inform me when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inform me when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to tell you when something happens or someone does something. For example: "Please inform me when the product is shipped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They would promise to inform me when they take a decision.

The New York Times

Crowe was not impressed, replying: "Why did you not inform me when I booked my ticket?

The Guardian - Film

He said through his translator that the interview would last exactly 10 minutes; Ichiro would check the clock and inform me when my time was up.

The New York Times - Magazine

It would also be nice if the application could send SMS alerts to inform me when my cab was on its way, and some kind of wait time indicator would also be handy.

TechCrunch

There was no winsome background music to stir my enthusiasm, and none of the heady, rousing atmosphere you'd expect to find in a real casino, just cheap sound effects and a monotone robot dealer to inform me when I'd bust or very occasionally won.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I was in "a dark hole," he informed me when I called one afternoon.

The New York Times

"I'm not going to school in Indiana," my son informed me when I raised the subject last year.

The New York Times

However, Brigette informed me when I sat down at my desk that she had found more material related to the Ecumenical Conference.

Columbia University

Oh, you have to try Timmies," a former colleague informed me, when I landed in Toronto for a business trip several years ago.

The Guardian

We would be making a four-course lunch, Mr. Farran informed me when I arrived at Mejana, before handing me a plastic apron and chef's hat, and pointing me to the kitchen.

The New York Times - Travel

The UEFA president said: "Mr Blatter informed me when I started my role as his advisor (in 1999) that it was not initially possible to pay the totality of my salary because of FIFA's financial situation at that time.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inform me when" in situations where a formal or polite request for information is appropriate, especially when you need to be notified about a specific event or deadline.

Common error

Avoid using "inform me when" in overly casual contexts. Opt for phrases like "let me know when" or "tell me when" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inform me when" functions as an imperative request. It asks someone to provide information at a specific time or upon the occurrence of a specific event. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inform me when" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to politely request notification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Although it's not exceedingly common (rated "Rare"), it finds its place in formal and professional contexts, particularly in news and academic spheres. While suitable for such settings, consider more casual alternatives like "let me know when" in informal conversations. The expression serves the primary function of seeking information at a specific time or following a particular event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me know when

This alternative is a more casual and common way to ask for notification.

tell me when

This option provides a direct and simple way to request information at a specific time.

notify me when

This is a slightly more formal alternative that emphasizes the act of being officially informed.

advise me when

This suggests seeking guidance or counsel at a specific point in time.

keep me updated on when

This alternative broadens the request to include ongoing updates related to a specific event.

update me when

Similar to 'keep me updated', but more concise.

alert me when

Suggests a sense of urgency, implying that the information is critical.

get in touch when

This implies wanting someone to contact you at a certain time or after a specific event.

reach out when

Similar to "get in touch when", but slightly more proactive.

contact me when

A more formal way to say "get in touch when".

FAQs

How can I use "inform me when" in a sentence?

You can use "inform me when" to politely request notification about a future event or decision. For example, "Please inform me when the documents are ready for review."

What is a more casual alternative to "inform me when"?

Alternatives include "let me know when" or "tell me when", which are suitable for informal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "inform me when"?

"Inform me when" is suitable for professional or formal contexts where you need to be officially notified of something. It's often used in business correspondence or academic settings.

What's the difference between "inform me when" and "notify me when"?

While similar, "notify me when" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of official notification, while "inform me when" is a more general request for information.