inform

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inform" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to tell or give information to someone. For example: She informed the class about the new changes to the syllabus.

✓ 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

Use "inform" when you want to emphasize the act of conveying knowledge or updates to someone, especially in a neutral or formal context. For example, "The study will inform policy decisions."

Common error

Avoid using "inform" in extremely informal conversations where simpler words like "tell" or "let know" might be more appropriate. For example, instead of "I will inform you later", say "I'll let you know later" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The word "inform" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to complete its meaning. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to communicate knowledge, facts, or updates to someone. Examples from Ludwig show its use in formal contexts such as news reports, business communications, and academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inform" is a versatile verb commonly used to convey knowledge, facts, or updates in a neutral to formal register. As Ludwig AI indicates, it exhibits correct grammatical usage and is frequently found in news, business, and academic contexts. When using "inform", ensure that it fits the formality of the situation, opting for simpler alternatives like "tell" in casual conversations. Remember to consider related phrases such as "notify", "advise", and "update" to fine-tune your message, and avoid misusing it in extremely informal conversations where simpler words might be more appropriate. With over 60 real-world examples, Ludwig shows that "inform" remains a valuable and authoritative word for conveying information across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notify

Focuses on the act of giving official notice or making someone aware of something.

advise

Suggests offering guidance or recommendations in addition to providing information.

update

Implies providing the latest information or changes about a particular topic.

acquaint

Highlights the process of making someone familiar with something.

enlighten

Emphasizes the act of clarifying or revealing new insights.

apprise

Similar to notify, but often used in more formal or official contexts.

tell

A more general term for conveying information.

reveal

Suggests uncovering or disclosing something previously hidden.

disclose

Similar to reveal, but often used in legal or official contexts.

instruct

Focuses on providing specific directions or training.

FAQs

How can I use "inform" in a sentence?

You can use "inform" to indicate the act of giving someone knowledge of a particular fact or circumstance. For example: "Please "inform" me of any changes to the schedule."

What can I say instead of "inform"?

You can use alternatives like "notify", "advise", or "update" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "inform" or "let know"?

"Inform" is more formal and emphasizes the act of conveying knowledge, while "let know" is more casual and simply means to provide information. Use ""inform"" in formal writing or when the information is important. For example: "I will "inform" the board of the decision."

What's the difference between "inform" and "advise"?

"Inform" means to give someone facts or information, while "advise" means to offer a recommendation or suggestion. You "inform" someone about the rules, but you advise them on the best course of action.