inform on

USAGE SUMMARY

"inform on" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to give information about someone, usually to an authority or to someone in power. For example, "The employee informed on her colleague for stealing from the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, if they are present before therapy, they could help inform on patient treatment.

British Journal of Cancer

Family members were kept apart and encouraged to inform on one another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To inform on Avon?

The Guardian

He was terrified the black maid would inform on them.

The Guardian

And -- en passant -- nobody's going to inform on you.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are exhorted to inform on each other's deviant behaviour.

The Guardian - Books

But he does not inform on his official patrons.

The New Yorker

You can't just inform on any Muslim having extreme views.

The Guardian

Billboards encourage residents to inform on everyday separatism.

The Economist

Internet service providers in Vietnam are required to inform on web users; internet cafe owners are required to inform on customers; and web users are required to inform on sites that oppose the state.

The Guardian - Tech

Prosecutors had been hoping that Martoma would cooperate and inform on his former boss.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context; in formal settings, more neutral alternatives like "report" or "disclose information about" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "inform on" when you simply mean to convey providing information without any implication of betrayal or negative consequence. Use more neutral terms like "report" or "notify" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inform on" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of providing information about someone, typically to an authority. Ludwig shows that it often implies a negative action, such as betrayal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inform on" is a verb phrase that denotes providing information about someone, typically to an authority, often with negative implications such as betrayal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While frequently found in News & Media and Science, it's important to be mindful of its neutral to informal register. To avoid unintended negative connotations, consider alternatives like report someone or notify authorities in more formal contexts. It's an important to remember that "snitch on someone" is similar, but carries a stronger negative connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tell on someone

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of saying "inform on", often used in informal contexts.

turn someone in

Implies a direct action of handing someone over to authorities.

snitch on someone

Implies a more informal and often negative connotation, suggesting betrayal or tattling.

rat on someone

Similar to "snitch on", but with a stronger negative connotation.

report someone

Focuses on the act of reporting, which may or may not imply betrayal or negative consequences for the reported individual.

expose someone

Suggests revealing something hidden or scandalous about someone.

betray someone's confidence

Highlights the breach of trust involved in revealing information that was meant to be kept secret.

denounce someone

Implies a public condemnation and revelation of someone's wrongdoings.

give away

This version focus on revealing information, either voluntary or involuntary.

divulge information about someone

Focuses on the act of revealing information, without necessarily implying betrayal.

FAQs

What does "inform on" mean?

The phrase "inform on" means to give information about someone to an authority, often implying betrayal or wrongdoing. It suggests revealing secrets or activities that could get the person in trouble.

What's a less accusatory way to say "inform on"?

If you want to avoid the negative connotation of "inform on", you can use alternatives like "report someone" or "notify authorities", which are more neutral.

Is it ever okay to "inform on" someone?

Whether it's okay to "inform on" someone depends on your values, the specific situation and potential consequences of not coming forward. Actions such as to "turn someone in" might be the right choice if you observe an illegal or unethical activity.

How is "inform on" different from "tell on"?

"Tell on" is more informal and often used in a childhood context, like a child telling a teacher about another child's misbehavior. "Inform on" is more general and can be used in adult contexts, often implying more serious consequences. The alternative "snitch on someone" is similar but carries a stronger negative connotation.