How Do You Spell ARE TOLD?

Pronunciation: [ɑː tˈə͡ʊld] (IPA)

The phrase "are told" is spelled with the letters A-R-E followed by the word T-O-L-D. This can be broken down in IPA phonetic transcription into /ɑr/ for the "are" sound, which is represented by the vowel sound "ah" followed by the consonant "r". The "told" sound can be transcribed as /toʊld/, with the "t" making a "tuh" sound, the "o" making a "oh" sound, the "l" making a "luh" sound, and the "d" making a "duh" sound. This phrase typically indicates that someone has been informed or instructed about something.

ARE TOLD Meaning and Definition

1. "Are told" is a verb phrase that can be defined as the act of receiving information or being provided with facts or details by someone else. It indicates that the subject of the sentence, denoted by the verb "are," is the recipient of the information which is conveyed or explained to them by another person or source.

   The phrase is commonly used to describe instances where individuals are informed, advised, or given instructions. It implies that the subject is not necessarily an active participant in the action of telling or relaying the information, but rather, they are on the receiving end.

   For instance, in the sentence "The students are told to prepare for the upcoming test," it indicates that the students are being instructed or given a command by someone, such as their teacher or a school authority, to get ready for an impending examination.

   Furthermore, "are told" can also be utilized to describe the transmission of stories, anecdotes, or accounts, involving narratives being communicated from one person to another. It suggests that the subject is being informed about a particular event or experience by someone who is recounting their own knowledge or personal encounter.

   In summary, "are told" signifies the process of receiving information or being provided with details by another individual or a source, where the subject is passive in relation to the action of telling.

Etymology of ARE TOLD

The phrase "are told" does not have a distinct etymology because it is not a single word but a combination of the verb "are" (a form of the verb "to be") and the past participle of the verb "to tell".

However, the word "tell" can be traced back to the Old English word "tellan", which meant "to count or reckon". Over time, the meaning of "tell" evolved to include conveying information or narrating a story. The verb "are" originated from Old English as well and shares its roots with other Germanic languages. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "ēstī", which ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₁es-", meaning "to be".