was informed about

USAGE SUMMARY

"was informed about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone receiving information about something. For example: I was informed about the new policy changes during the meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The informal caregiver was informed about the randomization procedure.

BMC Geriatrics

Every patient was informed about study protocol and procedures and signed informed consent form.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Every volunteer participant was informed about the purpose of this research, and written informed consent obtained.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Each participant was informed about the experimental protocol and procedures before signing informed consent.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

He was informed about public housing.

The Guardian

"He was informed about everything," he said.

The New York Times

In that case I was informed about it.

Yale University

I was informed about it the first day.

The New Yorker

She was informed about the van and the possible perpetrator.

The Guardian

When the latter was ≥4000 g the patient was informed about the risks of birth trauma.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

(Or for us: the Obama Administration was informed about Miranda's detention beforehand).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing study participants, use "was informed about" to specify they received detailed explanations, often before giving consent.

Common error

While "was informed about" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate for a more engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was informed about" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received information regarding a specific topic. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to describe the transfer of knowledge or awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was informed about" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that someone received information regarding a specific topic. According to Ludwig, the phrase is versatile and appears in diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. While predominantly neutral in register, it's best used in scenarios where clear and direct communication is paramount. Consider alternatives like "was notified of" or "was told about" for varying degrees of formality. Be mindful of passive voice overuse to maintain an engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was made aware of

Emphasizes the state of being conscious of something, rather than just receiving information.

was notified of

Focuses on the act of receiving official notice, suggesting a more formal or procedural context.

received information regarding

A more formal and slightly longer way of saying someone was informed.

was apprised of

Implies a more detailed and thorough explanation was given, often used in professional settings.

was briefed on

Implies a concise summary of information, often used in military or business contexts.

learned of

A simpler, more direct way of saying someone found out about something.

was alerted to

Highlights that someone was warned or made aware of a potential issue or danger.

was told about

A very common and informal way to express that someone received information.

was educated on

Suggests a learning process, implying a more in-depth understanding was gained.

had knowledge of

Indicates possession of information, emphasizing awareness rather than the act of informing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was informed about" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using phrases such as "was apprised of" or "was notified of". These options often appear in professional or official contexts.

What's a more casual alternative to "was informed about"?

For a more casual tone, you could say "was told about" or "learned of". These alternatives are suitable for everyday conversation.

How does "was informed about" differ from "was made aware of"?

"Was informed about" suggests receiving specific information, while "was made aware of" implies becoming conscious or cognizant of something, not necessarily through direct communication.

Is it always necessary to include "about" after "was informed"?

Yes, the preposition "about" is essential in the phrase "was informed about". Omitting it changes the meaning or makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. For example, "was informed" requires an object (e.g. "was informed of the decision").