Notify vs Send word to __

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Notify

Top 2,000 (common)C1verb

Send word to __

Top 2,000 (common)
 NotifySend word to __
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪ/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪz/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪd/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪ/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪz/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪd/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //sɛnd wɜːd tə//🇺🇸 //sɛnd wɜrd tə//
Meaningto tell someone about somethingTo communicate a message to someone.
ExampleCompetition winners will be notified by post.Please send word to the team about the meeting time.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsforthwith, immediately, promptly, be obliged to, be required to, must, of, tosend word to someone, send word about something, send word back, send word ahead, send word quickly
Antonymsignore, neglect, overlook-
Common mistakesUsing 'notify' without an object (e.g., saying 'I will notify' instead of 'I will notify you')., Confusing 'notify' with 'inform' — while similar, 'notify' implies a more formal notification., Mixing up prepositions (e.g., saying 'notify with' instead of 'notify about')Confusing 'send' with 'speak' or 'tell'., Using incorrect prepositions after 'send'., Omitting the recipient when stating the phrase.
Usage notesUse 'notify' in situations where you are formally informing someone, like in business or official contexts. Avoid in casual conversations.Used in various contexts, such as formal communications or casual conversations. Ensure clarity on what message is being sent.

See it in real clips

Notify
Send word to __

Frequently asked questions: Notify vs Send word to __

What's the difference between Notify and Send word to __?

Notify: to tell someone about something Send word to __: To communicate a message to someone.

Can you show an example of each?

Notify: Competition winners will be notified by post. Send word to __: Please send word to the team about the meeting time.

Can I use Notify and Send word to __ interchangeably?

Not always. Notify and Send word to __ 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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