"I was told that" vs "I've been told that"

Question

"I was told that" vs "I've been told that"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I've been told that" is used when referring to information that was recently conveyed to the speaker, emphasizing the present relevance of the information. On the other hand, "I was told that" is used when talking about past events or information that was conveyed to the speaker at some point in the past.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to report information that the speaker received in the past. It is often used when recounting stories or sharing past experiences.

Examples:

I was told that you used to live in Paris.
I was told that the project was canceled.

Alternatives:

I was informed that
Someone told me that
I heard that

This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker has received information from someone else, and it is still relevant at the time of speaking. It is often used in conversations to share recent news or updates.

Examples:

I've been told that the meeting has been rescheduled.
I've been told that you're looking for a new job.

Alternatives:

I have heard that
Someone told me that
I've heard that

Answer 1

I was told that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to refer to past events or information that was conveyed to the speaker at some point in the past.

Answer 2

I've been told that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It emphasizes the present relevance of the information that was recently conveyed to the speaker.

"I was told that" vs "I've been told that"

I was told that

I've been told that

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