we were told that

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were told that" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate information that someone provided to another person or group. For example: We were told that the meeting would start at 6:00pm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We were told that would be it.

The New York Times

We were told that was all that was available.

The Guardian

"We were told that wasn't an option.

Science Magazine

We were told that was not something we would have access to.

Los Angeles Times

We were told that collaboration between the organizations that purchase content and EMRs and the vendors is essential.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

We were told that the Dept.

The New Yorker

We were told that we would.

The New Yorker

We were told that they wouldn't count.

The New York Times

We were told that he really wanted to do it.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nowadays, we're told that size really matters.

The Guardian - Music

We are told that van Gogh killed himself because he was depressed or crazy or both.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "we were told that" in close succession; vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement. Alternatives include "we learned that" or "we understood that".

Common error

Avoid using "we were told that" when the information is commonly known or easily verifiable. Instead, cite a direct source or present the information as a general fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were told that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing information that the speaker or writer received from another source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable way to attribute information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Academia

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were told that" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for attributing information to an external source. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While appropriate in many situations, it's crucial to consider the context and choose more precise language or direct citations in formal writing. Varying your phrasing and avoiding overuse will enhance clarity and engagement. Common alternatives include "we were informed that" or "we understood that" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were informed that

A more formal alternative focusing on the act of being notified.

we understood that

Focuses on comprehension rather than direct communication.

we learned that

Emphasizes the acquisition of new knowledge.

we gathered that

Suggests an inference or conclusion drawn from information received.

we were advised that

Implies guidance or recommendation was given.

it was communicated to us that

More formal and passive construction.

we were given to understand that

Indicates an indirect or implied communication.

we received confirmation that

Highlights the act of receiving verification or validation.

the message we received was that

Focuses on the content of the communication.

we heard that

Less formal, suggesting the information was received casually.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were told that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we were informed that", "it was communicated to us that", or "we were advised that".

Is "we were told that" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "we were told that" may be too informal for some academic contexts. Opt for more precise language, such as "it was reported that" or cite the specific source of the information. This makes the context and the validity of the information that follows the sentence clearer to the reader.

What are some less formal alternatives to "we were told that"?

Less formal options include "we heard that", "we understood that", or simply stating the information without explicitly attributing it if the source is clear from context.

When should I avoid using "we were told that"?

Avoid using "we were told that" when you are the direct source of the information, or when the information is widely known and accepted as common knowledge. In such cases, directly state the fact or your observation without attribution.