we have been advised

USAGE SUMMARY

"we have been advised" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used when someone has received a piece of advice or instruction from someone else. Example sentence: We have been advised to take precautions when traveling overseas.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

We have been advised that Hind has never been an adviser to Green, or an employee of any company controlled by him.

The Guardian - Business

"We have been advised on these issues by multiple experts in the area.

The New York Times

"We have been advised that athletes and the Russian Olympic Committee may appeal this decision in court," he added.

The Guardian - Sport

In compiling our tables, we have been advised by an expert review group of professionals from UK universities.

The Guardian

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire county council (NCC) said: "We have been advised that we cannot comment on the matter".

The Guardian

"We have been advised by law enforcement not to engage the protesters and invite them into the mosque.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"We have been advising the players to prepare for a couple of years for a worst-case analysis," Fehr said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have been advising Apple to change its strategy in Europe," Ms. Milanesi said, referring to Gartner's research reports.

The New York Times - Tech

'We can't afford to provide meals for all these children, and so we have been advising them to bring food.

The Guardian

"We have been advising headteachers to ensure they have high-quality pay policies that are explicit, clear and transparent about the criteria," he said.

The Guardian

"We have been advising people in Cairo or Alexandria or Suez to leave if they can, if they don't have any pressing reason to remain," Hague told parliament.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have been advised", ensure the context clearly implies who provided the advice and their relevant expertise, enhancing credibility.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by specifying who provided the advice unless there's a deliberate reason to keep the source anonymous. The phrase "we have been advised" can seem evasive if the advisor remains unidentified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have been advised" functions as a reporting clause, indicating that the speaker or writer has received guidance or information from another party. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in conveying reliance on external expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have been advised" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that guidance or information has been received from an external source. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to specify the source of the advice when possible, and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "we were informed" or "we received counsel" can be used to vary your language. While "we have been advised" is generally acceptable, clarity and context are key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were informed

Focuses on the simple reception of information, without necessarily implying advice.

we were told

Similar to "we were informed", but can sometimes imply a less formal context.

we received counsel

Emphasizes the act of receiving guidance or advice from a counselor or advisor.

we consulted with

Highlights the act of seeking advice through a consultation process.

it was recommended to us

Shifts the focus to the recommendation itself, rather than the act of advising.

we sought guidance

Highlights the active seeking of guidance or advice.

we took advice from

Emphasizes the action of using the advice provided.

we learned

A more general term indicating the acquisition of knowledge, which could include advice.

we were schooled

Less formal way of saying that we have received instructions.

we got word

An informal alternative, suggesting information was received, possibly indirectly.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we have been advised" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases such as "we received counsel" or "it was recommended to us" for a more formal tone. These alternatives provide a similar meaning while enhancing the professional nature of the statement.

Is it better to name the advisor when using "we have been advised"?

Whenever possible, specify the advisor to increase transparency and credibility. For example, "We have been advised by legal counsel that…" is stronger than "We have been advised that…".

What is the difference between "we were informed" and "we have been advised"?

"We were informed" indicates the receipt of information, whereas "we have been advised" implies guidance or recommendations were given. The latter suggests a proactive offering of advice, not just a passive transfer of information.

Can I use "we've been advised" instead of "we have been advised"?

Yes, "we've been advised" is a contraction of "we have been advised" and is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, though "we have been advised" may be preferred in highly formal writing. Ultimately, both are interchangeable.