told me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told me" is correct and can be used in written English.
When used in a sentence, it is typically used when someone is recounting information that was shared with them. For example: "My neighbor told me that there was a big storm coming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

told me.

The New Yorker

"They told me that".

The New York Times

Brinson told me.

The New Yorker

Hoagland told me.

The New Yorker

"Marmots," he told me.

The New Yorker

Dolly told me.

Independent

He had told me.

The New Yorker

He told me anyway.

The New Yorker

"My sister told me".

The New Yorker

She told me.

The New York Times - Food

"He told me no".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting information, ensure the context is clear. Using "told me" effectively attributes the information to a specific source, enhancing credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "told me" excessively in a passive voice construction. Instead of "I was told by him...", opt for the more direct "He told me..." to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told me" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of conveying information directly to the speaker. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in reporting statements, sharing news, or recounting events from a first-person perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "told me" is a common and grammatically sound way to report information received directly from another person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While there are alternatives such as "informed me" or "mentioned to me", "told me" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. Remember to use it in a direct, active voice for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informed me

Replaces "told" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a deliberate sharing of information.

mentioned to me

Suggests a casual or brief imparting of information.

let me know

Focuses on the act of making someone aware, often used for future events or updates.

shared with me

Emphasizes the act of sharing information, often of a personal or sensitive nature.

communicated to me

A formal way of saying "told me", often used in professional or official settings.

revealed to me

Indicates the unveiling of previously unknown information, often with a sense of surprise.

explained to me

Focuses on clarifying or elaborating on a topic, providing a deeper understanding.

advised me

Implies giving guidance or recommendations, adding a layer of counsel to the act of telling.

confided in me

Suggests a trusted relationship and the sharing of sensitive information.

notified me

Implies an official or important announcement, often related to procedures or updates.

FAQs

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

Use "told me" to report information you received directly from someone. For example, "The doctor "told me" to rest for a week".

What are some alternatives to using "told me"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "informed me", "mentioned to me", or "shared with me".

Is it grammatically correct to say "told to me" instead of "told me"?

The phrase "told to me" is less common and often sounds awkward. "Told me" is generally the preferred and more grammatically sound option.

What's the difference between "told me" and "said to me"?

"Told me" implies conveying information, while "said to me" simply indicates spoken words. You "tell" information, but you "say" words. For instance, "He "told me" the story" versus "He said hello to me".