inform them of

USAGE SUMMARY

'inform them of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means "to cause someone to receive knowledge or information about something." Example: I need to inform them of the change in the project deadline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Police then had to inform them of the second blast.

The Guardian

She was able to inform them of his injuries on Thursday.

The Guardian

To inform them of the ruling, Stevenson went to death row at the Holman Correctional Facility.

The New Yorker

We help settle cases, assist pro se clients and inform them of their options.

The New York Times

Department heads spent yesterday calling in lower-level staff members to inform them of their dismissals.

The New York Times

O'Neal called several senior members of the board to inform them of the conversations with Wachovia.

The New Yorker

"This was one way to inform them of the animal science," Dr. Weissman said.

The New York Times

He has begun calling actors involved to inform them of his decision.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He confirmed he had begun calling actors involved to inform them of his decision.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

School officials met with the team around noon on Sunday to inform them of the decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Duncan called all 15 governors on March 29 to inform them of the two winners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

"Inform them of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, consider alternatives like "apprise them of" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "inform them of" in very casual conversations can sound stilted or overly formal. In such cases, simpler alternatives like "tell them about" or "let them know" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inform them of" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the act of conveying knowledge or details about a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inform them of" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to convey information, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is widely used across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications and general guides. While predominantly neutral in tone, it can lean toward formality, suggesting careful consideration of audience and setting. Common alternatives include "notify them about" or "let them know about", offering simpler options for informal communication. The phrase’s robust presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and broad acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let them know about

A more casual and direct way of conveying information.

tell them about

A simple and common way to describe conveying information.

notify them about

Focuses on the act of giving notice, often regarding something important or urgent.

update them on

Focuses on providing the latest information or progress on a matter.

make them aware of

Highlights the goal of ensuring someone is conscious of specific information.

advise them regarding

Suggests providing counsel or guidance, implying a degree of expertise.

apprise them of

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the imparting of knowledge.

keep them informed about

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of providing information.

acquaint them with

Implies introducing someone to new information or a new subject.

report to them on

Implies a formal relaying of information, often with a sense of duty.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "notify them about", "let them know about", or "tell them about" depending on the context.

Is "inform them of" formal or informal?

"Inform them of" sits in a neutral to slightly formal register. It's appropriate for most professional and general communications. For very informal settings, consider simpler phrases.

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

You can use "inform them of" to introduce factual details or relevant updates. For example, "Please inform them of the meeting's cancellation" or "We need to inform them of the new safety guidelines."

What is the difference between "inform them of" and "advise them on"?

"Inform them of" focuses on conveying factual information, while "advise them on" implies giving counsel or recommendations based on expertise. The former is about facts; the latter is about opinions and guidance.