be informed about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be informed about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to state that someone has knowledge or is aware of something, as in the following example sentence: When traveling to a foreign country, it's important to be informed about local customs.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patients need to be informed about and comprehend treatment.

BMC Psychiatry

But they appear to be informed about the basics.

The New York Times

But people have to be informed about that".

The Guardian

What would they like to be informed about?

Harvard Business Review

People should be informed about what is going on there".

The New York Times

There is often a mismatch between patients' desire to be informed about errors and clinical reality.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Nulliparous women should be informed about this before they submit to elective induction.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Parturients must also be informed about rare but severe complications such as neurological complications.

Le Praticien en Anesthésie Réanimation

The public would never know how to use it safely, or be informed about its context.

The Guardian - Opinion

Public outreach is also important -- vulnerable families in rural areas must be informed about the danger.

The New York Times

In a democracy it is mandatory that the electorate be informed about matters of national significance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be informed about", ensure that the subject clearly benefits from the information being provided. This emphasizes the value and importance of the knowledge.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice, as it can sometimes make your writing sound vague. Consider using the active voice when possible to make your sentences more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "People should be informed about the risks", try "Educate people about the risks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be informed about" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state of receiving knowledge or information. Ludwig AI states the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used when stating that someone has knowledge or is aware of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be informed about" is a versatile phrase used to convey the importance of possessing knowledge or awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can vary depending on the specific application. To enhance clarity in writing, consider actively informing rather than passively stating the need to "be informed about". Though "be informed about" is widely acceptable, overuse of passive voice should be avoided by restructuring sentences into active forms, such as "educate the public". This ensures direct and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aware of

Focuses more on the state of knowing something exists, rather than receiving information.

be familiar with

Indicates a general understanding or acquaintance with a topic.

be cognizant of

A more formal way of saying "be aware of", often used in professional settings.

be apprised of

A formal term indicating that someone has been officially informed.

be knowledgeable about

Highlights the depth of understanding rather than just awareness.

be up-to-date on

Implies having the latest information on a topic.

be conversant with

Suggests a comfortable familiarity with a subject, implying the ability to discuss it.

keep abreast of

Implies actively staying informed about ongoing developments.

be versed in

Similar to "be conversant with", but perhaps implying a higher level of expertise.

be enlightened about

Suggests receiving information that clarifies or improves understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "be informed about" in a sentence?

You can use "be informed about" to indicate that someone has knowledge or is aware of something. For example, "Customers should "be informed about" the terms and conditions before making a purchase."

What are some alternatives to "be informed about"?

Some alternatives include "be aware of", "be familiar with", or "be knowledgeable about", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be informed about" or "being informed about"?

"Be informed about" is generally used as an imperative or in the passive voice, while "being informed about" is used as a gerund or part of a continuous tense. For example, "Be informed about the risks" vs. "He appreciates being informed about the latest developments."

What's the difference between "be informed about" and "receive information about"?

"Be informed about" implies a state of knowing, while "receive information about" emphasizes the act of getting the information. "Be informed about" suggests a more comprehensive understanding compared to simply receiving data.