formally inform

USAGE SUMMARY

'formally inform' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of informing someone of something in a formal or official manner. For example: I need to formally inform you that our company is changing its policy on vacation time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Inspectors will probably look Monday!! It's the first thing they look at," De Souza wrote on the Saturday before the Monday on which inspectors would formally inform the school of their plans.

The Guardian

International charity MSF said it took the decision not to formally inform Syria's government or its Russian allies about the location of some medical facilities, such as the one hit by a deadly airstrike this week, amid concerns that doing so could make them targets.

The Guardian

What do you do if you assiduously followed the guidelines and applied to be a presenter at a visual arts conference, only to be told that, although the committee approved your proposal, they failed to formally inform you of a substantial registration fee?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Downing Street formally informed Russian diplomats yesterday that Mr Cameron would not be going to Sochi.

The Guardian

Fifa has been formally informed of the Uruguay FA's intention to  appeal against the sanctions imposed on Suarez.

Independent

The consortium made the choice on Friday in London, but held off announcing it until the Kazakh government was formally informed by the consortium's management committee today.

The New York Times

The orchestra's spokeswoman, Elizabeth Weigandt, confirmed the move and said Ms. Boisvert had told the players but not yet formally informed orchestra management.

The New York Times

Mr. Tardio added that the commission had not been formally informed about any other requests by countries for a deal similar to that offered to Finland.

The New York Times

Melinda Taylor, an Assange legal spokeswoman, said the Australian had not yet been formally informed by the panel of its findings, but "if it finds that the standard for arbitrary detention is met, we would expect his release and compensation".

The Guardian

Believing that another Sinn Féin candidate should stand for the West Belfast seat and take up the constituency work, Adams last Friday wrote to the Speaker, John Bercow, formally informing him of his departure.

The Guardian

Meanwhile on Thursday, the top uniformed lawyers in each military service — three-star officers known as the judge advocates general — sent an e-mail to military lawyers in the field formally informing them of Judge Phillips's injunction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the situation. If a less formal approach is acceptable, alternatives like "notify officially" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "formally inform" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound stilted and unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tell" or "let know" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally inform" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of conveying information in an official or procedural manner. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formally inform" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of conveying information in an official or procedural manner. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable phrase, although relatively rare, particularly suited for legal, business, and academic contexts. When choosing to use the phrase, consider its formal tone and ensure it aligns with the intended audience and situation. If not, consider a more appropriate alternative like "officially notify". The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially notify

Emphasizes the official nature of the communication.

give formal notification

Highlights the act of providing a formal notice.

advise through official channels

Focuses on using proper communication methods.

communicate in writing officially

Specifies written and official communication.

report through proper procedure

Stresses adherence to protocol in reporting.

make an official announcement

Highlights the act of making a formal public statement.

provide due notice

Emphasizes giving adequate and formal warning.

deliver official notice

Focuses on the action of delivering a formal notification.

put on formal notice

Suggests a more legalistic or serious tone.

make aware through formal means

Highlights the formal process of informing someone.

FAQs

What does "formally inform" mean?

The phrase "formally inform" means to communicate something in an official or procedural manner, often following specific protocols or requirements.

When is it appropriate to use "formally inform"?

Use "formally inform" in situations requiring official communication, such as legal notices, business announcements, or academic correspondence.

What can I say instead of "formally inform"?

You can use alternatives like "officially notify", "give formal notification", or "advise through official channels" depending on the context.

Is "formally inform" the same as just "inform"?

While both involve conveying information, "formally inform" implies a more structured and official process compared to simply "inform".