Do you ever find yourself using the words “impart” and “inform” interchangeably? While these two words may seem similar, they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between “impart” and “inform” and when to use each one.
Let’s define the two words. “Impart” means to communicate or bestow something, often knowledge or a skill. “Inform,” on the other hand, means to give someone information or make them aware of something.
So, which one is the proper word to use in a given situation? It depends on the context and what you are trying to convey. If you are sharing knowledge or a skill, then “impart” would be the appropriate choice. For example, a teacher might impart their knowledge of a subject to their students. On the other hand, if you are simply sharing information or making someone aware of something, then “inform” would be the better choice. For instance, a news anchor might inform their audience of the latest headlines.
Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between “impart” and “inform,” let’s dive deeper into each word and explore some examples of how they can be used.
Define Impart
Impart is a verb that means to transmit, convey or communicate something to someone else. It involves sharing knowledge, information, or a skill with another person. The act of imparting can be intentional or unintentional, and it can occur through various means, such as speech, writing, or actions.
For example, a teacher might impart knowledge to their students through lectures, discussions, or assignments. A parent might impart values to their children through their actions and words. A mentor might impart skills to their mentee through hands-on training and guidance.
Define Inform
Inform is a verb that means to provide knowledge, facts, or information to someone else. It involves sharing information in a clear and concise manner, with the intention of educating or enlightening the recipient. The act of informing can occur through various means, such as speech, writing, or media.
For example, a news reporter might inform their audience about a current event through a news segment or article. An expert might inform their colleagues about a new development in their field through a presentation or report. A friend might inform another friend about a new restaurant in town through a casual conversation.
| Impart | Inform |
|---|---|
| Transmit, convey or communicate something to someone else | Provide knowledge, facts, or information to someone else |
| Sharing knowledge, information, or a skill with another person | Sharing information in a clear and concise manner |
| Intentional or unintentional | Intentional |
| Can occur through various means, such as speech, writing, or actions | Can occur through various means, such as speech, writing, or media |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word in a sentence can make a significant difference in conveying the intended message. Two words that are often used interchangeably are impart and inform. While they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and usage in a sentence. Here’s a guide on how to use them correctly.
How To Use “Impart” In A Sentence
The word “impart” means to convey or pass on information, knowledge, or a skill to someone. It is often used when discussing the transfer of something intangible, such as ideas, values, or feelings. Here are some examples of how to use “impart” in a sentence:
- My grandmother imparted her wisdom to me through her stories.
- The teacher imparted the importance of critical thinking to her students.
- The coach imparted his experience and techniques to the team.
As you can see, “impart” is used when talking about the transfer of something that cannot be physically held or touched.
How To Use “Inform” In A Sentence
The word “inform” means to provide someone with facts or knowledge about something. It is often used when discussing the dissemination of information or news. Here are some examples of how to use “inform” in a sentence:
- The news anchor informed the public about the latest developments in the story.
- The brochure informed the tourists about the history of the city.
- The report informed the board members about the financial performance of the company.
As you can see, “inform” is used when talking about the dissemination of factual information or news.
By understanding the difference between “impart” and “inform,” you can use them correctly in your writing and speaking to convey your intended message clearly and accurately.
More Examples Of Impart & Inform Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between the words “impart” and “inform”, it can be helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how each word can be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Impart In A Sentence
- He was able to impart his knowledge of physics to the students.
- The teacher tried to impart the importance of studying to her students.
- The grandfather wanted to impart his wisdom to his grandchildren.
- She hoped to impart a sense of responsibility to her teenage son.
- The coach tried to impart the importance of teamwork to his players.
- He was able to impart a sense of calm to the panicked crowd.
- The mentor was able to impart valuable career advice to the young professional.
- The speaker was able to impart a sense of urgency to the audience.
- The book was able to impart a sense of wonder to the reader.
- The experience was able to impart a sense of gratitude to the traveler.
Examples Of Using Inform In A Sentence
- She informed her boss of the new project deadline.
- The news anchor informed the viewers of the latest developments in the story.
- The doctor informed the patient of the risks associated with the surgery.
- The teacher informed the students of the upcoming exam.
- The company informed its employees of the new policy changes.
- The airline informed its passengers of the flight delay.
- The police officer informed the driver of the traffic violation.
- The website informed its users of the terms and conditions.
- The guide informed the tourists of the historical significance of the monument.
- The report informed the readers of the latest trends in the industry.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using language effectively, it’s important to understand the nuances of different words. One common mistake that people make is using the words “impart” and “inform” interchangeably, when in fact they have distinct meanings and uses.
