Quick answer: Use apprise when you need to formally notify or keep someone updated on a situation, particularly in professional or official contexts. While “inform” is a general term for giving information, “apprise” carries a specific nuance of keeping a superior or stakeholder aware of developing facts. In modern business writing, “inform” is often safer and clearer, but “apprise” remains the precise verb for official updates.
Writers frequently stumble over these two verbs because they share a similar core meaning: to give knowledge or notice to someone. However, the distinction lies in register and intent. “Inform” is the workhorse of English communication, suitable for everything from texting a friend to publishing a scientific paper. “Apprise,” by contrast, is a specialized tool reserved for formal notifications, often implying an ongoing duty to keep someone in the loop. I have corrected this misuse countless times in executive correspondence, where using the wrong term can make a writer sound either pretentious or imprecise.
| Term | Meaning / When to use | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Apprise | To formally notify or keep someone informed, especially about changes or developments; used in professional, legal, or official contexts. | “Please apprise the board of directors regarding the merger negotiations.” |
| Inform | To give facts or information to someone; a general-purpose verb suitable for all registers, from casual to formal. | “I will inform the team about the schedule change via email.” |
When to use apprise
The verb “apprise” is derived from the Old French apprendre, meaning to learn or inform. It is not merely a fancy synonym for “tell.” It implies a structured, often one-way flow of critical information from a subordinate to a superior, or from an authority to a concerned party. You use “apprise” when there is an expectation of ongoing awareness or when the information has significant consequences.
In my experience editing corporate communications, “apprise” shines in situations where silence could be interpreted as negligence. It suggests that the recipient has a right or need to know the status of affairs. It is rarely used in casual conversation. You would not apprise your friend that you are running late for dinner; you would tell them or inform them. But you would apprise your client that the project timeline has shifted due to regulatory delays.
Consider these examples where “apprise” is the optimal choice:
- Legal Correspondence: “Counsel must apprise the court of any new evidence discovered during the deposition.” Here, the verb underscores the formal obligation of the lawyer to maintain transparency with the judicial body.
- Executive Updates: “The CEO asked her chief of staff to apprise her of any media inquiries regarding the quarterly earnings report.” This usage highlights the hierarchical nature of the information flow and the sensitivity of the data.
- Project Management: “We will apprise stakeholders of any budget variances exceeding five percent.” This sentence establishes a clear protocol for communication, defining exactly when and how information will be shared.
Note that “apprise” is almost always followed by the preposition “of.” You apprise someone of something. Using it without “of” (e.g., “apprise him the news”) is grammatically incorrect and will immediately signal a lack of proficiency to educated readers.
When to use inform
“Inform” is the broader, more versatile term. It comes from the Latin informare, meaning to shape or give form to the mind. It is neutral in tone and appropriate for nearly every context where information is transferred. If you are unsure which word to use, “inform” is rarely wrong. It does not carry the heavy, bureaucratic weight of “apprise,” making it more accessible and direct.
Use “inform” when you are simply conveying facts, instructions, or news without the implication of a formal duty to update. It is the standard verb for education, customer service, and everyday interaction. According to Official, the concept of an “official” often involves the authorized transmission of information, but in modern plain English guidelines, simpler verbs like “inform” are preferred unless specific legal precision is required.
Here are scenarios where “inform” is the better choice:
- Customer Service: “We regret to inform you that your order has been delayed due to weather conditions.” This is a standard, polite formula. Using “apprise” here would sound overly stiff and distant.
- General Education: “The teacher informed the students about the upcoming field trip requirements.” The relationship is instructional, not necessarily bureaucratic or hierarchical in a corporate sense.
- Internal Team Communication: “Please inform the design team that the brand colors have been updated.” This is a straightforward instruction. “Apprise” would add unnecessary formality to a routine internal update.
