What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inform
Example
I need to inform you that the meeting has been rescheduled. [inform: verb]
Example
The teacher informed the students about the upcoming exam. [informed: past tense]
advise
Example
Can you advise me on which laptop to buy? [advise: verb]
Example
The lawyer advised his client to plead guilty. [advised: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inform is more commonly used than advise in everyday language. Inform is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while advise is more commonly used in professional or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inform and advise?
Advise is generally considered more formal than inform. It is often used in professional or formal settings where a higher level of formality is required. Inform, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.