Using “Impart” Incorrectly
One mistake people make is using “impart” when they mean “inform.” “Impart” means to give or bestow something, often knowledge or a skill. For example, a teacher might impart wisdom to their students. Using “impart” when you mean “inform” can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Using “Inform” Incorrectly
Conversely, people sometimes use “inform” when they mean “impart.” “Inform” means to provide someone with information. For example, a news article might inform readers about a current event. Using “inform” when you mean “impart” can make your language sound less precise and can obscure the meaning you’re trying to convey.
Tips For Avoiding Mistakes
To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to understand the difference between “impart” and “inform.” Here are some tips:
- Think about the specific meaning you want to convey. Are you giving someone something (impart) or providing them with information (inform)?
- Consider the context of your language. What are you trying to communicate and to whom?
- Read and reread your writing to ensure that you are using the correct word for the intended meaning.
By taking the time to understand the nuances of language and using the correct words, you can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes that can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “impart” and “inform” can depend on the context in which they are used. The context can determine which word is more appropriate to use in a given situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “impart” and “inform” might change:
| Context | Word Choice | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing | Impart | In academic writing, the word “impart” is often used to indicate the transfer of knowledge or information from one source to another. This is because academic writing is often focused on sharing new ideas and concepts with readers. |
| Business Communication | Inform | In business communication, the word “inform” is often used to indicate the sharing of information with colleagues, clients, or customers. This is because business communication is often focused on providing clear and concise information to others. |
| Personal Conversations | Inform/Impart | In personal conversations, both “inform” and “impart” can be used depending on the situation. For example, if you are sharing a personal experience with a friend, you might use “inform” to indicate that you are sharing information. However, if you are trying to teach a friend a new skill, you might use “impart” to indicate that you are transferring knowledge. |
As you can see from these examples, the choice between “impart” and “inform” can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the audience and purpose of your communication when deciding which word to use.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using impart and inform are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Here are a few cases where the rules may not hold:
1. Colloquial Usage
In informal speech or writing, people may use “impart” and “inform” interchangeably, even if it doesn’t follow the strict rules of grammar. For example, someone might say “I’m going to impart some information to you” when they really mean “I’m going to inform you.” In these cases, context and tone can help clarify the intended meaning.
2. Technical Jargon
In certain technical fields, such as law or medicine, there may be specific jargon or terminology that uses “impart” or “inform” in a non-standard way. For instance, a legal document might say “the court hereby imparts jurisdiction over the case” instead of “the court has jurisdiction.” In these cases, it’s important to understand the specific context and usage of the words.
3. Regional Variations
In some parts of the world, there may be regional variations in how “impart” and “inform” are used. For example, in British English, “impart” is often used to mean “give” or “pass on,” while American English tends to use “inform” in those contexts. Similarly, in some dialects of English, “inform” may be used to mean “tell on” or “snitch,” which is not a standard usage.
4. Idiomatic Expressions
There are some idiomatic expressions that use “impart” or “inform” in a non-literal way. For example, someone might say “the painting imparts a sense of serenity” to mean that the painting creates a feeling of calm or peace. Similarly, “inform” can be used idiomatically to mean “shape” or “influence,” as in “her experiences informed her worldview.” In these cases, it’s important to understand the intended meaning of the expression as a whole.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of impart and inform is by practicing. Here are some practice exercises that can help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence:
| Sentence | Impart or Inform? |
|---|---|
| My professor always tries to _______ us with the latest research in the field. | Impart |
| Can you _______ me about the schedule for tomorrow’s meeting? | Inform |
| The book aims to _______ readers with a comprehensive understanding of the topic. | Impart |
| The weather forecast will _______ us about the possibility of rain. | Inform |
Answer Key: 1. Impart 2. Inform 3. Impart 4. Inform
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using each of the words impart and inform correctly:
- Impart: The mentor will impart his years of experience to the new employees.
- Inform: Please inform me of any changes to the schedule.
Explanation: To impart means to give or share knowledge or information, while to inform means to communicate information or news to someone.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between impart and inform, it is clear that these two verbs have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts. While both verbs involve conveying information, impart implies a transfer of knowledge or wisdom, while inform is more focused on providing factual information or updates.
It is important to understand the nuances of language use in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion or misinterpretation. By using the correct verb in a given situation, you can convey your intended meaning clearly and accurately.
Key Takeaways
- Impart and inform are two distinct verbs with different meanings.
- Impart implies a transfer of knowledge or wisdom, while inform is more focused on providing factual information or updates.
- Using the correct verb in a given situation can help you communicate effectively and avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
Remember that language is a dynamic and ever-evolving system, and there is always more to learn. By continuing to study grammar and language use, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective writer and speaker.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.