told on that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told on that" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express that someone informed on a specific matter, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "I can't believe you told on that incident during the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And there are stories told on that show from the perspectives of women of color — and trans women and lesbians — that I don't think I'd ever seen before".

The New Yorker

"Kraft was told on that night that the phased closure of Somerdale was well advanced, that money had been committed, and that both equipment and people had been, or were in the process of being, moved out," the panel said.

The New York Times

What were you told on that day?

Huffington Post

" 'Embrace Hinduism, and your house will not be demolished,' " Mr. Digal recalled being told on that Wednesday afternoon in September.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Only time will tell on that one.

The New York Times

Time will tell on that one.

The Guardian - Sport

So time will tell on that one.

TechCrunch

The big question is whether overseas markets will take to the service as consumers in China have done — time will tell on that one.

TechCrunch

It would take one student telling on that teacher to bring an entire school down.

Vice

Time will tell on that, but no one wants to play them with their season on the line because they are what the others are not.

Huffington Post

Time may tell on that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "told on that" in formal writing. Instead, opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "reported that" or "informed about that" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Do not use "told on that" when you mean to convey someone provided information. This phrasing is grammatically questionable and may confuse readers. Instead, choose a more direct construction such as "informed about that" or "reported that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told on that" functions as a verb phrase, but it's grammatically awkward and often requires additional context to understand the intended meaning. The Ludwig examples suggest usage in news reporting or personal narratives. However, based on Ludwig AI, this phrasing is incorrect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "told on that" is grammatically questionable and is best avoided in formal writing. Ludwig AI identifies the phrasing as incorrect. While it appears in various sources, particularly in news and media, it often sounds awkward and can be replaced with more precise alternatives like "reported that" or "informed about that". For clarity and professionalism, it's advisable to choose stronger phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reported that

Focuses on conveying information, often in a formal context, similar to informing but without the negative connotation of "telling on" someone.

informed about that

Emphasizes providing information regarding a specific matter, removing the nuance of betrayal or wrongdoing often associated with "telling on" someone.

revealed information about that

Highlights the act of uncovering or disclosing something previously unknown, shifting the focus from the act of telling to the information itself.

disclosed details on that

Indicates a more formal and thorough sharing of information, suitable for situations where specific details are important.

testified concerning that

Implies a formal statement, often in a legal or official setting, about a particular matter.

imparted knowledge regarding that

Highlights the sharing of knowledge or expertise on a subject, removing any negative connotations.

divulged data about that

Emphasizes the sharing of specific data or facts, often in a professional or analytical context.

confided in someone about that

Suggests sharing a secret or personal information, indicating a trusting relationship between the speaker and listener.

snitched on someone regarding that

Keeps the original meaning but is highly informal and implies negativity and wrongdoing

exposed wrongdoing in that

Highlights the act of revealing unethical or illegal actions, focusing on the exposure rather than the act of telling.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "told on that" to sound more professional?

To sound more professional, replace "told on that" with phrases like "reported that", "informed about that", or "revealed information about that". These alternatives provide clarity and are grammatically correct.

What are some alternatives to "told on that" in a formal context?

In formal contexts, avoid "told on that" and use phrases such as "disclosed details on that", "testified concerning that", or "imparted knowledge regarding that". These options are more precise and appropriate for professional communication.

Is "told on that" grammatically correct?

The phrase "told on that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and awkward. It is better to use clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives to ensure effective communication. Consider replacing it with "informed about that" or "reported that".

When should I avoid using the phrase "told on that"?

You should avoid using "told on that" in any formal or professional writing. It is best to reserve it for informal conversation, if at all, and even then, consider using more precise language. Replace it with "reported that" or similar phrases for better clarity.