I am told meaning

Question

Do all the sentences that start with 'I am' imply regular basis?

Here are a few examples:

1. I am told to wash my hands before eating.
'Told' here implies regular basis.

2. I am delayed at a meeting in Sacramento.
Does 'delayed' here imply that I am regularly delayed or regularly?

3. I am tired of you questions.
Does 'tired' imply regular basis.

I can see the implication of regular basis in #1 and 3, but not 2. Do you agree? If so, does it depend on context or the use of words?

Thanks in advance.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

This can imply regularity, but only if the context supports it. For example:

1. If the speaker says this in an annoyed tone, then this would imply that he is told this regularly and has come to resent it. If the speaker is recounting a series of things he is being introduced to, then this would not imply regularity: "I'm given a uniform which must be worn at all time. I'm told to never speak unless addressed. I'm told to wash my hands before eating."

2. If the speaker is a philanderer, then this might imply that he does this consistently: "I'm 'delayed' at a meeting in Sacramento." Otherwise, this would not imply regularity.

3. If the listener has been bothering the speaker with questions over days, or weeks, or months, then this would imply regularity. But this could also mean the listener has been asking too many questions for the last 10 minutes only.

Anonymous · Answer

AnonymousThis can imply regularity, but only if the context supports it. For example:

Thank you very much for your clear explanation. I also thought that it depends on context because in some cases it does not make sense to imply regularity.

Anonymous2. If the speaker is a philanderer, then this might imply that he does this consistently: "I'm 'delayed' at a meeting in Sacramento." Otherwise, this would not imply regularity.

In this example, it seems that it’s very unlikely that the person is a philander. Do you agree?
So for example, I am supposed to meet with my mentor in an hour and he sends me this message, it would imply the current situation in which he can’t make it on time today and he will be late, which does not imply regularity. Right?

Also, are these sentences legitimate and can naturally be used for not regular basis? If so, it all depends on context, as you said, right?

I am told meaning

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