be informed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be informed on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone should have knowledge or awareness about a specific topic or issue. Example: "It is important for employees to be informed on the latest company policies to ensure compliance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Volcanologists often believe they are the most qualified to interpret the observations and measurements revealed by an active volcano, and to transmit information to all those who need to be informed on volcanic phenomena and related hazards.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Young people should be given clear and detailed information about the risks of HIV, but also be informed on how living with HIV in the UK has changed, and that it is now an entirely manageable health condition.

Independent

Politicians in the field of ECEC need to be informed on causal relationships (e.g. between ECEC characteristics, on the one hand, and children's development and learning, on the other), so that policy making can benefit from research.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Patients will be informed on all aspects of the project by means of written information and personally at the inclusion.

BMC Health Services Research

"I want to be informed," she said, "but I wanted to be informed on both sides".

The New York Times

A source close to the company said that affected workers will be informed on Wednesday.

The Telegraph

He expects to be informed on the population, sights of interest, and principal industries, of every town he visits.

The New Yorker

All 12 national Olympic committees whose athletes fell foul of the recent retrospective testing programme were due to be informed on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Guardian - Sport

We would like to be informed on how the decision was made and what criteria you took into account when reaching your conclusions".

The Guardian

The best solution in the meantime is for students to be informed on what the NSS is used for, and to feel empowered to be honest.

The Guardian

It's almost perfect in a way that even the president of the United States isn't fully informed on non-binary issues, because it really puts it home that so many people around the world need to be informed on this".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be informed on" when you want to emphasize that someone should possess knowledge about a specific topic, especially when that knowledge is crucial for decision-making or understanding a situation. For example: "Employees should "be informed on" the company's safety protocols."

Common error

While "be informed on" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "know about" or "learn about" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be informed on" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone is the recipient of information. This usage aligns with Ludwig's examples, showing its role in contexts where knowledge transfer is central.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

4%

Unknown

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be informed on" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase indicating the state of possessing knowledge about a particular subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's considered correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific discussions to news reports. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral-to-formal register, making it essential to consider your audience and the context. Remember, while "be informed on" is a solid choice, alternatives like "be aware of" or "stay updated on" can offer more nuanced expressions. Keep in mind that overusing "be informed on" can make your writing sound stilted, so choosing the right alternative enhances the effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be updated on

This suggests receiving the latest information, focusing on changes and new developments. It emphasizes the currency of the information.

be made aware of

This phrase focuses on the act of becoming conscious of something, emphasizing the moment of realization.

be notified about

This focuses on receiving a formal or official notification, often about specific events or changes.

be briefed on

This implies receiving a concise summary of information, often in a professional setting.

be kept abreast of

This alternative implies continuous updates and awareness of ongoing developments, suggesting a more proactive approach than simply "be informed on".

be apprised of

This is a more formal alternative, often used in professional or official contexts, indicating a formal notification.

be instructed on

This alternative highlights the aspect of receiving guidance or directions, differing from simply having information.

be conversant with

This implies a deeper understanding and familiarity with a topic, suggesting more than just being informed.

be enlightened about

This phrase suggests gaining insight or a deeper understanding, focusing on the removal of ignorance or confusion.

be acquainted with

This implies having some familiarity or basic knowledge, but not necessarily in-depth understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be informed on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "be apprised of" or "be briefed on", which suggest a structured and official communication of information.

What's a less formal alternative to "be informed on"?

In less formal settings, consider using phrases such as "know about", "learn about", or "be aware of" for a more casual and approachable tone.

Is it always correct to use "be informed on", or are there situations where it's not appropriate?

While grammatically correct, "be informed on" can sometimes sound overly formal or stilted, especially in informal contexts. Assess the situation and audience to determine if a simpler, more direct phrasing would be more effective.

What is the difference between "be informed on" and "be informed about"?

Although subtle, "be informed on" typically refers to having knowledge about a specific subject or topic. The alternative "be informed about" is also valid and widely accepted, and the two are often interchangeable.