told that

USAGE SUMMARY

"told that" is a correct and usable phrasing in written English.
You can use it when you are quoting someone that was told something, or when telling something that was told to you. Example: My teacher told me that I need to practice more in order to improve my writing skills.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I wasn't told that".

Independent

She hates being told that.

Independent

I told that story forever.

The New York Times - Arts

I told that story here and here.

The New York Times

He was told that was impossible.

Independent

I was just told that".

The New York Times - Sports

"We were told that wasn't an option.

Science Magazine

However, most group discussants told that disease transmissions were also problems in the study areas.

Ecological Processes

Not everybody gets told that.

Vice

But I was never told that.

BMJ Open

Where I'd got told that was all I could have.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "told that", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the information and to whom it was conveyed. Maintaining clarity enhances the credibility of your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing "told that" in passive constructions, which can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Instead, consider using active voice where appropriate to strengthen your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told that" functions as a reporting verb used to convey information received from another source. This structure allows the writer to attribute statements or facts to a specific origin. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a common and acceptable phrasing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "told that" is a versatile phrase employed to report information received from an external source. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news media, scientific literature, and formal business communications, highlight its utility. When using "told that", ensure clarity regarding the source and recipient of the information. While it is generally acceptable, being mindful of overuse and favoring active voice constructions can enhance writing effectiveness. As a versatile connector, it helps writers indicate origin and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informed that

Highlights the act of providing knowledge to someone.

stated that

Formal alternative emphasizing the act of making a formal statement.

revealed that

Similar to disclosed, but can also imply a more gradual unveiling of information.

reported that

Implies the relaying of information, often in a formal or official context.

disclosed that

Suggests revealing something previously unknown or secret.

mentioned that

Suggests a casual or brief communication of information.

communicated that

Focuses on the act of sharing information, whether verbally or in writing.

indicated that

Suggests a less direct form of communication, hinting at information.

conveyed that

Highlights the act of transmitting a message or information.

related that

Emphasizes the telling of a story or account.

FAQs

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

Use "told that" to report information conveyed to someone. For example, "I was "told that" the meeting was canceled" indicates you received this information from someone else.

What are some alternatives to "told that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "stated that", "mentioned that", or "informed that" to vary your writing.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "told that"?

While "told that" can be used in both active and passive voice, using the active voice can make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, "He told me that..." is more active than "I was "told that" by him..."

When is it appropriate to use "told that" in formal writing?

"Told that" is acceptable in formal writing when accurately reporting information. However, ensure that the source of the information is clear and credible to maintain the writing's integrity.