inform someone of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inform someone of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey information or notify someone about a specific matter or topic. Example: "Please inform the team of the changes to the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When the detectives turn up at a pharmacy where two people have been killed, the words "pharmacy double" hover, superfluously, in the lower part of the screen; when the men go to a house to inform someone of a death, that is noted as well.

The New Yorker

There are other ways to inform someone of something without directly hurting his or her feelings.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

By day two, among both the crew and the participants, there appeared to be no greater victory than informing someone of exactly how little sleep you'd had.

Vice

Some students presented an analysis on what they could have done differently and pondered over possible alternate outcomes; I have experienced something that will occur in the future, I could very well be the next of kin in real life and I could also be the one informing someone of the death notification.

BMC Medical Education

For example, respondents were asked, "what do you consider a shared decision between patient and clinician?", "when would you say that the patient is making his own rational decision?", "what do you think is the difference between informing someone of something and making sure that she/he understands".

BMC Medical Ethics

3. Given the uncertainty and the extremely abbreviated length of time (inform someone, make decision, implement decision, too late gorilla broke his neck) the only HUMAN decision possible was to regretfully kill poor Harambe.

Huffington Post

"Is it standard practice for the FBI to inform someone that they are not a target of an investigation?" she asked.

Huffington Post

If someone has a pattern of over-sharing or not respecting your boundaries, inform someone who can protect you.

WikiHow

"So what day do you celebrate?" is invariably one of the first questions I get asked whenever I inform someone that I am a leap day baby.

Huffington Post

First, inform someone where you are going.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inform someone of", ensure the information you are conveying is clear and concise. Avoid jargon or overly complex language that could confuse the recipient.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "inform someone of" in casual conversations can sound overly formal. Opt for more natural alternatives like "tell someone about" or "let someone know" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inform someone of" serves as a verb phrase used to describe the action of conveying specific information to someone. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. Examples show it being used in contexts where notification about events, decisions, or states of affairs is important.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inform someone of" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to convey specific information, with the Ludwig AI confirming its validity. While usable, it tends to lean toward the neutral-to-professional register, making it suitable for business communication and official notifications. Simpler alternatives like "tell someone about" are often more appropriate in casual settings. When using this phrase, clarity and conciseness are key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Notify someone about

Focuses on the act of giving notice, often in a formal or official context.

Advise someone of

Implies providing counsel or a formal recommendation in addition to conveying information.

Let someone know about

A more informal way of saying "inform", suitable for casual communication.

Tell someone about

A direct and simple way to express conveying information without added formality.

Make someone aware of

Emphasizes bringing something to someone's attention, often something they were previously unaware of.

Apprise someone of

A more formal and less common way of saying inform. It implies a complete and detailed explanation.

Update someone on

Specifically refers to providing the latest information on a developing situation.

Keep someone posted on

Similar to "update", but emphasizes a continuous flow of information as it becomes available.

Clue someone in on

Implies sharing confidential or insider information.

Enlighten someone about

Suggests providing understanding or deeper insight into a topic.

FAQs

How to use "inform someone of" in a sentence?

You can use "inform someone of" to convey information or notify someone about a specific matter. For instance, "Please inform the manager of any security breaches." Consider the context and choose more suitable alternatives like "notify someone about" or "advise someone of" for different degrees of formality.

What can I say instead of "inform someone of"?

You can use alternatives like "let someone know about", "tell someone about", or "make someone aware of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "inform someone of"?

Use "inform someone of" when you want to sound professional and somewhat formal. It's suitable for workplace communication, official notices, or other situations where clarity and a degree of formality are desired. In casual contexts, consider using "tell someone about" or "let someone know" instead.

Is "inform someone of" too formal for everyday conversations?

Yes, in most everyday conversations, "inform someone of" might sound overly formal. Simpler alternatives like "tell someone about" or "let someone know" are usually more appropriate and natural.