were advised of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were advised of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has been informed or notified about something. Example: "The employees were advised of the changes in the company policy during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

None were advised of their consular rights.

The New York Times

We were advised of one case by barristers yesterday morning.

The Guardian - Business

None of the six were advised of their consular rights.

The New York Times

Reporters were advised of the breakthrough early on Sunday.

The New York Times

Although the justices were advised of the bill, they evidently decided not to wait for Congress.

The New York Times

"We received our negative results last week and were advised of the Irish Department of Agriculture's final results this week.

The Guardian - Business

Both communities were advised of the sponsor and gave permission for the images of objects to be used.

The Guardian

Fraspa, in response, says that all its customers were advised of the "chances and risks" inherent in certificates.

The New York Times

"It seemed like motorists were ill-prepared for this storm, even though they were advised of it by weather forecasts," Mr. Hagerty said.

The New York Times

Neither of the Afghan officials were advised of the operation beforehand, they said, and only learned of it after the airstrike.

The New York Times

"The Hong Kong authorities were advised of the status of Mr Snowden's travel documents in plenty of time to have prohibited his travel as appropriate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were advised of", ensure that the subject clearly identifies who received the information and the object clearly specifies what information was conveyed. For example, "The board members were advised of the potential risks involved in the investment."

Common error

Avoid using "were advised of" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "were told about" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Were advised of functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received information or guidance. This phrase implies a degree of formality and often suggests that the information was provided by someone with authority or expertise. As Ludwig AI suggests, the expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were advised of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the receipt of information or guidance, often with a formal implication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's most appropriate for neutral to formal contexts such as news reporting, scientific writing, and business communication. Consider using more informal alternatives like "were told about" in casual settings. The phrase appears commonly in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and publications from BMC and PlosOne.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were informed about

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on the act of receiving information.

were notified of

This alternative emphasizes the act of being officially informed or given notice.

were made aware of

This alternative highlights the process of becoming conscious or knowledgeable about something.

were apprised of

This alternative is more formal and suggests a thorough and detailed informing.

were told about

This alternative is more casual and emphasizes the act of being told something.

were alerted to

This alternative emphasizes a warning or a call to attention regarding something.

were kept in the loop about

This alternative suggests ongoing communication and inclusion in updates.

had been briefed on

This alternative implies a formal and concise presentation of information.

received counsel regarding

Implies professional advice was given.

were instructed on

Implies an order or specific course of action given.

FAQs

What does "were advised of" mean?

The phrase "were advised of" means that someone was officially informed or given counsel about something. It suggests a formal communication or notification.

How can I use "were advised of" in a sentence?

You can use "were advised of" to indicate that someone received information or a recommendation. For example, "The patients "were advised of" alternative treatment options."

What are some alternatives to "were advised of"?

Alternatives to "were advised of" include "were informed about", "were notified of", or "were made aware of", depending on the context.

Is "were advised of" formal or informal?

"Were advised of" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives such as "were told about" might be more appropriate.