we told you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we told you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous communication or information that was shared with someone. Example: "We told you about the meeting last week, and it’s important that you attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We told you so".

The New York Times - Arts

Not that we told you.

The New Yorker

"Well," he said, "we told you so".

The New York Times

"We told you we were thoughtless".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We told you it goes fast.

The Guardian - Sport

Not to say, "We told you so".

The New York Times

We told you not to ask.

The New York Times

"We told you last time not to come back".

The New York Times - Magazine

But we told you about stability and self-control.

The New York Times - Sports

(Hey, we told you the system is flawed).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Did we tell you about Richard Gross?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we told you" to politely remind someone of prior advice or information, especially when the outcome aligns with what was previously communicated.

Common error

While "we told you" is acceptable, it can sound condescending in formal settings. Opt for more professional alternatives like "we advised you" or "we informed you" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we told you" functions as a declarative statement, typically used to remind someone of information previously conveyed. It often carries a subtle implication that the speaker's prior statement has been validated by subsequent events. Ludwig confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we told you" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to remind someone of prior information. According to Ludwig, its neutral tone can sometimes lean towards informal or condescending depending on context. While common in News & Media, it should be used cautiously in formal settings where alternatives like "we advised you" or "we informed you" might be more appropriate. Remember to consider your audience and the situation to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't we tell you

Expresses surprise or mild annoyance that the listener did not heed the previous information.

we warned you

Highlights a prior warning about a potential danger or negative outcome.

you were told

Shifts the focus from the speaker's action to the listener's reception of the information.

we advised you

Implies a formal recommendation or guidance given previously.

we informed you

Focuses on the act of providing information without necessarily implying a warning or recommendation.

as we said before

Emphasizes a repetition of a previous statement.

bear in mind what we mentioned

A reminder to consider previous shared information.

recall what we said

Invites the listener to remember the information shared.

we previously stated

Highlights a formal declaration made in the past.

it was communicated to you

Emphasizes that the information was delivered, potentially by someone other than the speaker.

FAQs

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

You can use "we told you" to politely remind someone of something they were previously informed about, especially when the outcome confirms the prior information. For example, "We told you the project deadline was today".

What's a more formal alternative to "we told you"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "we advised you" or "we informed you", which convey the same message with a more professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "we told you"?

It is appropriate to use "we told you" when you want to gently remind someone of information you previously shared, particularly when the current situation validates what you said. Be mindful of the tone and audience to avoid sounding condescending.

What's the difference between "we told you" and "we warned you"?

"We told you" is a general reminder of prior information, while "we warned you" specifically refers to a prior warning about a potential negative outcome. The latter carries a stronger sense of caution or impending consequence.