Tuesday, May 2, 2017

word usage - Differences between "inform, tell, notify, and instruct"


When and how to use these verbs correctly? I believe that even though they sound synonymous, every word has its own proper usage in a sentence.


According to Merriam Webster,



inform- to impart or give information


tell- to make known; to express in words


notify- to give notice of or report the occurrence



Does it mean they are somewhat synonymous and can be used in a sentence interchangeably? For example,




  1. I already informed/told/notified him about our plans this September.

  2. Please inform/notify our classmates that we will have a long quiz on our History subject.

  3. The police notified/told/informed the family that this is not just a mere case of suicide.




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