were informed that

USAGE SUMMARY

"were informed that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has been told something, usually by another person. For example: We were informed that the store had closed due to the storm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shopkeepers were informed that this was for "economic reasons".

The Guardian

On Tuesday a check was delivered and shoppers were informed that their debts were forgiven.

The New York Times

Subjects were informed that a surprise memory test would be administered, and received instructions.

Nature

They were informed that they would not receive the dictator's donation.

Nature

At McIntire, rallygoers were informed that a state of emergency had been declared.

The Washington Post

Families were informed that the trial had not gone as well as expected.

The Guardian

Three weeks later, the tax agency's managers were informed that the disks had not arrived.

The New York Times

They were released only after their parents were informed that their sons were gay.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shortly thereafter, students were informed that girls had to wear drapes for yearbook portraits; boys, tuxedos.

The New York Times

We were informed that he would be presented at 1pm in the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Guardian - Sport

Also, we were informed that possibly two other aircraft had been hijacked and were unaccounted for.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were informed that", ensure the source of the information is clear from the context. This adds credibility to the statement.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "were informed that". Whenever possible, rephrase the sentence to use an active voice, which often makes the writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "We were informed that the meeting was cancelled", consider "They informed us that the meeting was cancelled".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were informed that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing factual information conveyed to a group or individual. As seen in Ludwig, it introduces a statement of fact from an external source. It's often used to communicate news, decisions, or updates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were informed that" is a versatile phrase used to report information received, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, clarity and avoiding passive voice overuse are key. Remember to ensure the information source is clear to maintain credibility. Alternative phrases like "were told that" or "were notified that" can add variety to your writing. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's applicability across various domains, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were told that

This alternative is a more direct and simpler way of saying someone received information.

were notified that

This implies a formal communication was sent to provide the information.

received notification that

This phrase emphasizes the formal receipt of information, often in writing.

were apprised that

This is a more formal and less common way of saying "were informed".

were advised that

This suggests the information received was in the form of advice or guidance.

were made aware that

This highlights the act of bringing something to someone's attention.

learned that

This is a more general term for acquiring knowledge, not necessarily directly communicated.

came to know that

This suggests a gradual discovery of the information.

discovered that

This implies finding out something, often unexpectedly.

understood that

This implies comprehension of the information, not just reception.

FAQs

How can I use "were informed that" in a sentence?

"Were informed that" is used to indicate that someone received information. For example, "The customers "were informed that" their order was delayed".

What are some alternatives to "were informed that"?

Alternatives include "were told that", "were notified that", or "were advised that", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were informed that"?

While "were informed that" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct. Instead of "We "were informed that" the project was delayed", you could say "They informed us that the project was delayed".

What is the difference between "were informed that" and "were aware that"?

"Were informed that" implies receiving specific information, while "were aware that" suggests a general knowledge or understanding of something. For example, you might be "informed that" a specific meeting has been cancelled, but "aware that" project deadlines are tight.