A common mistake I see in resumes is the overuse of “apprise” to sound impressive. For example, a candidate might write, “Apprised management of sales trends.” This sounds forced. A stronger, clearer bullet point would be, “Informed senior leadership of emerging sales trends, leading to a strategy pivot.” Clarity beats pretension every time.
How to remember the difference
The easiest way to distinguish these two is to look at the spelling and the associated preposition.
Apprise contains the word “prize” if you rearrange the letters slightly, but a better mnemonic is to link it to “precise.” Both words start with “p-r” sounds and relate to exactness. You use “apprise” when you need to be precise and formal in your notification. Also, remember that apprise always goes with of. Think: “A Prise Of” (Apprise Of). If you can’t put “of” after it, don’t use “apprise.”
Inform is linked to “form.” You are giving form to someone’s understanding. It is simple, direct, and does not require a specific preposition like “of” to complete its meaning (though you can inform someone about something).
Another editor-level trick: Ask yourself if the situation feels like a legal deposit or a board meeting. If yes, “apprise” might fit. If it feels like an email, a conversation, or a sign on a door, use “inform.” If you are writing for a general audience, default to “inform.” Reserve “apprise” for when you are writing to lawyers, executives, or government bodies where the tone must be strictly professional and detached.
Common mistakes and exceptions
One of the most frequent errors I encounter is the confusion between apprise and appraise. These words sound identical but have completely different meanings.
- Apprise: To inform or notify.
- Appraise: To assess the value or quality of something.
You do not “appraise” your boss of the situation; you “apprise” them. Conversely, you do not “apprise” the house before selling it; you “appraise” it. This homophone error is so common that many spellcheckers will not catch it if the surrounding grammar is correct. Always double-check which action you are describing: giving information (apprise) or estimating value (appraise).
Another exception involves regional preferences. While “apprise” is understood in both American and British English, it is considered quite formal in both. In UK English, you might also encounter “keep posted” or “keep briefed” in semi-formal contexts where US English might lean toward “apprise.” However, “apprise” remains a standard part of formal legal and diplomatic vocabulary globally.
It is also worth noting that in some very traditional or archaic texts, you might see “inform” used in a way that feels stiff today. Language evolves toward simplicity. The trend in modern business writing, supported by style guides like the AP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style, is to favor plain language. Therefore, even when “apprise” is technically correct, ask yourself if “inform,” “notify,” or “update” would be clearer. If the goal is communication, not impression, simplicity wins.
For instance, in the context of structured learning or professional development, such as an Apprenticeship, clear communication is vital. An apprentice needs to be informed of safety protocols clearly and directly. Using “apprise” in a safety manual would be inappropriate because it adds cognitive load without adding precision. The goal is immediate understanding, not formal notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “apprise” more formal than “inform”? Yes, “apprise” is significantly more formal and is typically reserved for legal, corporate, or diplomatic contexts. “Inform” is neutral and suitable for all levels of formality.
Can I use “apprise” in casual conversation? No, using “apprise” in casual conversation will sound unnatural and pretentious. Stick to “tell,” “let know,” or “inform” for everyday interactions.
What preposition follows “apprise”? “Apprise” is almost always followed by the preposition “of.” For example, “He apprised me of the changes.” Using “about” or “on” with “apprise” is generally considered incorrect or awkward.
Is “appraise” the same as “apprise”? No. “Appraise” means to estimate the value or quality of something (like a house or performance), while “apprise” means to inform or notify someone. They are homophones but have distinct meanings and spellings.
Kimberly Sanchez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from UCLA and has spent over a decade working as a language consultant and educator. Her journey in the world of words began with a curiosity about how language shapes our perception of the world. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for making complex concepts accessible, Kimberly specializes in the nuances of English word comparisons and their real-world implications. She joined WordCompareHub to share her insights on frequently confused words and to promote a deeper understanding of language accuracy. Kimberly writes content that is both enlightening and practical, aimed at readers who seek to enhance their communication skills. Outside of her professional pursuits, she is an avid reader and enjoys exploring multilingual environments to observe linguistic diversity in action.