was told

USAGE SUMMARY

"was told" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to information which has been given to somebody in the past. For example: "Alyssa was told not to go outside without a coat, but she did anyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So I was told.

The New York Times

Sorry, she was told.

The New York Times

"I was told that".

The New York Times

Murder, I was told.

The New York Times

"Nothing," he was told.

The New Yorker

Yes, he was told.

The New York Times

No, he was told.

The New York Times - Sports

"Impossible," I was told.

The New York Times

No, she was told.

The New York Times

Vitamins, she was told.

The New Yorker

The Oracle was told, "O.K.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was told", ensure that the context clearly indicates who provided the information. This adds credibility and helps the reader understand the source of the knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "was told" without specifying who conveyed the information, as it can make the statement sound vague and less reliable. If possible, identify the source to strengthen your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was told" functions as the passive voice of the verb 'tell'. It indicates that the subject of the sentence received information or instruction from an unspecified source. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was told" is a very common and grammatically correct construction used to indicate that the subject received information from an unspecified source. As Ludwig AI points out, it functions as the passive voice of 'tell'. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using "was told", it's best practice to attribute the source of information to enhance credibility. Alternatives like "was informed", "was advised", and "was reported" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Therefore, according to Ludwig, the phrase "was told" serves an important purpose in communicating information received from others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was informed

Highlights the act of being formally notified or instructed.

it was explained to me

Emphasizes that someone clarified or elucidated the information for the speaker.

I was advised

Highlights that the information came in the form of advice or guidance.

it was reported

Emphasizes the formal reporting of information, often through official channels.

I learned

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge by the speaker, rather than the act of being informed.

I received word

Indicates receiving a message or communication, often from a specific source.

I heard

Indicates receiving information through auditory means or general communication.

it came to my attention

Suggests that the information was brought to the speaker's notice.

I understood

Focuses on the speaker's comprehension of the information received.

I gathered

Implies inferring information from various sources or observations.

FAQs

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

You can use "was told" to indicate that you received information from someone. For example, "I was told that the meeting was canceled".

What's the difference between "I was told" and "I learned"?

"I was told" indicates that someone directly conveyed the information to you. "I learned", on the other hand, suggests that you acquired the information through your own investigation or experience. Alternatives like "I was informed" are closer in meaning to "was told".

What can I say instead of "was told"?

Alternatives include "was informed", "was advised", or "was reported", depending on the context.

Is it better to specify who told me something instead of using "was told"?

Yes, specifying the source enhances credibility and provides context. Instead of saying "I was told," consider "My manager told me" or "The report indicated".