were informed

USAGE SUMMARY

'were informed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that someone has been told. For example: "We were informed that the meeting had been cancelled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cow pie, we were informed.

The New York Times - Travel

Apparently the police were informed.

The New York Times

Were informed to accompany detectives to subway.

The New Yorker

At 2.36pm the CPS staff were informed.

The Guardian

School officials were informed of the plot.

The New York Times - Sports

Students were informed by a text alert.

The New York Times

The police were informed and have visited.

The Guardian

Neither civilian nor military police were informed.

The Guardian

Police were informed but did not respond.

The Guardian

Official Yankees policy, the fans were informed.

The New York Times - Sports

They were informed Sunday night of her death.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were informed" when you want to emphasize that information was received from a specific source, especially in formal or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the focus is on the recipient of the information rather than the sender. For example, instead of "Someone informed them", use "They were informed" to keep the focus on the people who received the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were informed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone received information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Examples show its use in conveying news, instructions, or updates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were informed" is a grammatically correct and very common passive voice construction used to indicate that someone has received information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the focus remains on the recipient of the information and that the passive voice is appropriate. Alternatives such as "were notified" or "were told" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a reliable choice for conveying the receipt of information in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were notified

This alternative emphasizes the act of officially communicating information.

were advised

This suggests receiving guidance or recommendations.

were told

This is a more direct and simple way of expressing the receipt of information.

were apprised

This indicates being formally informed of something.

were acquainted

This highlights becoming familiar with certain information.

were briefed

This suggests receiving concise and essential information.

were updated

This implies receiving the latest information on a topic.

were instructed

This emphasizes receiving specific directions or commands.

were enlightened

This highlights gaining understanding or insight.

were made aware

This emphasizes the state of knowing about something.

FAQs

How to use "were informed" in a sentence?

Use "were informed" to indicate that someone received information, typically in a formal or official context. For instance, "The employees "were informed" of the company's new policy."

What can I say instead of "were informed"?

You can use alternatives like "were notified", "were advised", or "were told" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "were informed" or "was informed"?

"Were informed" is used for plural subjects, while "was informed" is used for singular subjects. For example, "They "were informed"" (plural) versus "He "was informed"" (singular).

What's the difference between "were informed" and "were made aware"?

"Were informed" typically implies receiving specific details or instructions. "Were made aware" suggests a broader understanding or consciousness of a situation, not necessarily detailed information.