we have told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have told" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or messages that have been communicated in the past and are still relevant or applicable. Example: "As we have told you before, the deadline for the project is next Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We have told him that and we have moved on".

Independent

"We have told parents to keep their children in school.

The New York Times

We have told you twice you can't smoke in here".

The Guardian - Film

"We have told NGOs that they can move in".

The Guardian

We have told the coalition we are considering our position".

The Guardian

We have told the negotiating team how many specific years of restrictions are acceptable," he said.

Independent

"We have told them in a very direct way, time and again, we are against it".

The New York Times

"We have told our partners that further austerity steps are out of the question".

The New York Times

"We have told everybody everything," said a Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei.

The New York Times

As we have told our European partners before, this is a mistaken policy.

The New York Times

"We have told the Department of Health that this is emerging as a serious issue.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have told" when you want to emphasize that information has already been communicated and is relevant to the current situation. Ensure the context makes it clear to whom the information was conveyed.

Common error

While "we have told" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "informed", "notified", or "communicated" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we have told" is as a verb phrase acting as the main predicate in a sentence. It indicates a completed action with present relevance, conveying that information has been communicated. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where it introduces reported speech or states of affairs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have told" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to indicate that information has been previously communicated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally suitable for various contexts, including news, general communication, and professional settings. However, more formal alternatives like "we informed" or "we notified" may be preferred in academic or highly formal writing. The phrase serves to convey information and establish that a message has been previously delivered, often to remind, inform, or justify current actions based on prior communication. While generally acceptable, be mindful of the context and choose the most precise wording to enhance clarity and professionalism. Its frequency is very common, especially in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we informed

Emphasizes the act of conveying information in a more formal or direct way.

we notified

Suggests a formal or official communication, often used in situations requiring documentation.

we advised

Implies giving guidance or recommendations, adding a layer of counsel to the communication.

we communicated

Focuses on the general act of exchanging information, without specifying the method or content.

we let them know

A more informal way of saying "we have told", suitable for casual conversation.

we expressed

Highlights the conveyance of feelings, thoughts, or opinions rather than factual information.

we mentioned

Indicates a brief or casual reference to something, rather than a full explanation.

we declared

Implies a formal or official announcement, often with a sense of certainty or authority.

we conveyed

Highlights the transmission of information, ideas, or feelings, often across a distance or barrier.

we imparted

Suggests bestowing knowledge or wisdom, adding a sense of authority or expertise.

FAQs

What is the difference between "we have told" and "we told"?

"We have told" is in the present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present. "We told" is in the simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past, with no specific connection to the present.

What can I say instead of "we have told" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use alternatives like "we informed", "we notified", or "we communicated", depending on the context.

How do I use "we have told" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure the sentence clearly indicates who the information was communicated to and that the past communication is still relevant or has an impact on the current situation. For example, "We have told them the deadline is Friday, so they should submit their reports soon."

Is "we have told" appropriate for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "we have told" may be considered less formal for academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives such as "we informed" or "we advised" when appropriate.