# inform

/ˌɪnˈfɔɹm/ (US) · /ɪnfˈɔːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inform
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to tell or notify

verb · CEFR B2

to give someone information or tell them about a fact.

For teachers: to impart knowledge or communicate specific facts to a person. Transitive — requires a direct object, often followed by 'of' or a 'that' clause.

- Please inform the office if your contact details change during the year.
- The company failed to inform its shareholders of the potential risks before the merger was finalised.

### 2. to influence or shape

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

to be the main idea or feeling that influences how something is made or done.

For teachers: to imbue with a quality or to be the characterising force behind an action, theory, or creative work.

- Her research on climate change helped inform the government's new laws.
- A deep sense of social justice informs every chapter of the author's latest novel, providing a moral framework for the characters' choices.

### 3. to report to authorities

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to give information to the police or authorities about someone who has done something wrong.

For teachers: to provide incriminating information about a person to the authorities. Intransitive — typically used with the preposition 'on'.

- He was afraid that his business partner might inform on him to the police.
- The witness was reluctant to inform on his associates, fearing retaliation from the criminal organisation.

Usage: Usually takes the preposition 'on' followed by the person being reported.

## Examples

- Please inform the manager if you are going to be late.
- The company sent an email to inform all employees about the upcoming changes to the health insurance policy.
- The architect explained how historical building techniques continue to inform her modern designs, creating a bridge between traditional aesthetics and contemporary functionality.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.