“I Was Told” vs. “I Have Been Told” vs. “I Am Told” — A Clear Guide to Choosing the Right Phrase

When someone says “I was told”, “I have been told”, or “I am told”, you might wonder: which form fits best—and why? You’re about to get a deep dive into each of these expressions, learn when to use them (and when not to), and get lots of examples, tips, and a handy table to make things stick. If you’ve ever hesitated about saying “I was told” instead of “I have been told”, this article is for you.

You’ll discover how these phrases differ in meaning, how time and context affect them, and how to pick the right one in conversation or writing. We’ll also look at common mistakes learners make and how to fix them. By the end you’ll feel confident choosing the right phrase and sounding natural. Let’s get started!

Understanding Why These Phrases Confuse So Many People

English has lots of forms that seem similar but carry different subtleties. That’s certainly the case with “I was told”, “I have been told”, and “I am told”. Many learners (and even native speakers) mix them up because they all use the verb tell in the passive voice, and they all imply “someone told me something.” But the differences come down to tense, aspect, and voice—and how they link time to meaning.

Here’s why people get tangled:

• The verb tell when used in passive form (was told, have been told, am told) shifts focus away from who told you and places emphasis on the fact you were told.
• English uses different tenses and aspects (simple past, present perfect, simple present) to show when something happened and whether it still matters.
• Choosing the “wrong” form can subtly change the meaning or sound unnatural.

Understanding the tense + aspect + voice combination is key. For example: was told = past simple + passive; have been told = present perfect + passive; am told = present simple + passive. We’ll unpack each in depth below so you’ll know exactly when each fits.

Grammar Breakdown — What Each Phrase Really Means

“I Was Told” — The Simple Past

What it signals: You received the information at a definite time in the past. That moment is done—over and finished.
When to use it:

• When you know (or implicitly refer to) the past time. Example: Yesterday I was told to submit the form.
• When the information may no longer be relevant right now.
• In storytelling or describing past events.

Example sentences:

• I was told this house had a view of the sea, but it didn’t.
• She was told to leave early last night.
• I was told about the meeting, but I couldn’t attend.

Key tip: Use “I was told” when the telling happened and the moment is clearly past.

“I Have Been Told” — The Present Perfect Passive

What it signals: You’ve received the information at some point up to now, and the result still matters. The time of telling may be unspecified or less important than the fact you have been told.
When to use it:

• When the information is somewhat current or still relevant.
• When you don’t need (or want) to specify when you were told.
• When the action of being told extends into the present in its effect.

Example sentences:

• I have been told that our flight is delayed.
• We have been told to expect the arrival tomorrow.
• I have been told you’re the best person to speak to.

Key tip: Use “I have been told” when the telling matters now—not just in the past.

“I Am Told” — The Simple Present Passive

What it signals: You are being told (or commonly told) something now. The statement often conveys general information, impression, or hearsay—rather than a one-time past event.
When to use it

• When you’re reporting something you believe you’re hearing or someone is telling you (right now or in general).
• When speaking of general knowledge or common statements.
• When you want to imply “people say” rather than “I heard at a specific time.”

Example sentences:

• I am told this café is the best in town.
• I am told you handle the project now.
• I’m told that he rarely misses a deadline.

Key tip: Use “I am told” for present or general statements, especially when reporting what people say.

Comparison Table — Spot the Difference Quickly

Here’s a handy table to compare the three phrases side by side:

Use this table as a cheat-sheet when you’re writing or speaking—it’ll help you pick the right form faster.

When and Where to Use Each Phrase Naturally

Everyday Conversation

• If you want to say: “Yesterday someone told me this news”, then: I was told.
• If you want to express: “At some time before now I heard something that matters now”, then: I have been told.
• If you want to relay what you currently hear or what people generally say: I am told.

Writing: Emails, Essays, Reports

• Use “I was told” when describing past events or actions. E.g., “I was told the report was completed by the team.”
• Use “I have been told” when you want to emphasise the fact you received information and it still matters. E.g., “I have been told of the new policy and will adjust accordingly.”
• Use “I am told” when reporting accepted facts, hearsay, or general knowledge. E.g., “I am told the merger will take place next month.”

Speaking: Formal vs. Casual

• “I was told” fits both casual and formal settings when recounting past advice or instruction.
• “I have been told” often sounds more formal or “polite”—good in business, academic or professional contexts.
• “I am told” has a slightly formal tone too, especially when you’re reporting what others say rather than declaring your own experience. In casual talk you might instead use “They say…” or “I hear that…”.

Tone and Form

• Direct, clear tone: “I was told you arrive at 3.”
• Polite, indirect tone: “I have been told you might join the meeting.”
• Impersonal/general tone: “I am told students prefer online sessions now.”

Common Mistakes Learners Make (and How to Fix Them)

Here are some frequent pitfalls—along with quick fixes.

Mistake 1: Mixing the forms without regard to time.

• Incorrect: I have been told yesterday to leave.
• Fix: Use “I was told yesterday to leave.”
  Why: The time “yesterday” ties it to a specific past moment → simple past.

Mistake 2: Overusing one phrase for all situations.

• Using “I have been told” for everything can sound unnatural.
• Tip: Think about when you were told and whether the information still matters now.

Mistake 3: Forgetting that “told” implies someone told you.

• “I am told he’s a good cook.” → fine.
• But: “I was told him being good cook.” → incorrect structure.
• Fix: Always keep the correct passive form: “I was told that he’s a good cook.”

Mistake 4: Using “am told” when you mean “have been told”.

• Incorrect: I am told yesterday that…
• Fix: “I was told yesterday that…” or “I have been told that…” depending on your meaning.

