told to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has been instructed or commanded to do something by another person. Example: "She was told to complete the report by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As told to Seth Kugel.

The New York Times

Then hewas told to undress.

The New Yorker

As told to Austin Considine.

The New York Times

As told to Xiyun Yang.

The New York Times

As told to Abby Ellin.

The New York Times

He was told to desist.

The New Yorker

As told to Sian Elvin.

Independent

Amini was told to leave at once.

The New Yorker

Teachers were told to watch for seizures.

The New Yorker

I was told to do icons".

The New York Times

We were told to get in.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in academic context avoid using "told to" because it is considered less formal compared to alternatives such as instructed to/commanded to, which are better choices.

Common error

Avoid using "told to" when the instruction comes from an unreliable or unclear source. Clearly establish the source of the instruction to maintain credibility and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone received an instruction or command. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use in expressing directives or orders. It showcases how an action was imposed upon someone rather than initiated by them.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "told to" serves as a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that someone has received an instruction or command. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various communication needs. When using "told to", be mindful of the clarity of the source providing the instruction to avoid ambiguity. Consider more formal alternatives like "instructed to" or "commanded to" for professional or academic settings. Overall, "told to" provides a reliable method for conveying directives in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instructed to

Implies a more formal and official instruction compared to the general term "told to".

ordered to

Similar to "commanded to" but can also apply in less formal situations, implying a direct instruction.

commanded to

Suggests a higher degree of authority and a more forceful order than "told to".

directed to

Indicates guidance or direction toward a specific action or location.

enjoined to

Suggests a formal or legal obligation, a stronger sense of duty than "told to".

assigned to

Implies a specific task or duty has been given, often in a professional context.

advised to

Suggests a recommendation or counsel rather than a strict order, differing in the level of authority.

tasked to

Similar to "assigned to" but emphasizes the nature of the work being given.

requested to

Implies a polite request rather than a command, indicating less authority than "told to".

asked to

A general term for seeking assistance or action, less forceful than "told to".

FAQs

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

You can use "told to" to indicate that someone received an instruction or command. For example, "He was "told to" complete the assignment by Friday".

What are some alternatives to "told to"?

Alternatives to "told to" include "instructed to", "commanded to", or "directed to", depending on the level of formality and authority you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "was told to" or "were told to"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "was told to" for singular subjects (e.g., "He was "told to"") and "were told to" for plural subjects (e.g., "They were "told to"").

What is the difference between "told to" and "asked to"?

"Told to" implies an instruction or command, whereas "asked to" suggests a request. The former indicates authority, while the latter implies a choice. For example, "He was "told to" leave" versus "He was "asked to" help".