give someone updates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give someone updates" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when informing someone about the latest information or developments regarding a specific topic or situation. For example, "I will give you updates on the project as soon as I have more information." Alternative expressions include "provide someone with updates" and "keep someone informed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I understand that your adult job and responsibilities and shitty kid have made you so high-strung that the only way for you to not think about spreadsheets and house payments is to stretch in a room that smells like feet with other newly sober people, but if you want to give someone daily updates about it call your mom.

Vice

I understand that your adult job and responsibilities and shitty kid have made you so high-strung that the only way for you to not think about spreadsheets and house payments is to stretch in a room that smells like feet with other newly sober people, but if you want to give someone daily updates about it call your mum.

Vice

Can I give someone else access to update my annual report without sharing my password?

Duke University

Can I give someone else access to update my information without sharing my password?

Duke University

Give someone else a chance.

The New York Times - Sports

Give someone a kiss.

The Guardian - Music

"You should never give someone false hope.

Independent

Give someone a hug.

Huffington Post

Give someone a compliment.

Huffington Post

Go give someone a squeeze.

HuffPost

Give someone a gift.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase works best in active voice to clearly show who is responsible for the communication flow.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly use "give someone update" without the article 'an'. Remember that 'update' is a countable noun; you should either "give someone an update" (singular) or "give someone updates" (plural).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give someone updates" functions as a ditransitive verb phrase. In this structure, 'give' acts as the head verb, 'someone' serves as the indirect object, and 'updates' is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this is a standard and correct English construction. It follows the common pattern of transferring information from one party to another.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "give someone updates" is a versatile and grammatically standard phrase used to describe the act of keeping others informed. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase is most effective when qualified by adjectives that specify the frequency or content of the information. Its presence in high-quality sources like The New York Times and Duke University underscores its reliability in both academic and journalistic writing. Whether you choose to "give someone updates" or opt for a more formal alternative like "provide someone with updates", the core meaning remains a pillar of proactive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide someone with updates

Adds a slightly more formal tone suitable for business or technical documentation.

keep someone informed

Shifts the focus from the act of giving to the state of the recipient being aware.

keep someone in the loop

A more idiomatic and informal way to express continuous communication.

brief someone

Implies a more concise or structured summary of information.

update someone

A direct verb form that is more concise but loses the explicit 'giving' noun-based structure.

send someone updates

Specifies the delivery method, often implying digital or written communication.

apprise someone of developments

Much more formal and often used in legal or high-level corporate contexts.

fill someone in

An informal phrasal verb often used when catching someone up on missed information.

report to someone

Suggests a hierarchy or a formal duty to provide the information.

notify someone of changes

Focuses specifically on changes or specific events rather than general progress.

FAQs

Is "give someone updates" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. You are using the verb 'give' with an indirect object ('someone') and a direct object ('updates').

How do I use "give someone updates" in a professional email?

You can use it to set expectations for communication, such as: "I will "give someone updates" on the status of the report by Friday."

What is the difference between "give someone updates" and "update someone"?

While both mean the same thing, "update someone" is a more concise verb-based approach, whereas "give someone updates" uses a noun-based construction that allows for easier modification with adjectives like 'regular' or 'weekly'.

Should I say "give updates to someone" or "give someone updates"?

Both are correct. "Give someone updates" is a standard ditransitive structure, while "give updates to someone" uses a prepositional phrase, which can be useful if the 'someone' part is a long description.