"told me" vs "told to me"

Question

"told me" vs "told to me"

Both 'told to me' and 'told me' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Told me' is more commonly used and considered more natural in everyday English. 'Told to me' is less common and is typically used for emphasis or to clarify who the information was given to.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

'Told me' is the standard way to express that someone provided information or shared something with you. It is more commonly used than 'told to me.'

Examples:

He told me the news.
She told me a joke.
They told me about the party.
The teacher told me the answer.
I told him the truth.

Alternatives:

informed me
shared with me
narrated to me
recounted to me
related to me

This phrase is used to emphasize the recipient of the information. It is less common than 'told me' and is typically used for clarity or emphasis.

Examples:

The secret was told to me in confidence.
He told the story to me personally.
The news was told to me by my friend.
She told the truth to me.
The instructions were told to me clearly.

Alternatives:

told me
shared with me
informed me
recounted to me
narrated to me

Answer 1

told me

This phrase is commonly used in everyday English and is considered more natural. It is the standard way to express that someone provided information.

Answer 2

told to me

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday English. It is used for emphasis or to clarify who the information was given to.

"told me" vs "told to me"

told me

told to me

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