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)
 InformKeep me posted
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈfɔːm/","/ɪnˈfɔːmz/","/ɪnˈfɔːmd/","/ɪnˈfɔːmɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈfɔːrm/","/ɪnˈfɔːrmz/","/ɪnˈfɔːrmd/","/ɪnˈfɔːrmɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //kiːp mi ˈpəʊstɪd//🇺🇸 //kip mi ˈpoʊstɪd//
MeaningTo tell someone something important or give them information.Let me know what's happening.
ExamplePlease inform me of any updates regarding the project timeline.Please keep me posted about the meeting schedule.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsmerely, simply, regularly, be pleased to, regret to, be required to, about, ofkeep posted on news, keep me posted regularly, keep posted about changes
Antonymsconceal, withhold, hide-
Common mistakesConfused 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 notesUse '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.

See it in real clips

Inform
Keep me posted

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.

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