Inform vs Informed: Common Misconceptions and Accurate Usage

Have you ever been confused about when to use “inform” versus “informed”? These two words may seem similar, but they have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two words and provide examples of when to use each one.

Let’s clarify the definitions of each word. “Inform” is a verb that means to give information or knowledge to someone. “Informed,” on the other hand, is an adjective that describes someone who has knowledge or information about a particular subject.

So, when should you use “inform” versus “informed”? The answer depends on the context of your sentence. If you are giving someone information, you would use “inform.” For example:

• I need to inform my boss about the new project.
• Can you inform me about the schedule for the conference?

On the other hand, if you are describing someone who has knowledge about a subject, you would use “informed.” For example:

• She is a well-informed expert on the topic.
• He made an informed decision based on the data.

It’s important to use the correct word in order to convey your intended meaning. In the rest of this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes people make when using “inform” and “informed” and provide tips for using each word correctly.

Define Inform

Inform is a verb that means to impart knowledge or provide information to someone or something. It is the act of communicating facts, news, or intelligence to someone for the purpose of educating or enlightening them. The information provided can be in the form of written or spoken words, visual aids, or any other means of conveying a message.

For instance, a teacher can inform students about a new topic by giving a lecture, or a news reporter can inform the public about a breaking news story by broadcasting it on television. In essence, to inform is to share knowledge or provide information in a clear and concise manner.

Define Informed

Informed is an adjective that describes someone who has knowledge or understanding of a particular subject or topic. It implies that the person has been educated or enlightened about something and has a deeper understanding of it than someone who is uninformed.

For example, an informed voter is someone who has researched and studied the candidates and issues before casting their vote, while an uninformed voter may simply choose a candidate based on their name recognition or party affiliation. Being informed requires effort and a willingness to seek out information from credible sources, rather than simply accepting what one hears or reads without question.

Comparison between inform and informed

Inform	Informed
Verb	Adjective
Act of communicating knowledge or information	Describes someone who has knowledge or understanding
Imparts knowledge or information to someone or something	Has been educated or enlightened about a subject or topic

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct form of a word is crucial in conveying a clear and concise message. The words inform and informed are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and uses in a sentence. Here’s how to use each word correctly:

How To Use “Inform” In A Sentence

The word “inform” is a verb that means to give someone information or to communicate a fact or knowledge. Here are some examples of how to use “inform” in a sentence:

• Can you inform me of the meeting time?
• The report will inform our decision-making process.
• I need to inform my boss about the project’s progress.

As shown in the examples above, “inform” is often followed by a direct object that represents the person or thing being informed. It can also be followed by a preposition like “about” or “of” to indicate what information is being given.

How To Use “Informed” In A Sentence

The word “informed” is an adjective that describes someone who has knowledge or is aware of a particular fact or situation. Here are some examples of how to use “informed” in a sentence:

• She is an informed voter who researches the candidates before casting her ballot.
• The decision was made by an informed group of experts.
• He was not informed of the change in schedule.

As demonstrated in the examples above, “informed” is often used to describe a person who has knowledge or understanding of something. It can also be used to describe a decision or action that was made based on careful consideration and knowledge.

By using “inform” and “informed” correctly in a sentence, you can ensure that your message is clear and accurately conveys the intended meaning.

More Examples Of Inform & Informed Used In Sentences

Understanding the proper usage of inform and informed is crucial in effective communication. Here are some more examples of how these words are used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Inform In A Sentence

• The company will inform all employees of the new policy changes.
• Can you please inform me of the meeting time and location?
• It is important to inform your doctor of any allergies you may have.
• The news anchor informed the viewers of the latest developments in the story.
• We need to inform the client of the delay in the project timeline.
• The sign at the entrance will inform visitors of the museum’s hours.
• Please inform the hotel staff if you need any additional amenities.
• The teacher will inform the students of the test date in advance.
• It is polite to inform your guests of the dress code for the event.
• The travel agent will inform you of any necessary documents for your trip.

Examples Of Using Informed In A Sentence

• She was well-informed about the latest fashion trends.
• The informed decision was based on thorough research and analysis.
• He was informed of the potential risks before signing the contract.
• The informed voter researched all the candidates before casting their ballot.
• The informed consumer carefully read the product reviews before making a purchase.
• The informed opinion of the expert was highly valued in the discussion.
• The informed investor diversified their portfolio to minimize risk.
• The informed athlete followed the recommended training regimen to improve performance.
• The informed citizen attended the town hall meeting to voice their concerns.
• The informed decision-making process involved input from all stakeholders.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words inform and informed, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of one another. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Inform” Instead Of “Informed”

One common mistake is using “inform” as the past tense of “informed”. For example, saying “I inform him about the meeting” instead of “I informed him about the meeting”. The correct past tense of “inform” is “informed”.

