were told that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were told that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when reporting information that was communicated to someone by another party. Example: "We were told that the meeting would be rescheduled for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 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 the Dept.

The New Yorker

We were told that they wouldn't count.

The New York Times

They were told that unanimity was required.

The Guardian

We were told that we would.

The New Yorker

They were told that they could eat their fill.

The New York Times

"We were told that they were absolutely safe".

The New York Times

"We were told that Qaddafi owns this land".

The New York Times

The reporters were told that they were not in Zaire.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were told that" to convey information received from a specific, often external, source, ensuring clarity about who provided the information.

Common error

Avoid using "were told that" excessively, as it can create a passive voice. When possible, rephrase to use active voice for a more direct and engaging tone. For instance, instead of "We were told that the project was delayed", try "They informed us that the project was delayed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were told that" functions as a reporting verb construction. It is used to introduce information that has been communicated to the subject of the sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were told that" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to report information received from an external source. It primarily functions to convey relayed information, with a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts, especially in news and media. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's essential to ensure clarity regarding the source of the information and avoid overuse of passive voice. Remember to use "were" for plural subjects and "was" for singular subjects. The phrase "were told that" is a useful tool for reporting and relaying information effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were informed that

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the act of being officially notified.

we were advised that

Implies receiving counsel or recommendations, suggesting a degree of authority.

we learned that

Indicates the acquisition of knowledge, shifting the focus to the learning aspect.

we received information that

Replaces the passive voice with a more direct statement of receiving information.

we heard that

A more casual way of indicating the reception of information, often through informal channels.

it was communicated to us that

Highlights the act of communication and the direction of information flow.

it was brought to our attention that

Emphasizes that the information was specifically directed towards the recipient.

we understood that

Focuses on the understanding or interpretation of information received.

the message conveyed to us was that

Focuses on the content of the message itself and how it was transmitted.

we gathered that

Suggests collecting information from various sources to form a conclusion.

FAQs

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

Use "were told that" to report information you received from someone else. For example: "We "were told that" the meeting was postponed".

What can I say instead of "were told that"?

You can use alternatives like "were informed that", "learned that", or "advised that" depending on the context.

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

While "were told that" is inherently passive, ensure the surrounding sentences maintain clarity. Sometimes active voice alternatives, like "They told us that", can be more direct and engaging.

Which is correct, "were told that" or "was told that"?

"Were told that" is used for plural subjects (e.g., we, they), while "was told that" is used for singular subjects (e.g., I, he, she). For example: "We "were told that"" versus "I "was told that"".