What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tell
Example
Can you tell me what happened at the meeting? [tell: verb]
Example
She told us a funny story about her trip to the beach. [told: past tense]
Example
His expression told me that he was not happy with the situation. [told: past participle]
inform
Example
Please inform me if there are any changes to the schedule. [inform: verb]
Example
The company informed its employees about the new policy. [informed: past tense]
Example
I was informed that my application had been approved. [informed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tell is more common than inform in everyday language, but inform is more common in formal or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tell and inform?
Inform is generally more formal than tell, and is often used in official or professional contexts. However, both words can be used in formal and informal settings depending on the context and tone of the communication.
