Inform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Inform" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey information or notify someone about something. Example: "Please inform me of any changes to the schedule as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's more, the values at work in this process will/should inform information policy around the world.

The Guardian - Tech

The background information the HDR provides can be used to inform development work and enable activists and policymakers to make useful comparisons.

The Guardian

Now the Harlow MP's mandate will reach beyond policy to inform the way Tory candidates are selected, with an emphasis on diversity of class as much as ethnicity, and the way new supporters are signed up and engaged.

The Guardian - Opinion

In September 2012, as part of my PhD studies, I made a routine request under the Freedom of Information Act asking the Department for Education to release the application forms submitted by groups who had applied to open free schools, and the letters sent to inform them about the government's decision to either grant or deny their application.

The Guardian

An example of this has been analysed in a recent paper in Nature Climate Change that tried to get a grip on the sources that US politicians used to inform themselves about climate change.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.47pm AEST05:47 Industry minister Ian Macfarlane is asked to inform the house how the Government's trade support loans and plans for skills and training are providing opportunities for future students?

The Guardian

Also ask where your deposit is held: landlords must protect your deposit in a government-authorised scheme, and inform you of the details.

The Guardian

The hold-up has caused dismay in sporting circles, as it was expected to inform the development of post-Olympic policy at local and national level.

The Guardian

Add your thoughts to the form below, tweet @GuardianAfrica or email [email protected] and we'll use your suggestions to inform the coverage on the Guardian Africa network.

The Guardian

The Times, and the Daily Mail via the Times, inform us in no uncertain terms that the Issue of the Week is the slight change that has been made to the new cover of Jilly Cooper's Riders.

The Guardian - Books

Peter Beresford, professor of social policy at Brunel University and chair of Shaping Our Lives: "Since the government seems to want to reduce spending on social care, it has been very reluctant to help inform people about it although it's been long known that the public has little understanding of social care.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inform", consider your audience and choose a tone that is appropriate for the context. In formal settings, more precise language may be preferred over "tell" or "show".

Common error

Avoid using "inform" in very casual conversations; simpler words like "tell" or "let know" may be more natural and fitting.

Linguistic Context

Inform functions primarily as a verb. It conveys the action of providing knowledge or facts to someone. As shown by Ludwig AI, it's commonly used in various contexts to indicate the transmission of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "inform" is a versatile verb used to convey knowledge or facts. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it is grammatically sound and very common, particularly in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral to professional in register, context matters: simpler alternatives might be better in casual conversation. Remember, "inform" requires a direct object (e.g., "inform me"), and knowing synonyms like ""notify"" or ""advise"" can enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Notify

A more formal alternative, often used in official or legal contexts.

Advise

Suggests giving counsel or guidance, not just facts.

Apprise

A more formal and less common synonym for inform.

Update

Implies providing the latest information or changes.

Enlighten

Suggests revealing something previously unknown or misunderstood.

Brief

To give someone concise information about something.

Instruct

Focuses on teaching or directing someone.

Tell

A simple and direct way to convey information.

Communicate

Emphasizes the exchange of information.

Disclose

Implies revealing something that was previously hidden or secret.

FAQs

How can I use "Inform" in a sentence?

You can use "inform" to mean to give someone facts or details about something. For example, "Please "inform me" of any changes to the schedule" or "The purpose of this meeting is to "inform the team" about the new strategy".

What are some synonyms for "Inform"?

Some synonyms for "inform" include "notify", "advise", "apprise", "update", and "enlighten". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "Inform to me"?

No, the correct phrasing is ""inform me"" or "inform someone." The verb "inform" takes a direct object.

What is the difference between "Inform" and "Notify"?

"Inform" means to give someone facts or details, while ""notify"" often implies giving formal or official notice. "Notify" is generally more formal.