What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enlighten
Example
The teacher tried to enlighten her students about the importance of recycling. [enlighten: verb]
Example
I was enlightened by the new information I learned in the seminar. [enlightened: past participle]
inform
Example
Can you inform me about the schedule for tomorrow's meeting? [inform: verb]
Example
The news anchor informed the viewers about the latest developments in the story. [informed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inform is more commonly used than enlighten in everyday language. Inform is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while enlighten is less common and may be considered more formal or academic.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enlighten and inform?
While enlighten is typically associated with a more formal or academic tone, inform is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
