you've been told

USAGE SUMMARY

"you've been told" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to emphasize something that the speaker has already told the listener before, usually in a tone of slight reproach or disappointment. For example, "You've been told to complete your chores before leaving the house".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not what you've been told".

The Guardian - Music

"It's only what you've been told".

The New York Times - Books

I also know what you've been told.

The Guardian - Books

… What do you do with something you've been told?

The New Yorker

Of course I know what you've been told.

The Guardian - Books

"I don't know what you've been told," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

You know who you are, and now you've been told.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You're happy because you've been told what to get and don't know any better".

The New York Times

If you've been told you've got months to live what's going to do you more good?

Independent

But this is – despite what you've been told – an issue of vital importance.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The very fact that you've been told of this means that it will all be changed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "you've been told" to gently remind someone of prior instructions or information, especially when addressing misconceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "you've been told" in highly formal or professional writing; opt for more neutral phrases like "it has been communicated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you've been told" functions as an introductory remark or a conversational connector. It prefaces information, often implying a contrast between common belief and the speaker's perspective, or to remind the listener of a previous instruction, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Lifestyle

15%

Opinion

12%

Less common in

Books

10%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "you've been told" is a common phrase used to introduce information, often contrasting with existing beliefs or serving as a reminder. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions as an introductory remark in various contexts, primarily in news, lifestyle, and opinion pieces. While grammatically correct, it’s essential to consider the context and desired level of formality, opting for neutral alternatives in professional settings. With its versatile usage and neutral tone, "you've been told" remains a valuable tool in conveying information and challenging common assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you have been informed

Replaces "told" with "informed", indicating a more formal conveyance of information.

you've been advised

Substitutes "told" with "advised", suggesting guidance or recommendation.

you've been instructed

Replaces "told" with "instructed", implying a directive or command.

it has been said to you

Offers a more passive construction of the original phrase.

you were made aware

Shifts the focus to the state of being conscious of the information.

you've learned

Indicates acquired knowledge, which may or may not have been directly told.

it was communicated to you

Emphasizes the act of communication rather than the content itself.

you've been given to understand

Suggests an indirect form of telling, implying a nuanced understanding.

you've heard it said

Implies information received through general discourse or hearsay.

the message you received

Focuses on the impact and reception of the information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "you've been told" in a formal context?

In a formal context, you can replace "you've been told" with phrases like "it has been communicated", "it has been advised", or "it was indicated" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "you've been told" and "you've learned"?

"You've been told" implies that the information was directly conveyed to you, whereas "you've learned" suggests acquiring knowledge through experience, study, or instruction, not necessarily through direct communication.

Is "you've been told" too informal for academic writing?

While "you've been told" is generally acceptable, it can be perceived as informal in academic writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "it is generally accepted" or "research suggests" to maintain a scholarly tone.

What are some alternatives to "you've been told" for emphasizing misinformation?

To emphasize misinformation, consider using phrases like "contrary to what you have been told", "despite what you've heard", or "contrary to popular belief".