Cool MateInform vs Tell
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Inform
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Tell
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Most common: Tell
| Inform | Tell | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈfɔːm/","/ɪnˈfɔːmz/","/ɪnˈfɔːmd/","/ɪnˈfɔːmɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈfɔːrm/","/ɪnˈfɔːrmz/","/ɪnˈfɔːrmd/","/ɪnˈfɔːrmɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/tel/","/telz/","/təʊld/","/ˈtelɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tel/","/telz/","/təʊld/","/ˈtelɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To tell someone something important or give them information. | to say information to someone |
| Example | Please inform me of any updates regarding the project timeline. | I want to tell you a secret. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | merely, simply, regularly, be pleased to, regret to, be required to, about, of | bluntly, curtly, flatly, want to, be going to, try to, about, of, to, firmly, sternly |
| Antonyms | conceal, withhold, hide | hide, withhold, suppress |
| 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. | Saying 'tell to' instead of just 'tell'., Using 'tell' without a direct object., Confusing 'tell' with 'say' in contexts where direction is implied. |
| Usage notes | Use 'inform' in formal contexts, like writing or business. Avoid in casual conversations where 'tell' is more appropriate. | Use 'tell' when you inform someone about something. It's neutral and suitable for most contexts. Avoid using it in overly formal writing; instead, use 'inform' or 'notify'. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Inform vs Tell
What's the difference between Inform and Tell?
Inform: To tell someone something important or give them information. Tell: to say information to someone
Which is more common: Inform and Tell?
Tell is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Inform and Tell?
Inform is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Inform and Tell the same CEFR level?
Inform: B2, Tell: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Inform and Tell?
Inform: verb, Tell: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Inform: Please inform me of any updates regarding the project timeline. Tell: I want to tell you a secret.
Can I use Inform and Tell interchangeably?
Not always. Inform and Tell 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.