Using “Informed” As An Adjective

Another mistake is using “informed” as an adjective to describe someone who is knowledgeable or well-informed. For example, saying “She is very inform about the topic” instead of “She is very informed about the topic”. “Informed” is not an adjective, but rather the past participle of the verb “inform”. The correct adjective to use in this context is “informed”.

Using “Informed” Instead Of “Knowledgeable”

Some people also make the mistake of using “informed” instead of “knowledgeable”. For example, saying “He is not very informed about the subject” instead of “He is not very knowledgeable about the subject”. While “informed” can mean having knowledge about something, it is not the most appropriate word to use when describing someone’s level of knowledge. “Knowledgeable” is a better choice.

How To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of both “inform” and “informed”. Make sure to use “informed” as the past tense of “inform”, and use “informed” as an adjective to describe someone who is knowledgeable. When describing someone’s level of knowledge, use “knowledgeable” instead of “informed”.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “inform” and “informed,” context plays a crucial role. The choice between the two words can depend on the specific situation and the intended meaning. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “inform” and “informed” might change.

Formal Vs. Informal Writing

One important factor to consider when deciding between “inform” and “informed” is the level of formality of the writing. In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, it is generally more appropriate to use “inform” as a transitive verb. For example:

• The CEO informed the shareholders of the company’s new strategy.

However, in more informal writing, such as blog posts or social media updates, it is more common to use “informed” as an adjective to describe someone who has been given information. For example:

• After reading the article, I felt more informed about the topic.

Active Vs. Passive Voice

The choice between “inform” and “informed” can also depend on whether the sentence is written in the active or passive voice. In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, while in the passive voice, the subject receives the action. For example:

• Active voice: The teacher informed the students about the upcoming test.
• Passive voice: The students were informed about the upcoming test by the teacher.

In the active voice, “inform” is used as a transitive verb, while in the passive voice, “informed” is used as a past participle.

Contextual Clues

Finally, the choice between “inform” and “informed” can often be determined by the surrounding words and context of the sentence. For example, if the sentence includes a direct object, such as “The doctor informed the patient of their diagnosis,” “inform” would be the correct choice. On the other hand, if the sentence includes an adjective, such as “The patient felt more informed after the appointment,” “informed” would be the better choice.

Overall, understanding the context in which “inform” and “informed” are used is crucial for using these words correctly and effectively in your writing.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using inform and informed are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Below are some cases where the rules may not apply:

1. Colloquial Speech

In colloquial speech, it is common to use “inform” as a synonym for “tell” or “let know,” even if the subject is not actively providing information. For example:

• “I informed my friend about the party tonight.” (instead of “I told my friend about the party tonight.”)
• “He informed me that he was running late.” (instead of “He told me that he was running late.”)

While this usage is not technically correct, it is widely accepted in informal situations.

2. Passive Voice

In passive voice constructions, the past participle “informed” is often used instead of the present tense “inform.” This is because the subject of the sentence is not actively providing information, but rather receiving it. For example:

• “I was informed that the meeting had been rescheduled.”
• “The employees were informed of the new policy.”

In these cases, “informed” is used to describe the state of being provided with information, rather than the act of providing it.

3. Technical Language

In some technical fields, “inform” and “informed” may have more specific meanings. For example, in computer programming, “inform” may refer to a function that sends a message or notification, while “informed” may refer to a variable that has been initialized with a value. In these cases, it is important to consult the specific terminology used in the field to ensure proper usage.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of inform and informed in sentences is to practice using them in different contexts. Here are some practice exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct form of inform or informed to fill in the blank in each sentence.

Sentence	Answer
The teacher ________ the students about the upcoming test.	informed
Can you ________ me about the new project?	inform
She was ________ of the changes in the schedule.	informed
Please ________ me if there are any updates.	inform

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using either inform or informed in the correct form.

• The CEO ________ the employees about the company’s new policy.
• After being ________ of the situation, she made the necessary changes.
• He always tries to ________ himself before making a decision.
• The doctor ________ the patient about the potential side effects of the medication.

Answers:

• The CEO informed the employees about the company’s new policy.
• After being informed of the situation, she made the necessary changes.
• He always tries to inform himself before making a decision.
• The doctor informed the patient about the potential side effects of the medication.

By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your ability to use inform and informed correctly in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and use the appropriate form of the word.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between ‘inform’ and ‘informed’, we can conclude that the two words have distinct meanings and usage in the English language.

Key Takeaways

• ‘Inform’ is a verb that means to give information or knowledge to someone or something.
• ‘Informed’ is an adjective that describes someone or something that has knowledge or information about a particular topic or situation.
• It is important to use these words correctly in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
• Other words related to ‘inform’ include notify, apprise, and advise, while synonyms for ‘informed’ include knowledgeable, aware, and well-informed.

Continued Learning

Learning about proper grammar and language use is an ongoing process, and there are many resources available to help improve your skills. Consider taking an online course, reading books on the subject, or practicing with a language partner. By continuing to learn and refine your language abilities, you can improve your communication skills and better convey your ideas and thoughts to others.