who told you that
/huː toʊld juː ðæt/
Meaning
This is a common question used when someone shares a piece of news, gossip, or information that surprises you or seems incorrect. It can express disbelief, curiosity, or sometimes defensiveness depending on the tone of voice.
Examples
-
Who told you that? I thought it was a secret.
Who told you that? I thought it was a secret.
-
Wait, who told you that? It's not true at all.
Wait, who told you that? It's not true at all.
-
Who told you that we were moving to Chicago?
Who told you that we were moving to Chicago?
-
If she's the one who told you that, don't believe her.
If she's the one who told you that, don't believe her.
-
Who told you that? I haven't even decided yet.
Who told you that? I haven't even decided yet.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ Who did tell you that?
✓ Who told you that?
When 'who' is the subject of the question in the simple past, we do not use the auxiliary verb 'did'.
-
✗ Who told to you that?
✓ Who told you that?
The verb 'tell' is followed directly by the object pronoun (you, me, him) without the preposition 'to'.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
I heard you're quitting your job! ___?
💡 Ask where they got this surprising information.
Show answer
Who told you that
-
___? It was supposed to be a surprise party!
💡 Ask who revealed the secret.
Show answer
Who told you that