I informed them that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I informed them that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase in any context where you want to tell someone that you have communicated something to someone else. For example, "I informed them that the meeting had been rescheduled for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Once they handed in their answers I informed them that I had in my possession the information to retrieve passwords or worse.

The Guardian

I informed them that he was dead and I did not wish to travel alone.

The Guardian - Film

I informed them that New York is one of the hardest places in the world to buy a gun.

The New York Times

"It surprised a few people when I informed them that I was applying to engineering school because I was never particularly skillful with my hands.

Princeton University

Bothered by what the agents were saying, I informed them that I would first need to read the order they had just delivered – and then consult with an attorney.

The Guardian - Opinion

Attorney general: I conveyed that view in the first place in a meeting on that day on March 13 with Baroness Morgan and Lord Falconer, at which I informed them that I had formed the view that the interpretation of Resolution 1441 was that it was lawful to use force without a further resolution.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

How do I inform them that they are no longer invited?

The New York Times

Some have stopped me and asked if I work in the building, and look surprised when I inform them that I live there.

The New York Times

"If that doesn't scare them off, I inform them that as restaurant owners, they would be manufacturing and retailing a perishable product, which is no easy task.

Forbes

I inform them that generations of black folks have had different terms for it: the price of the ticket, or the black tax.

Huffington Post

There have even been those times when I have had close friends and family members shake their heads and sigh at me when I inform them that my wife and I have taken in yet another child into our home.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. While "I informed them that" is generally acceptable, in very casual settings, "I told them that" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I informed them that" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I told them that" or "I let them know".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I informed them that" functions as a declarative statement, communicating the action of conveying information to a group of people. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I informed them that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for reporting the act of conveying information. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and business communications. While "I told them that" is a simpler alternative, "I informed them that" adds a level of formality and is suitable for situations where clarity and a tone of authority are desired. However, overuse in casual conversations should be avoided to prevent sounding overly formal. Related phrases like "I notified them that" or "I advised them that" offer similar formal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I told them that

Replaces "informed" with a more common and less formal synonym "told".

I let them know that

Uses a more casual expression to indicate the communication of information.

I notified them that

Emphasizes the formal aspect of communication, similar to "informed" but slightly stronger.

I advised them that

Suggests giving advice or counsel, adding a layer of guidance to the communication.

I communicated to them that

Highlights the act of conveying a message, focusing on the transmission process.

I mentioned to them that

Implies a less emphatic or detailed communication.

I pointed out to them that

Indicates highlighting a specific fact or detail.

I explained to them that

Focuses on providing a detailed understanding of something.

I revealed to them that

Suggests the disclosure of previously unknown information.

I disclosed to them that

Similar to 'revealed', but often implies a more formal or official revelation.

FAQs

What is a more casual way to say "I informed them that"?

You can use phrases like "I told them that" or "I let them know that" for a less formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "I informed them that"?

"I informed them that" is appropriate in formal settings, such as professional emails, reports, or official communications, where a tone of authority and clarity is desired.

Is "I informed to them that" grammatically correct?

No, "I informed to them that" is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is "I informed them that" without the preposition "to".

What are some alternatives to "I informed them that" that still maintain a formal tone?

Alternatives include "I notified them that" or "I advised them that", which convey a similar level of formality and seriousness.