The word "wert told" may seem strange, but it is actually an archaic form of "were told." In IPA phonetic transcription, "wert" is pronounced as /wɜrt/ with the "w" sound as in "we" and the "ɜ" sound as in "herd." "Told" is pronounced as /toʊld/ with the "oʊ" sound as in "go" and the "ld" sound as in "cold." This spelling change is due to the evolution of the English language over time, making older forms of words appear unfamiliar in modern usage.
"Wert told" is an archaic phrase that combines the verb "wert," the second person singular past tense form of the verb "be," and the past participle "told," which means to have communicated information or a narrative to someone. It was commonly used in older forms of English, particularly Middle English and Early Modern English, to convey that someone had received information or knowledge from another person.
The phrase typically indicates that the person being referred to has been informed, advised, or instructed about something specific. It suggests that the subject of the sentence was the recipient of news, instructions, or knowledge, often from an authoritative or trustworthy source. "Wert told" implies that the individual has become aware of something through verbal communication, as opposed to discovering it independently or through other means.
Moreover, the phrase carries past tense implications, indicating that the act of being informed has already taken place and that the individual's awareness or knowledge on the matter is current. This phrase was predominantly used in formal or literary contexts and is now considered obsolete in contemporary English usage. However, it may occasionally be encountered in historical texts, poetry, or theatrical works, where older forms of the language are employed.