informed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "informed on" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe someone who has given information about another's wrongdoings or activities to an authority. For example: "The thief was eventually arrested after a witness informed on him to the police."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Someone has informed on his brother and he wants revenge.

The Guardian

Belvoir was informed on Friday that one of the music publishers had denied permission.

The Guardian

Readers are informed on more than one occasion of the blokey width of her shoulders.

The Guardian - Books

He confessed to killing Dianne and one other girl, and informed on an accomplice.

The New York Times - Magazine

All patients were informed on the operative procedure and possible risks and signed an informed consent.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Had somebody informed on him?

The New Yorker

She had not informed on him.

The New York Times

He will be well informed on this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Being informed on such matters can benefit your career.

The Guardian

Ms. Pernu said employees were informed on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In addition, it's vital that commission members be well-informed on the massive problem before them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "informed on", ensure clarity regarding who provided the information and who received it to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "informed on" when "informed about" is more appropriate. "Informed on" implies providing information against someone, while "informed about" simply means being knowledgeable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "informed on" functions primarily as a phrasal verb where 'inform' takes on a specific meaning when combined with the preposition 'on'. It signifies the act of providing information about someone, often of a sensitive or incriminating nature, to an authority. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "informed on" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb primarily used to describe the act of reporting someone's wrongdoings or secrets to an authority. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts but can also be found in Science, Encyclopedias and Wiki articles. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase often carries a negative connotation. When using "informed on", ensure clarity regarding the source and recipient of the information. Consider alternatives like "reported to" or "testified against" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notified about

Focuses on the action of giving a formal notice or update concerning something.

told about

Indicates a direct and simple conveyance of information.

apprised of

Highlights a formal briefing or making someone aware of specific details.

made aware of

Emphasizes the act of bringing something to someone's attention.

alerted to

Implies a warning or urgent notification regarding a particular matter.

briefed on

Refers to a concise and structured presentation of information.

updated on

Conveys the action of providing the latest information or progress report.

filled in on

Suggests providing missing information or background details.

clued in on

Implies sharing insider knowledge or secret information.

reported to

Describes the act of formally conveying information to a superior or authority.

FAQs

How do you use "informed on" in a sentence?

Use "informed on" to describe someone who has provided information, often negative or incriminating, about another person to an authority. For example, "He "informed on" his accomplice to the police".

What does it mean to "inform on" someone?

To "inform on" someone means to report their wrongdoing or secrets to an authority, often betraying their trust. It carries a connotation of betrayal or being a 'stoolpigeon'.

What can I say instead of "informed on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reported to", "told about", or "testified against".

Is there a difference between "informed on" and "informed about"?

Yes, "informed on" suggests reporting someone's wrongdoing, while "informed about" simply means having knowledge about a topic. For instance, "He was "informed about" the new policy" doesn't imply any negative action.