I've been told

Question

I've been told Gladiator is an awesome movie. OrI was told gladiator is an awesome movie.What's the difference between the two sentences?

Fandorin · Accepted Answer

Hi.

pleasehelpI've been told "Gladiator" is an awesome movie.

It sounds good.

pleasehelpI was told gladiator is an awesome movie.

Strictly speaking, it is not correct because of sequence of tenses. If you use past tense, you have to change all verbs into their so-called "past forms". For example:
Anna said that she had to go/~~have to go~~.

Although, if you're talking about something which is still true or exists you can use present tenses with past forms. It's usual for reported speech and don't overuse it.
"My job is amazing and I love it so much" - John said. (direct speech)
John said that his job is amazing and he loves it so much. (reported speech, he hasn't changed his opinion).
John said that his job was amazing and he loved it so much. (he has given up or has benn fired or he has changed his opinion about that).

pleasehelpWhat's the difference between the two sentences?

In your example, I wouldn't use "was told" because you're emphasizing the fact "you've been told".

Dimsumexpress · Answer

Depending on when the "telling" took place in the past, along with the rest of the context, both are possible. But without specifics, the "been" version is the safest.

This is possible: I was told or informed last week by HR that we must update our emergency contact information by Friday this week.

I've been told

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