told the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple people receiving identical information or instructions from someone. Example: "They were all told the same thing during the meeting, so there should be no confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

They had been told the same thing".

The New York Times

At his news conference, Sanchez was told the same thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Once I got there, I was told the same thing.

The New York Times

"With Benedict Cumberbatch, we were told the same thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I wondered how many other people were told the same thing," Ms. Curtis said.

The New York Times

The neural data that Shenhav and Buckner collected told the same thing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

As Bill Clinton reminded us, they are being told the same things.

Huffington Post

Later, the writer heard him happily telling the same thing to all the pension tenants, but there was no reply.

The New Yorker

I tell the same thing to my two young daughters.

TechCrunch

"If she told them the same thing she told Philip, then I might understand".

The New York Times

"Basically, he told me the same thing he told the media.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "told the same thing" to emphasize that multiple individuals received identical information, instructions, or explanations from a common source. This can highlight consistency or a coordinated effort.

Common error

Avoid using "told the same thing" when individuals merely reached similar conclusions independently. This phrase implies direct, shared communication from a single source, not independent convergence of thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told the same thing" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate. It describes a situation where multiple individuals receive identical information. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0.5%

Academia

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "told the same thing" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that multiple individuals have received identical information or instructions from a common source. Ludwig AI analysis, along with numerous examples from diverse sources, confirms its wide applicability, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a direct communication from a single source, rather than independent conclusions. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like ""given the same information"" or "informed of the same details".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

given the same information

Focuses on the act of providing information rather than the act of telling.

informed of the same details

Emphasizes the specific aspects of the shared information.

received the same message

Highlights the receipt of a communication.

were given identical instructions

Specifically refers to instructions that are identical.

heard the same account

Focuses on hearing a narrative or story.

were advised similarly

Highlights the act of receiving similar advice.

got the same story

Focuses on the narrative aspect and is slightly more informal.

were on the same page

Emphasizes a state of agreement or understanding resulting from the shared information.

shared the same understanding

Highlights a mutual comprehension of a particular situation.

corroborated the account

Emphasizes the confirmation or validation of an account.

FAQs

How can I use "told the same thing" in a sentence?

You can use "told the same thing" to indicate that multiple people received the same information. For example, "The employees were "given the same information" during the briefing".

What's a more formal way to say "told the same thing"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "informed of the same details" or "given identical instructions" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always necessary to specify who "told the same thing"?

While not always required, specifying who did the telling adds clarity and authority to the statement. For instance, "The manager told the same thing to each team member" provides more context than simply saying "They were told the same thing".

What's the difference between "told the same thing" and "said the same thing"?

"Told the same thing" usually implies a structured or formal communication, while "said the same thing" can refer to more casual or conversational statements. "The doctor told us the same thing" suggests professional advice; "They said the same thing" suggests a shared opinion.