we were advised that

USAGE SUMMARY

'we were advised that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are stating that someone gave you information or advice. For example: We were advised that the best way to reach our destination was to take the train.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"We were advised that valid licenses were in their possession, and only this morning we were advised that these licenses had been temporarily suspended," Mr. Stevens said.

The New York Times

We were advised that it would be a while and that we should turn around.

The New York Times

We were advised that domain names of registrants who did not register as required would no longer resolve.

The Economist

"We were advised that you need to have identified a third of the funds beforehand from friends, family and investors," says Atkinson.

The Guardian

Lambert said Waller county officials had "not made contact with me at all except when we were advised that they wanted the possibility of re-examining Sandy".

The Guardian

We were advised that if we left the money in the football club it could attract a very large tax bill, which would fall on the football club.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

We are advised that higher education should be restricted, but this raises a pertinent social question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

'We are advised that you are presently engaged in selling Washington State Apples.

Cornell University

We are advised that the claim will be considered by the court at a hearing in February 2012," it explained.

The Guardian

"We have neither received an E.E.O.C. complaint, nor have we been advised that one is in process regarding this matter," Schultz said through a university spokeswoman Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

We are advised that a similar one was enacted by the State of Mississippi in 1924 and by the State of Louisiana in 1926.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were advised that" to indicate you received information, direction, or a recommendation from an authoritative source.

Common error

Avoid using "we were advised that" in very informal settings. Simpler phrases like "we were told that" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were advised that" functions as a reporting verb construction, used to introduce information or recommendations received from an external source. It indicates that the information provided carries some authority or expertise, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were advised that" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to report information or recommendations received, often from an authoritative source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various formal and neutral contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in overly informal settings. Remember that while alternatives like "we were told that" exist, "we were advised that" specifically implies guidance from an expert.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were informed that

This alternative focuses more on the reception of information, rather than guidance.

we received advice that

This emphasizes the receipt of the advice itself.

we were told that

This is a more informal alternative, suitable for casual contexts.

we learned that

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge through the advice.

we understood that

This shows comprehension or interpretation of the advice given.

it was advised to us that

This is a more formal and passive construction of the original phrase.

we were counselled that

Implies a more formal or professional advisory context.

our understanding was that

This highlights the interpretation of information received.

the recommendation given was that

This emphasizes the recommendation, often in a formal setting.

we gathered that

Suggests an inference was made based on the advice given.

FAQs

What does "we were advised that" mean?

It means that you received guidance, information, or a recommendation from someone, typically an authority or expert on the subject.

How can I use "we were advised that" in a sentence?

Use it to introduce information you received from a knowledgeable source, for example: "We were advised that the meeting had been postponed."

Which is more formal, "we were told that" or "we were advised that"?

"We were advised that" is generally more formal than "we were told that", implying the information came from a more authoritative source. You may use "we were informed that" as well.

What are some alternatives to "we were advised that"?

Alternatives include "we were informed that", "we were told that", or "it was advised to us that", depending on the context and desired level of formality.