told not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told not to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has been instructed or advised against doing something. Example: "He was told not to speak during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were told not to worry.

The New York Times

I was told not to follow.

The New York Times

And they were told not to witness.

The New York Times

She was told not to leave Beijing.

The New York Times

I was told not to go there.

Columbia University

She was told not to.

The New York Times

Were they told not to?

The Washington Post

I was told not to wear jeans.

The Washington Post

We're told not to be hypocritical.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fighters were told not to move.

The Guardian

We were told not to watch it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "told not to", ensure the context clearly indicates who issued the instruction and the specific action being restricted. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the ""told not to"" instruction applies universally or indefinitely. Specify the limitations if the prohibition is conditional or temporary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told not to" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an instruction or command, advising against a specific action. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "told not to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that someone has been instructed to avoid a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "instructed not to". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who gave the instruction and the specific action being prohibited to prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instructed not to

Replaces "told" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the directive nature of the instruction.

under orders not to

Specifies that the instruction originates from a higher authority, emphasizing the obligation to comply.

ordered not to

Indicates a more authoritative command, highlighting the hierarchical nature of the instruction.

advised not to

Suggests a recommendation against a certain action, softening the force of a direct order.

prohibited from

Emphasizes a formal ban or restriction, suitable for official or legal contexts.

wasn't allowed to

Conveys a lack of permission, focusing on the absence of authorization.

forbidden to

Implies a strong prohibition, often with moral or ethical connotations.

discouraged from

Suggests a gentle dissuasion, implying that the action is not recommended but not strictly forbidden.

warned against

Highlights the potential negative consequences of an action, framing the instruction as a precaution.

requested not to

Indicates a polite appeal to avoid a certain action, emphasizing the voluntary nature of compliance.

FAQs

What does "told not to" mean?

The phrase "told not to" indicates that someone received an instruction or directive advising them against performing a specific action. It implies a degree of authority or influence from the person giving the instruction.

How can I use "told not to" in a sentence?

You can use "told not to" to describe a situation where someone was advised or instructed to avoid doing something. For example: "The children were "told not to touch" the antique furniture."

What are some alternatives to "told not to"?

Alternatives to "told not to" include "instructed not to", "advised against", or "forbidden to", depending on the level of formality and the strength of the prohibition.

Is it grammatically correct to say "told to not" instead of "told not to"?

While understandable, "told not to" is the standard and grammatically preferred construction. "Told to not" is less common and can sound awkward in formal writing.