informing yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

"informing yourself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of gaining information or knowledge about a particular topic or situation. Here is an example: "Before making any decisions about your retirement, it is important to spend time informing yourself about different investment options and strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

When you are acknowledged for informing yourself, you inform yourself more.

The New York Times

Informing yourself about the specific needs of older adults, either by choosing modules on an undergraduate course or specialising in geriatric care at postgraduate level, will prepare you for the reality of a career in healthcare.

The Guardian

Part of it is informing yourself on what the norms are, what other people ask for," she says.

Science Magazine

That meant three things: exercising your most basic civic responsibility in voting; informing yourself about the world around you; and doing some kind of community service.

Huffington Post

Start informing yourself about the scientific realities of race, the minority experience in your nation, and the struggles confronted by people who are victims of prejudice.

WikiHow

This is not about finding a negative relationship between your personality traits and leadership abilities; rather, it is about informing yourself as to what parts of your personality style you tend to rely on when leading.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As the interviewer, you must be prepared, having done your research and informed yourself to glean the most information from the interview subject.

WikiHow

Please inform yourself on whatis-theplan.org.org

The Guardian

"How do you know you are getting the best prices unless you have informed yourself of other possibilities," he added.

The New York Times

It's easier than ever to inform yourself before you chime in online, but that's not the culture anymore.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are still The Climate Corporation, but you should inform yourself with facts, knowledge, and an understanding of the company that now owns our shares.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to research a topic, use "informing yourself" to emphasize the importance of gaining knowledge before forming an opinion or making a decision.

Common error

Be careful not to equate "informing yourself" solely with consuming information. Actively seek credible sources and diverse perspectives to avoid being misled by biased or inaccurate information.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "informing yourself" is as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. Ludwig shows examples where it serves as the subject of a sentence or part of a prepositional phrase, highlighting its role in describing an action or process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science & Research

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "informing yourself" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that emphasizes the act of gaining knowledge. Ludwig's examples show it appears commonly in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, indicating a register that ranges from neutral to professional. When using this phrase, remember to actively seek information from credible sources and diverse perspectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the importance of being knowledgeable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting informed

A more passive phrasing, implying receiving information rather than actively seeking it.

educating yourself

Focuses more on the process of formal learning, implying a structured approach to gaining knowledge.

familiarizing yourself

Suggests becoming acquainted with something, often implying a process of gradual learning.

finding out about

A more general and less formal way of expressing the act of discovering information.

becoming knowledgeable

Highlights the state of possessing knowledge rather than the act of acquiring it.

getting the facts

Emphasizes the importance of obtaining accurate and verifiable information.

doing your homework

Implies research and preparation, often before making a decision or taking action.

keeping up to date

Focuses on staying current with the latest information on a topic.

learning the ropes

Idiomatic expression referring to learning the basics or practical aspects of a specific activity or role.

enlightening yourself

Suggests a deeper understanding or awareness, often with a positive or transformative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "informing yourself" in a sentence?

You can use "informing yourself" to emphasize the act of gaining knowledge, such as "Before investing, "informing yourself" about the market is crucial."

What are some alternatives to "informing yourself"?

Some alternatives to "informing yourself" include "educating yourself", "getting informed", or "familiarizing yourself", depending on the context.

Why is it important to focus on "informing yourself" from credible sources?

Relying on credible sources ensures that you receive accurate and unbiased information, which is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding misinformation.

Is "informing yourself" only about formal education?

No, "informing yourself" encompasses a broad range of activities, including reading news articles, researching online, attending workshops, and engaging in discussions. It's about actively seeking knowledge from various sources.