwreck was told by an old sailor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now we're told by the C.B.O.

The New York Times

Are told by wife to look right.

The New Yorker

Compares stories as told by different newspapers.

The New Yorker

But told by whom?

The Guardian - Books

"That's what I was told by everyone.

The New York Times

Story told by Jacques the maitre d'hotel.

The New Yorker

"I was told by my aunt.

The Guardian

This book is told by Sylvie.

The Guardian

Their story is told by others".

The New York Times - Arts

That's what we're told by almost everyone.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was told by regional managers to conduct another drill.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing information, ensure the source is credible and relevant to the topic. Using "told by" can add a personal or narrative element to the attribution.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject is acted upon without a clear indication of who or what is doing the telling. Ensure the actor is clearly identified for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told by" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used to attribute information, stories, or accounts to a specific source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and accepted way to indicate origin or perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "told by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to attribute information or narratives to a source. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing, while its primary function is to provide context and credibility by identifying the origin of the information. While alternatives like "narrated by" or "according to" exist, each carries slightly different nuances. Understanding these distinctions allows for more precise and effective communication. Ultimately, "told by" remains a reliable and frequently used phrase in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to

Indicates that the information is based on the statement or opinion of a particular source.

as stated by

Formally introduces information directly quoted or paraphrased from a source.

narrated by

Focuses specifically on storytelling or recounting events.

related by

Implies a connection or link between the source and the information being conveyed.

attributed to

Links an idea, creation, or action to its originator or source.

reported by

Suggests a formal or official transmission of information, often used in journalistic contexts.

voiced by

Signifies that the source is expressing something aloud or in writing.

accounted for by

Highlights the explanation or reason provided by a particular source.

expressed by

Highlights that the source is communicating a thought or feeling.

described by

Emphasizes the specific details or characteristics presented by a source.

FAQs

How can I use "told by" in a sentence?

Use "told by" to attribute a story, information, or perspective to a specific source. For example, "The story was "told by" a witness at the scene".

What are some alternatives to "told by"?

Alternatives include "narrated by", "related by", or "reported by", each with slightly different connotations. Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it correct to say "was told by"?

Yes, "was told by" is a grammatically correct passive voice construction. For example, "I was "told by" my doctor to rest".

What's the difference between "according to" and "told by"?

"According to" is generally used for factual information or opinions, while "told by" often implies a more narrative or personal account. For example, "According to the report, sales increased" vs. "The story was "told by" my grandmother".