inform someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inform someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey information to another person. Example: "Please inform someone in the office about the meeting change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

(Arpaio claims that he did inform someone at Mesa police headquarters about the raid).

The New Yorker

For example, what if you become ill on the plane, and want to inform someone?

The New York Times

Does it help to inform someone they're obese, or does it cause unnecessary distress?

The Guardian

At some point, Dr. Booth says, scientists conceivably could develop a test that would reliably inform someone whether he or she is genetically predisposed to being physically lazy, or the reverse.

The New York Times

But while Collins had no issue with Pagan having to leave a game because of illness, he said he was annoyed that he did not make a greater effort to inform someone about his whereabouts.

The New York Times - Sports

Christine Pratt, chief executive of the National Bullying Helpline, offers graduates this advice: "Confront the bully, record the things that upset you in a diary, and inform someone that you are upset and tell them why".

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"I was informed someone didn't want to work for a black chief," he recalled telling the quiet room.

The New York Times

More surveillance might be one answer, or informing someone who might be a possible victim - or the parent of victims.

The Guardian

Early last month, I'm told, a tipster (identity not revealed) informed someone at The Post that the mayor and a woman not his wife were going to Hanratty's on the Upper East Side for brunch.

The New York Times

Communication has the same constituents of assertion: when one (honestly) informs someone of a given state of affairs, one means it only insofar as one is also convinced of its subsistence.

SEP

For instance, it was argued that the act of perceiving a state of affairs and the act of meaning it with a linguistic expression are not of the same genus and that both acts are further distinct from informing someone about this state of affairs or from enjoying it.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inform someone", ensure that the information you're conveying is accurate and relevant to the recipient. Choose this phrase when a neutral and professional tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "inform" in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "tell" or "let know" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your communication sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inform someone" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of conveying information to another person. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and common in written English. Examples from Ludwig show usage in various contexts, from news reports to instructional guides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inform someone" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase that describes the act of conveying information. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, science, and wiki articles. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to professional register, making it ideal for situations where clarity and accuracy are paramount. Related phrases like ""notify someone"" and "advise someone" offer nuances in formality and implication. When using "inform someone", ensure the information is accurate and relevant and be mindful of overusing it in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notify someone

Focuses more on the act of giving formal notice.

advise someone

Implies offering guidance or recommendations in addition to providing information.

apprise someone of

A more formal way to say "inform someone" focusing on conveying important information.

tell someone

A very general term for conveying information, lacking the professional tone of "inform".

let someone know

An informal way of saying "inform someone".

update someone

Implies providing the latest information on a particular topic.

brief someone

Suggests providing a concise summary of information.

enlighten someone

Indicates informing someone about something that was previously unknown to them.

fill someone in

An informal way of saying "inform someone" usually involving a detailed explanation.

keep someone posted

Suggests regularly providing updates on a situation.

FAQs

How to use "inform someone" in a sentence?

You can use "inform someone" when you want to convey information to another person. For example, "Please "notify someone" in the office about the meeting change."

What can I say instead of "inform someone"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "inform someone"?

It is appropriate to use "inform someone" in professional, formal, or neutral contexts where you need to convey information clearly and directly. It may be less suitable for casual conversations, where "let someone know" or "tell someone" might be better alternatives.

What is the difference between "inform someone" and ""notify someone""?

"Notify someone" often implies a more formal or official communication, whereas "inform someone" is a more general term for conveying information.