we were told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were told" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or instructions that were communicated to a group or individual by someone else. Example: "We were told that the meeting would start at 10 AM sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Relax, we were told.

The New York Times - Sports

We were told no.

The New Yorker

Scaremongering, we were told.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was unacceptable, we were told.

The New York Times

A suicide bomber, we were told.

Independent

We were told to get in.

The New Yorker

"We were told 'upscale casual,' " Pickett said.

The New Yorker

"We were told to withdraw yesterday".

The New York Times

Again, we were told to look down.

The New York Times

So we did as we were told.

The New York Times - Arts

We were told about this little restaurant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were told", ensure the context clearly indicates who "we" refers to. Providing clarity enhances understanding and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were told" without specifying the source of information, especially in formal writing. Lack of attribution can weaken credibility and make the statement seem unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were told" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) received information or instructions from an unspecified source. Ludwig's examples show its use in conveying reported speech or directives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were told" is a very common and grammatically correct passive construction used to relay information or instructions received from an unspecified source. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its widespread use in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying the source of information when possible, particularly in formal writing. When a different degree of formality is needed, "we were informed" or "it was communicated to us" can be viable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we received information

This alternative is a more direct and neutral way of stating that information was obtained.

we were advised

This suggests a recommendation or counsel was given.

it was communicated to us

This alternative phrase is more formal and emphasizes the act of communication.

we understood that

This implies comprehension of the information, rather than simply being told.

we learned that

This suggests an acquisition of knowledge, often through a process.

it was brought to our attention

This indicates that something was specifically made known to the group.

we gathered that

This implies inferring information from various sources, rather than a direct statement.

we were given to understand

This suggests a subtle or indirect conveyance of information, often implying a degree of ambiguity.

information reached us stating

This is a more elaborate and formal way of expressing the reception of information.

we heard it said

This implies the information was received indirectly or through hearsay.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we were told" introduces information received from an external source. For example: "We were told to expect delays due to the weather."

What's the difference between "we were told" and "we were informed"?

While similar, "we were told" is more general. "We were informed" suggests a more formal or official communication.

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

To sound more formal, you could use "it was communicated to us" or "we were advised".

Is it okay to use "we were told" in academic writing?

While acceptable, "we were told" might sound informal for academic writing. Consider rephrasing with a more formal alternative or clearly attributing the information to its source.