told verbally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told verbally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that information was communicated through spoken words rather than in writing. Example: "The instructions were told verbally during the meeting, so please make sure to clarify any doubts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"In particular, he was told verbally and in writing that 'he could only make one reference to his campaign relationship with Nestlé'," it said.

The Guardian

They have just been told verbally that they can't come to England without an appropriate adult present to help them deal with this news.

The Guardian

The children have been told verbally that their asylum claims have not succeeded, but they have not been given any reasons why in writing.

The Guardian

"We're still waiting for a proper bill, but were told verbally we had four weeks to pay," says Whitehouse, who has made an official complaint to Lambeth council's chief executive.

The Guardian - Money

Although Newsquest/Gannett has made no official announcement, says the report, "it is understood that editors have been told verbally that the plans have been shelved and the hubs will continue to write headlines".

The Guardian

In a statement, its chairman, Abdulaziz Sager, said that in October last year the center was "told verbally that a license renewal would not be forthcoming due to the objections by the Dubai government to various aspects of the G.R.C.'s work".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This study compared children who had been told something verbally to others who had only been shown an image.

The Guardian

One poultry farmer in East Anglia went public after a buyer told him verbally that his premium chickens would be put on sale at a discount.

The Guardian

In part, he said, his struggles with depression are related to his guilt about his sister, as well as his troubled relationship with his mother, who, family members told me, verbally and physically abused her son.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our position is that if a former president of the United States told you verbally that your Slurpees are frozen enough, then you should be free to tell the world that your Slurpees are popsicles.

Huffington Post

I can tell people verbally, but now I have some records to prove it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "told verbally", consider if specifying who did the telling is necessary for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "told verbally" excessively in the passive voice. Active voice constructions (e.g., 'He told me verbally') can often be more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told verbally" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the manner in which information was conveyed, specifically through spoken words rather than written communication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "told verbally" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to indicate that information has been communicated through spoken words. Ludwig AI validates that the expression is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. While not exceedingly common, it serves a distinct purpose in emphasizing the oral nature of the communication. When employing the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the speaker when necessary and avoid overusing the passive voice to maintain a direct and engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communicated orally

Focuses on the method of communication being spoken rather than written.

stated orally

Emphasizes the act of making a statement through speech.

expressed verbally

Highlights the conveyance of thoughts or feelings through speech.

conveyed verbally

Highlights the transfer of information through spoken language.

related verbally

Implies a narrative or account being shared through spoken words.

disclosed verbally

Focuses on revealing information through spoken communication.

imparted verbally

Emphasizes the passing on of knowledge or information through speech.

mentioned verbally

Suggests a casual or brief reference made in speech.

intimated verbally

Suggests a subtle or indirect communication through speech.

advised verbally

Specifically refers to giving guidance or counsel through spoken words.

FAQs

What does "told verbally" mean?

"Told verbally" means that information was communicated through spoken words rather than in writing. For example, "The instructions were "told verbally"."

What can I say instead of "told verbally"?

You can use alternatives like "communicated orally", "stated orally", or "expressed verbally" depending on the context.

Is it better to be "told verbally" or in writing?

Whether it's better to be "told verbally" or in writing depends on the situation. Written communication provides a record, while verbal communication allows for immediate clarification.

How to improve clarity when "told verbally"?

To improve clarity when information is "told verbally", use concise language, provide examples, and encourage questions.