Quick checklist to avoid these mistakes:

• Did the telling happen at a specific, clearly finished time? → I was told.
• Did someone tell you at some unspecified time and the info still matters? → I have been told.
• Are you relaying what people say now or generally? → I am told.
• Does the sentence structure keep the passive form (was/have been/am told)?
• Is that or a clause following “told”? (“I was told that…”) is usually clearer.

Practice Time — Real-World Examples and Exercises

Let’s work through some examples and then you can test yourself.

Fill-in-the-blank examples

Fill in the correct phrase: “I was told / I have been told / I am told”.

1. ___ that the meeting is cancelled.
   (Hint: you heard this and it matters now.)
2. She ___ to call her dad after school yesterday.
   (Specific past event.)
3. ___ you like the new design? (Someone is asking if people are saying you like it.)
4. Over the years, I ___ that patience helps in relationships.
   (General wisdom.)
5. ___ to expect heavy traffic tomorrow.
   (You were told and it still matters.)

Example answers & reasoning

1. I have been told that the meeting is cancelled. (Information received before now, still matters.)
2. She was told to call her dad after school yesterday. (Specific past event, done.)
3. Am I told you like the new design? → Actually more natural: “I am told you like the new design.” (General statement of what people say.)
4. Over the years, I have been told that patience helps in relationships. (Advice received over time; relevance remains.)
5. I am told to expect heavy traffic tomorrow. (It’s hearing a statement about the future; this fits present general reporting.)

Short dialogue example

A: Have you heard about the budget meeting?
B: Yes — I was told last week to gather the reports.
A: And I have been told we might need a second session.
B: Oh really? I am told the board wants to hear from all departments.

Mini quiz (for you)

Rewrite these incorrect sentences correctly:

• I have been told yesterday to send the memo.
• I am told she finished the project last week.
• I was told that students prefer online learning now.

Idiomatic and Cultural Uses of “Told” Expressions

Understanding these variations helps you sound more natural.

Idioms and common sayings

• I told you so. — You warned someone and now your warning has come true.
• You’re telling me! — Often used to strongly agree with someone’s complaint or statement.
• I’ve been told (you’re the best). — A polite or modest way to pass on what others say about you.

Cultural nuance: British vs. American tone

• In British English, “I’m told” (the contraction of “I am told”) is quite common when casually relaying an impression. For example: “I’m told the weather’s better up north.”
• In American English, you’ll hear similarly but often with “They say…” or “I hear that…”.
• The choice of “I am told” over “I have been told” can make the tone more impersonal, formal, or cautious.

Subtle shifts in politeness/confidence

• Saying “I have been told” can imply you’re passing on information you believe, but you weren’t the direct source — it adds a layer of distance or humility.
• Saying “I am told” can feel even more indirect — you’re basically echoing what others say, which can soften the statement.
• Using “I was told” can feel more personal and direct — as though you were the one who heard the instruction or piece of information.

Read More:Mayonnaise vs. Mayonnaise – What’s the Difference?

How Native Speakers Choose Which Phrase to Use

Let’s peek behind the curtain: How do native speakers really decide between these phrases? It comes down to three key clues: timing, context, and intent.

Timing

• If the telling happened at a specific time: use “was told”.
• If it happened at some unspecified time and still matters: “have been told”.
• If you’re talking about what people are saying now or in general: “am told”.

Context

• Formal vs. informal: “I have been told” and “I am told” often appear in more formal contexts (business, writing).
• Storytelling vs. sharing: “I was told” often appears when sharing a story.
• Hearsay vs. direct experience: “I am told” often implies hearsay; “I was told” implies direct experience.

Intent

• If you want to highlight when you were told: go for “was told”.
• If you want to emphasise that you were told and your current state: “have been told”.
• If you want to pass on general information or impression: “am told”.

Real-life examples from interviews/books

While I don’t have a specific interview to quote here, you’ll often hear sentences like:

• “I was told by colleagues that the project was behind schedule.”
• “I have been told that our competitors are expanding rapidly.”
• “I am told the new model launches next month.”

By paying attention to how timing, context, and intent combine, you’ll start picking the right phrase almost automatically.

Summary — Which One Should You Use?

Here’s a quick reminder of the essentials:

• Use “I was told” when you heard something in the past, at a specific time.
• Use “I have been told” when you heard something at some previous time and the info still matters now.
• Use “I am told” when you’re relaying what people say now or generally, or when the information is hearsay.

Memory trick:

Past event finished → “was told”.
Past event with present relevance → “have been told”.
Current/general info/hearsay → “am told”.

Now it’s easier to choose the right phrase. Keep the table handy if you need a quick check when writing or speaking.

Final Thoughts — Mastering Subtle Grammar for Natural English

Getting these three phrases right isn’t about memorizing a rule—it’s about tuning into how time, meaning, and context work together in English. Once you grasp that, your choice between “I was told”, “I have been told”, and “I am told” will feel intuitive instead of confusing.

When you practice these forms and pay attention to how native speakers use them, your English will sound more fluent and natural. So next time you’re unsure: ask yourself, When did I hear it? Does it still matter? Or am I just reporting what people say? Answer that and you’ll pick the right phrase.

Let those small differences boost your confidence. Your English becomes clearer, more polished, more precise—and it shows.

Quotes and Anecdote

“When I started working overseas, I was told to carry my passport at all times. That advice still serves me.”
— A real traveller’s reflection

Anecdote: In a meeting I overheard someone say: “I am told the deadline’s been moved up.” Two hours later another person responded: “I was told yesterday it was next week—so guess we got the old memo.”
This little exchange captures how different phrases reflect timing and awareness of the information.

With this guidance, you’re ready to navigate these expressions confidently. Practice them, listen for them when others speak, and soon you’ll use them effortlessly.

Lily Grace