The spelling of the phrase "were told of" uses the standard English spelling system. The first word "were" is spelled using the "e" and "r" to represent the "w" sound, followed by a silent "e". The second and third words, "told of", use the same "o" sound, represented by the letters "o" and "ld". The "f" sound at the end of "of" is spelled with the letter "f". The IPA phonetic transcription for "were told of" is /wɜːr təʊld ɒv/.
The phrase "were told of" is a past tense construction that refers to being informed or notified about something. It suggests that information or news has been communicated to someone, usually by another person or source. The verb "told" in this context implies the act of conveying information through speech or writing.
The addition of "of" in the phrase "were told of" serves to indicate the specific subject matter or content that has been shared. It highlights that the individuals receiving the information have been made aware of a particular event, fact, or situation.
This phrase often implies a one-way communication, where the recipient or recipients are passive listeners or recipients of knowledge rather than active participants in the process of sharing information. It suggests that the information has been provided to them without necessarily seeking their input, opinion, or involvement.
The phrase "were told of" can be commonly found in various contexts, such as news reports, educational settings, personal conversations, or official announcements. It signifies that individuals have been made aware of something, allowing them to gain knowledge, stay updated, or respond accordingly.
In summary, "were told of" refers to the act of being informed about a specific subject or content through communication from another person or source. It signifies the passive reception of information, enabling individuals to become aware of a particular event, fact, or situation.