Meaning & use
to be informed
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Meanings
phrasefixed phraseformal
to be told about something officially or formally
Grammar: Used in the passive: 'I was informed that...' or 'We have been informed of...'. It often sounds more formal than 'told'.
Patterns
- be informed of something
- be informed that ...
- be informed about something
All passengers will be informed of any changes to the schedule.
I was informed that the meeting had been cancelled.
Please keep me informed about the progress of the project.
phrasefixed phrase
to have knowledge or information about a subject, so you can make good decisions
Grammar: Often used before nouns: 'an informed choice', 'well-informed'. The opposite is 'uninformed'.
Patterns
- be informed about something
- an informed decision
- well-informed
Voters should be informed about the issues before the election.
She made an informed decision after reading all the reports.
Common combinations
- keep someone informed
- Please keep me informed about any developments.
- be informed of
- You will be informed of the results by email.
- well informed
- He is well informed about local politics.
- an informed decision
- Patients need enough information to make an informed decision.
Synonyms and how they differ
- be told
- More direct and less formal; 'be informed' often suggests official or written communication.
- be notified
- Similar but even more formal and usually about official notices; 'be informed' is slightly broader.
- be advised
- Very formal and often used in business or legal contexts; 'be informed' is more neutral.
Word family
- inform verb
- To tell someone about something officially.
- information noun
- Facts or details about someone or something.
- informative adjective
- Giving useful information.
- informed adjective
- Having knowledge or based on good information.
Commonly confused: to be informed or inform?
to be informed vs inform
'Inform' is the active verb: 'They informed us.' 'Be informed' is passive: 'We were informed.'
Practice
Please keep me ______ of any changes to the schedule.
Choose one answer.
'Informed' is the past participle used in the passive phrase 'keep someone informed'. 'Inform' is the base verb and would need an object, and 'information' is a noun, so neither fits after 'keep me'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “to be informed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.