we are told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are told" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or beliefs that have been communicated to you by others, often implying that the source of the information is not directly known. Example: "In the story, we are told that the hero faced many challenges before achieving success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or so we are told.

The New Yorker

"Owen was enamored, enamored," we are told.

The New York Times - Books

This is no accident, we are told.

The New Yorker

"We are told 'trespassers' in tunnel.

Independent

Graham "has a tantrum," we are told.

The New York Times - Books

"So the bath beckons!" we are told.

The New Yorker

Its power, we are told, is unlimited.

The New Yorker

Lies, we are told, "can create facts.

Independent

War, as we are told, is hell.

The New York Times - Books

But no, we are told.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are told that they've since reconciled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "we are told"; it's suitable for news reporting, academic discussions, or general conversations where attributing a specific source isn't necessary or possible.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "we are told" as it can weaken your writing by obscuring agency. Opt for direct statements with clear subjects when possible to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are told" functions as a reporting clause, introducing information that has been conveyed to the speaker or writer. This indicates that the information is being presented secondhand, as seen in Ludwig's examples from news and academic contexts. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are told" is a grammatically correct and very common reporting clause used to introduce information from an unspecified source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news, academic writing, and general contexts to convey information without specific attribution. To enhance clarity, consider balancing its use with more direct statements to avoid excessive passivity. Remember, "we are told" can be a valuable tool for relaying information, but strategic application makes your writing clearer and more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is said

Emphasizes the information as a common saying or belief.

we understand

Indicates comprehension of information received.

it's reported

Suggests the information comes from a formal report or news source.

we hear

Indicates the information was received informally, possibly as hearsay.

it has been noted

Highlights the information as having been formally observed or recorded.

we have learned

Focuses on the acquisition of new knowledge.

it is believed

Indicates a common conviction or opinion.

we gather

Suggests information is collected from multiple sources.

the word is

Presents information as rumor or general knowledge.

we are informed

Implies a more formal source of information.

FAQs

How can I use "we are told" in a sentence?

You can use "we are told" to introduce information without specifying the source, such as in the sentence, "We are told that the meeting has been postponed."

What's the difference between "we are told" and "it is said"?

"We are told" implies someone has communicated the information to us, whereas "it is said" suggests the information is a general belief or common knowledge.

Are there more formal alternatives to "we are told"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "it is reported" or "we have been informed", which are often used in professional or academic contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "we are told" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "we are told" when you want to convey information without explicitly stating the source, especially when the source is general or unspecified.