was first told about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was first told about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial time someone learned about a particular subject or event. Example: "The story of the ancient civilization was first told about in the history books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Jayne Anne Phillips was first told about Harry Powers when she was a child.

The Guardian - Books

I was in disbelief when I was first told about this little gadget because it is such a small wireless device.

University of California, Berkeley

I was first told about the musicians' cellar at Rosenborg by some Danish friends who took me there in 1991.

The Guardian - Books

Confusion surrounded the date on which the legionella outbreak had been confirmed, with Saga saying it was first told about it on 14 January.

The Guardian

When I was first told about the captaincy nine days ago I felt really humble because it is a privilege given to so few rugby players.

The Guardian - Sport

When he was first told about its importance, he said, "I thought, 'Oh, Barry's being so polite, saying it's a wonderful treasure.' " The Lycett market, meanwhile, is heating up.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Ministers are first told about the new disease.

The Guardian

• 1987 Ministers are first told about the new disease.

The Guardian

Wisconsin health officials say they were first told about half a dozen possible cases between Dec. 29 and Jan . 4 and began statewide surveillance a day later.

The Washington Post

When the British analysts, who often work side by side with N.S.A. officers, were first told about the program, another memo said, "those not already briefed were gobsmacked!" An intelligence budget document makes clear that the effort is still going strong.

The New York Times

The first part of that finding, at least, fits with recent academic research which found, in an experiment, that people who were first told about Tim Cook's outspoken stance on a "religious liberty" said they were more likely to buy Apple products.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "was first told about", ensure that the context clearly indicates who provided the information and when it was initially conveyed. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was first told about" without specifying the source of the information. Always clarify who provided the information initially to maintain credibility and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was first told about" functions as a passive reporting verb phrase, indicating that someone received initial information regarding a specific topic or event. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it is used to convey when the subject initially learned of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was first told about" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression that serves to indicate when someone initially received information regarding a particular topic or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples from reliable sources. While the phrase is primarily found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. To enhance clarity, always specify the source of information when using this phrase. Alternatives like "was initially informed about" or "was first made aware of" can be used for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was first made aware of

Highlights the gaining of awareness about something.

was initially informed about

Replaces "told" with the more formal "informed" and "first" with "initially", indicating a formal notification.

was previously apprised of

Uses "apprised" suggesting a formal briefing.

was given initial details regarding

Emphasizes the provision of specific information at the beginning.

was originally notified regarding

Uses "notified" which suggests an official communication; "regarding" adds specificity.

was formerly advised about

Uses "advised" to suggest guidance or counsel was provided.

initially learned of

Uses "learned" to convey the acquisition of knowledge.

was acquainted with initially

Indicates the start of familiarity or knowledge.

first heard of

Emphasizes the aural reception of information.

came to know initially about

Focuses on the process of gaining information.

FAQs

What does "was first told about" mean?

It means that someone received initial information or notification regarding a particular subject or event.

How can I use "was first told about" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate when someone initially learned of something, for example: "She "was first told about" the project during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "was first told about"?

You can use alternatives such as "was initially informed about", "first heard of", or "was first made aware of".

Is "was first told about" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the overall tone and style of the writing.