I write to inform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I write to inform" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in formal communications, such as emails or letters, to introduce the purpose of your message. Example: "I write to inform you about the upcoming meeting scheduled for next week." Alternative expressions include "I am writing to notify" and "I wish to inform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I write to inform you that Victoria will accept full responsibility for all of these children and their families, including the provision of housing, health, education, and welfare services," he told the prime minister.

The Guardian

"I write to inform you that none of the events allegedly described by or attributed to Kenneth Doe ever took place," a man in his 30s wrote last month, referring to his role a quarter century ago as one of the children whose allegations of sexual abuse sent three men to prison, fueled a panic in hundreds of families and were later portrayed in the 2003 documentary "Capturing the Friedmans".

The New York Times

On Saturday, The Boston Globe reported that foundation president Barbara Picower had sent out an e-mail declaring, "it is with great sadness that I write to inform you that the Picower Foundation has ceased all grant-making, effective immediately, and will close its doors in the coming months".

Science Magazine

"I write to inform you that this office has closed its review and does not intend to pursue criminal charges at this time," Oberly said in a letter to Cleta Mitchell, an attorney representing O'Donnell in FEC matters.

Huffington Post

I write to inform you that effective today, Father Marcel Guarnizo's assignment at St .John Neumann Parish is withdrawn and he has been placed on administrative leave with his priestly faculties removed until such time as an inquiry into his actions at the parish is completed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This letter's final paragraph begins with a plaintive boast: "I'm writing to inform you that I remember who you are & not to worry".

The New Yorker

"I am writing to inform everyone that I, Chief Burch, was breaking the law by speeding on 103rd St. N," Chief Justin Burch wrote on the Sperry Police Department's Facebook page.

Huffington Post

Your first line should reflect this — be witty, funny, or even scandalous, but whatever you do, don't begin with, "I'm writing to inform you that I am very fond of you.

WikiHow

"I'm writing to inform you, dear reader, that I've decided to close this morning because neither the guarantees, nor the security to do critical journalism that acts as a counterweight, exist," Oscar Cantu, El Norte's publisher, explained in a final editorial note. .

Huffington Post

"I am writing to inform you that the investigative team briefed me on this yesterday, and I agreed that the FBI should take appropriate investigative steps designed to allow investigators to review these emails to determine whether they contain classified information as well as to assess their importance to our investigation".

The Guardian

My dearest Chelsea, I am writing to inform you that you have made the list.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve the performative present 'I write' for very formal declarations, such as legal correspondence or official institutional announcements

Common error

Avoid using this phrase in internal team chats or casual workplace emails. Using such a stiff, performative opening with close colleagues can come across as cold or unintentionally aggressive. In these cases, prefer a simple 'Just letting you know' or 'I wanted to update you'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I write to inform" serves as a performative introductory clause in the present tense. In this context, the verb 'write' is used performatively, meaning the act of writing the sentence is the very action being described. According to Ludwig, it establishes the immediate purpose of the communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "I write to inform" is a robust and grammatically correct tool for formal English writing. While Ludwig AI categorizes its exact match frequency as Rare, this is largely because modern writers often pivot to the continuous form "i am writing to inform". However, the performative 'I write' remains a staple of high-level journalism and official business, appearing in prestigious sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It is most effective when used to convey serious, definitive information where a sense of authority is required. Writers should be mindful of its high formality and avoid it in casual digital environments to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am writing to inform you

Uses the present continuous, which is more common in contemporary professional emails

I wish to inform you

Slightly more polite and adds a layer of formal courtesy

I write to notify you

Replaces inform with a word often associated with official or legal notices

This letter is to inform you

Focuses on the document itself as the vehicle for the information

I am writing to let you know

Significantly less formal and better suited for a friendly or neutral professional context

Please be advised that

A traditional business and legal opening that is very direct

I write to advise

Common in professional British English for providing updates or guidance

I am pleased to inform you

Specifically used when the information being shared is positive

I regret to inform you

Specifically used when the information being shared is negative or disappointing

This is to notify you

A clipped, highly direct version used in formal administrative settings

FAQs

How to use "I write to inform" in a sentence?

You can use it to open a formal letter, such as: ""I write to inform" you that the board has approved your proposal." It is frequently seen in samples provided by Ludwig from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

What can I say instead of "I write to inform"?

Depending on the tone you want, you can use "i am writing to inform", "i wish to inform", or more simply "i wanted to let you know".

Is "I write to inform" better than "I am writing to inform"?

Neither is objectively better, but ""I write to inform"" is more performative and traditional, while "i am writing to inform" is the standard choice in modern professional communication.

When should I use "I write to inform"?

It is best reserved for formal announcements, legal notifications, or official statements. Ludwig AI confirms it appears often in serious journalism and administrative documents where a clear, direct opening is required.