Inform vs. Tell

Attribute	Inform	Tell
Definition	To give knowledge or facts to someone	To communicate information or facts to someone
Formality	Can be formal or informal	Can be formal or informal
Intent	To educate or update someone	To convey a message or story
Usage	Often used in professional or educational settings	Can be used in various contexts

Definition

Inform and tell are two verbs that are often used interchangeably in everyday language. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings and usage. Inform typically means to give someone information or to provide knowledge about something. On the other hand, tell usually means to communicate something to someone using words or gestures.

Usage

Inform is commonly used in formal contexts, such as in business or academic settings, where the goal is to convey specific information or facts. For example, "The manager informed the team about the new project deadline." Tell, on the other hand, is more commonly used in informal situations, such as in everyday conversations or storytelling. For example, "She told me a funny joke yesterday."

Intent

When someone informs another person, the intent is usually to provide them with accurate and relevant information. This information can be factual or opinion-based, depending on the context. For example, a news reporter informs the public about current events. When someone tells another person something, the intent is usually to share a story, experience, or personal opinion. For example, a friend tells you about their weekend trip to the beach.

Formality

Inform is generally considered more formal than tell. It is often used in professional settings or when conveying important information. Tell, on the other hand, is more casual and is commonly used in everyday conversations. For example, a teacher might inform their students about an upcoming test, while a friend might tell you about a movie they watched last night.

Directness

Inform tends to be more direct and straightforward in its communication. When someone informs another person, they are usually providing clear and concise information without much elaboration. Tell, on the other hand, can be more indirect and open to interpretation. When someone tells another person something, they may use storytelling techniques or personal anecdotes to convey their message.

Examples

• Inform: The doctor informed the patient about their test results.
• Tell: She told me a secret that she had been keeping for months.
• Inform: The company informed its employees about the upcoming changes to the benefits package.
• Tell: He told me a funny story about his childhood.

Conclusion

While inform and tell are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences in meaning and usage. Inform is typically more formal and direct, used to provide specific information or facts. Tell, on the other hand, is more casual and open to interpretation, often used in storytelling or personal communication. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right word for the right context.