English grammar
How sure is the news? I know for a fact · I have it on good authority · I understand · I'm told · word has it · rumour has it
Pass on news and say how sure you are of it.
From the scene Rumour has it…
In short
Show how sure news is: I know for a fact (certain), I understand or I'm told (second-hand), rumour has it (talk).
Your turn
Which one goes with a trusted source?
Options: I know it for a fact · I understand that Montse is coming · I have it on good authority
Show answer
a trusted source → I have it on good authority
How it works
English marks how reliable a piece of news is. I know for a fact means you are certain.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Well, word (blank) it that Borja isn't going.
Options: has · says · tells
Show answer
Well, word has it that Borja isn't going.
Pues a mí me ha llegado que Borja no va a ir.
Good to know
I have it on good authority means someone you trust told you. I understand (that) and I'm told (that) pass on second-hand news politely.
Good to know
Word has it and rumour has it (that) are the weakest: it is just talk going round.
certain I know it for a fact
Tomás
I know it for a fact. Javi told me, he booked her ticket.
Me consta. Me lo dijo Javi, que le reservó el billete.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). Javi told me, he booked her ticket.
Options: I understand that Montse is coming · I know it for a fact · I have it on good authority
Show answer
Tomás
I know it for a fact. Javi told me, he booked her ticket.
Me consta. Me lo dijo Javi, que le reservó el billete.
a trusted source I have it on good authority
Ramón
Well, I have it on good authority he's got a sore throat. All of a sudden.
Pues según tengo entendido yo, le duele la garganta. De repente.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Well, (blank) he's got a sore throat. All of a sudden.
Options: I understand that Montse is coming · I have it on good authority · I know it for a fact
Show answer
Ramón
Well, I have it on good authority he's got a sore throat. All of a sudden.
Pues según tengo entendido yo, le duele la garganta. De repente.
second-hand, polite I understand that Montse is coming
Tomás
I understand that Montse is coming from Barcelona on the first train.
Tengo entendido que Montse viene de Barcelona en el primer tren.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) from Barcelona on the first train.
Options: I have it on good authority · I understand that Montse is coming · I know it for a fact
Show answer
Tomás
I understand that Montse is coming from Barcelona on the first train.
Tengo entendido que Montse viene de Barcelona en el primer tren.
second-hand I'm told he's giving his talk at twelve
Your turn
What goes with I'm told he's giving his talk at twelve?
Options: certain · a trusted source · second-hand
Show answer
I'm told he's giving his talk at twelve → second-hand
just talk rumour has it
Tomás
Don Ramón, rumour has it there'll be trouble tomorrow at the fair.
Don Ramón, corre el rumor de que mañana habrá jaleo en la feria.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Don Ramón, (blank) there'll be trouble tomorrow at the fair.
Options: I have it on good authority · rumour has it · I know it for a fact
Show answer
Tomás
Don Ramón, rumour has it there'll be trouble tomorrow at the fair.
Don Ramón, corre el rumor de que mañana habrá jaleo en la feria.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| certain | I know it for a fact |
|---|---|
| a trusted source | I have it on good authority |
| second-hand, polite | I understand that Montse is coming |
| second-hand | I'm told he's giving his talk at twelve |
| just talk | rumour has it |
More lines from the story
- RamónWell, word has it that Borja isn't going.Pues a mí me ha llegado que Borja no va a ir.
- RamónA rumour? I don't trust rumours.¿Un rumor? Yo de rumores no me fío.