inform them about

USAGE SUMMARY

"inform them about" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase implies that one is informing someone about something. For example, "We need to inform them about the new requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BamView in Artemis provides the annotator with an extra level of information that can inform them about structural annotation.

Bioinformatics

All participants will receive an information sheet, which will inform them about the study.

BMJ Open

All patients or their surrogates received an information sheet after surgery to inform them about this study.

Critical Care

A research assistant then mailed an informational letter to the child's parent to inform them about the study.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

It's sort of good practice to inform them about other projects, which I did.

The New York Times - Arts

They inform them about their rights and the struggle for agrarian reform".

The Guardian

Mr. Silver and Mr. Bruno said the governor did not inform them about his plans either.

The New York Times

Fehr said those players and union officials called members of the rank and file to inform them about the negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

Managers should brief their teams about the results of planning, inform them about structural changes and be open to feedback.

The Guardian

"We personally met with the company in order to inform them about the importance of this matter.

The New York Times

We've spoken to the Nigerian government to inform them about it and also written to Fifa to notify them".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inform them about", ensure the information is accurate and relevant to the audience. Tailor the level of detail to their existing knowledge and needs.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or specialized language when you "inform them about" something, especially if your audience is not familiar with the subject matter. Use clear and concise language to ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inform them about" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive verb followed by a pronoun and a prepositional phrase. It indicates the act of conveying knowledge or details regarding a particular subject. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inform them about" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for conveying information, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While "tell them about" serves as a more informal alternative, options like "advise", "update", and "notify" offer nuances in meaning. When using "inform them about", clarity and accuracy are paramount, particularly avoiding jargon that could confuse the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tell them about

This is a more general and informal way of saying "inform them about".

brief them about

Conveys the same meaning in a more concise manner.

advise them about

Focuses more on offering guidance or recommendations, shifting from simple information delivery.

educate them about

Implies a more in-depth and structured imparting of knowledge.

notify them about

Highlights the act of giving formal notice.

update them about

Suggests providing the latest news or developments on a topic.

apprise them of

A more formal and less common way of saying "inform them about".

enlighten them about

Implies revealing a truth or providing a deeper understanding.

acquaint them with

Focuses on making someone familiar with something.

sensitize them about

Highlights raising awareness and understanding of a sensitive issue.

FAQs

How can I use "inform them about" in a sentence?

You can use "inform them about" to describe the act of conveying specific details or updates. For example, "The doctor will "inform them about" the test results" or "We need to "inform them about" the changes to the policy".

What are some alternatives to "inform them about"?

Alternatives include "tell them about", "advise them about", "notify them about", or "update them about". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to say "inform them about" or "tell them about"?

"Inform them about" is slightly more formal than "tell them about". While both are correct, "inform them about" is often preferred in professional or academic settings where a more serious tone is desired. Use "tell them about" in less formal situations.

What's the difference between "inform them about" and "educate them about"?

"Inform them about" means to provide specific information, while "educate them about" implies a more comprehensive and structured process of teaching and learning. If you're simply giving facts, use "inform". If you're providing a broader understanding, use "educate them about".