to inform

USAGE SUMMARY

"to inform" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when giving someone knowledge or news about a particular topic. For example, "I wanted to inform you that the meeting has been rescheduled for Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Use this information to inform research priorities.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Use this information to inform your characters.

WikiHow

Specific concerns of sharing information include: when to inform, whom to inform, maintaining confidentiality, and how to inform individuals.

Environmental Health Perspectives

It aims to inform.

The New Yorker

Huffpo never fails to inform.

The New Yorker

To inform on Avon?

The Guardian

Theirs is a mission to inform.

Independent

The time came to inform the Americans.

The New Yorker

We use that feedback to inform production".

The New York Times

To inform readers?

University of California, Berkeley

"To inform, educate and entertain?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to inform", ensure the context clearly indicates what information is being conveyed and to whom. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure who is doing the informing. Instead of "The decision was to inform the team", use "We decided to inform the team" for directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to inform" functions primarily as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or goal behind an action. Ludwig confirms this by demonstrating its usage in various contexts where the intent is to provide knowledge or news.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to inform" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the intention to convey information. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase maintains a neutral register and, according to Ludwig AI, follows standard grammar rules, reinforcing its reliability in both formal and informal communications. While alternatives like "to notify" or "to advise" exist, "to inform" remains a clear and effective choice for expressing the act of imparting knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to notify

Implies a more formal or official communication.

to apprise

Indicates conveying information about something specific.

to advise

Suggests giving counsel or recommendations.

to update

Focuses on providing the latest information.

to instruct

Focuses on providing detailed teaching or guidance.

to teach

Focuses on imparting knowledge or skills through a learning process.

to enlighten

Highlights clarifying something that was previously misunderstood.

to declare

Implies a formal or official announcement.

to reveal

Emphasizes uncovering something hidden or secret.

to communicate

A broader term for conveying any type of message.

FAQs

How can I use "to inform" in a sentence?

You can use "to inform" to indicate the purpose of conveying knowledge or news. For example, "The purpose of the meeting is to inform everyone about the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "to inform"?

Alternatives include "to notify", "to advise", or "to apprise", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "inform" or "to inform"?

"Inform" is a verb and can be used directly in a sentence (e.g., "Please inform me"). "To inform" is an infinitive form often used to express purpose or intention (e.g., "I am writing to inform you").

What's the difference between "to inform" and "to educate"?

"To inform" focuses on conveying facts or data, while "to educate" involves a more comprehensive process of teaching and developing understanding.