Inform vs Keep me posted
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Inform
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Keep me posted
Top 2,000 (common)
| Inform | Keep me posted | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈfɔːm/","/ɪnˈfɔːmz/","/ɪnˈfɔːmd/","/ɪnˈfɔːmɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈfɔːrm/","/ɪnˈfɔːrmz/","/ɪnˈfɔːrmd/","/ɪnˈfɔːrmɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //kiːp mi ˈpəʊstɪd//🇺🇸 //kip mi ˈpoʊstɪd// |
| Meaning | To tell someone something important or give them information. | Let me know what's happening. |
| Example | Please inform me of any updates regarding the project timeline. | Please keep me posted about the meeting schedule. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | merely, simply, regularly, be pleased to, regret to, be required to, about, of | keep posted on news, keep me posted regularly, keep posted about changes |
| Antonyms | conceal, withhold, hide | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'informant' — 'inform' is a verb, not a noun., Using 'inform' without an object — always say who you are informing., Misusing tenses — ensure correct form like 'informed' for the past. | Using 'keep posted' instead of 'keep me posted'., Overusing in formal emails., Confusing with 'keep in touch', which means maintain contact. |
| Usage notes | Use 'inform' in formal contexts, like writing or business. Avoid in casual conversations where 'tell' is more appropriate. | Use this phrase in informal contexts when you want updates. It's polite but not overly formal. |
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Frequently asked questions: Inform vs Keep me posted
What's the difference between Inform and Keep me posted?
Inform: To tell someone something important or give them information. Keep me posted: Let me know what's happening.
Can you show an example of each?
Inform: Please inform me of any updates regarding the project timeline. Keep me posted: Please keep me posted about the meeting schedule.
Can I use Inform and Keep me posted interchangeably?
Not always. Inform and Keep me posted are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.