The phrase “This is to inform you” is common in formal letters and business emails, but it can sometimes sound stiff or outdated. If you want your message to sound more natural while staying professional, you can use alternatives like “I’d like to let you know,” “Please be advised,” or “We would like to notify you.”
Choosing the right variation depends on your audience—whether you’re addressing colleagues, clients, or a general professional setting. Using fresher and more polite expressions keeps your communication clear and approachable without losing formality.
Definition and Purpose
The phrase “This is to inform you” serves as an introductory statement to convey information, often in a formal context. Its primary purpose is to notify the recipient of a particular fact, event, or decision.
While grammatically correct, it can sound stiff and impersonal. Therefore, understanding alternative phrases allows for more effective and engaging communication, tailored to the specific audience and situation.
The function of this phrase, and its alternatives, is to transition the conversation or text into the main point. It acts as a signal, preparing the recipient for the information that follows.
The choice of alternative depends heavily on the relationship between the speaker/writer and the audience, as well as the overall tone desired.
Structural Breakdown of Alternatives
Alternative phrases can be broken down into several structural components. These components often include:
- Introductory Clause: This sets the tone and context (e.g., “Please be advised that…”, “I am writing to…”).
- Main Verb: The action verb that conveys the purpose (e.g., inform, announce, notify, advise).
- Subject of the Information: What the information pertains to (e.g., “the meeting schedule,” “the policy change”).
- Specific Details: The actual information being conveyed (e.g., “has been postponed,” “will take effect on…”).
Understanding these components allows you to construct your own alternative phrases by varying the introductory clause, verb, or level of detail. For example, instead of “This is to inform you that the meeting is cancelled,” you could say, “Please note that the meeting has been cancelled.” or “I am writing to let you know that the meeting is cancelled.” Each variation subtly alters the tone and emphasis.
Other Ways to Say This Is to Inform You

The alternatives to “This is to inform you” can be categorized based on formality, directness, and purpose. This categorization helps in selecting the most appropriate phrase for a given situation.
Formal Alternatives
Formal alternatives are suitable for professional correspondence, official announcements, and situations requiring a high degree of respect. These phrases often use more complex vocabulary and a more structured sentence construction.
Semi-Formal Alternatives
Semi-formal alternatives are appropriate for general workplace communication, emails to colleagues, and situations where a balance between professionalism and friendliness is desired. They are less rigid than formal alternatives but still maintain a level of respect.
Informal Alternatives
Informal alternatives are best used in casual settings, such as conversations with friends or close colleagues. These phrases prioritize ease of understanding and a relaxed tone.
Using them in formal situations can be perceived as unprofessional.
Direct Alternatives
Direct alternatives get straight to the point without unnecessary preamble. They are clear and concise, suitable for situations where efficiency is paramount.
However, they can sometimes come across as abrupt if not used carefully.
Indirect Alternatives
Indirect alternatives approach the information more subtly, often softening the impact of potentially negative news. They are useful when conveying sensitive information or when aiming to build rapport with the recipient.
Examples
The following tables provide a variety of alternative phrases, categorized by formality and context. Each category includes numerous examples to illustrate the different ways you can convey information effectively.
Formal Examples
This table showcases formal alternatives to “This is to inform you,” suitable for professional and official settings.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Please be advised that… | Please be advised that the deadline for submissions has been extended. |
| We hereby notify you that… | We hereby notify you that your application has been approved. |
| It is our understanding that… | It is our understanding that you have already submitted the required documents. |
| We wish to bring to your attention that… | We wish to bring to your attention that there will be a mandatory meeting next week. |
| Kindly note that… | Kindly note that all employees are required to attend the training session. |
| We are writing to inform you that… | We are writing to inform you that your contract has been renewed for another year. |
| It has come to our attention that… | It has come to our attention that there have been some discrepancies in the reports. |
| We are pleased to announce that… | We are pleased to announce that Mr. Johnson has been promoted to Senior Manager. |
| We regret to inform you that… | We regret to inform you that your application was not successful this time. |
| Pursuant to our previous discussion… | Pursuant to our previous discussion, we are sending you the updated proposal. |
| In accordance with company policy… | In accordance with company policy, all employees must complete the safety training. |
| We are obliged to inform you that… | We are obliged to inform you that your services are no longer required. |
| This serves to notify you that… | This serves to notify you that your account has been suspended due to inactivity. |
| It is important to note that… | It is important to note that changes to the schedule are subject to approval. |
| We are compelled to inform you that… | We are compelled to inform you that legal action will be taken if the payment is not received. |
| We would like to advise you that… | We would like to advise you that the system will be down for maintenance. |
| Please be aware that… | Please be aware that the building will be closed for the holiday weekend. |
| This communication is to advise you that… | This communication is to advise you that your request has been processed. |
| We hereby confirm that… | We hereby confirm that your reservation has been successfully booked. |
| We deem it necessary to inform you that… | We deem it necessary to inform you that the project’s scope has changed. |
| We are directed to inform you that… | We are directed to inform you that a new policy has been implemented. |
| We are instructed to notify you that… | We are instructed to notify you that your attendance is mandatory. |
| This is a formal notification that… | This is a formal notification that your employment is terminated, effective immediately. |
| We are duty-bound to inform you that… | We are duty-bound to inform you that we cannot proceed with the agreement under the current terms. |
| It is our responsibility to inform you that… | It is our responsibility to inform you that there has been a security breach. |
These formal phrases are suitable for official letters, legal documents, and other situations where precision and formality are essential.
Semi-formal Examples
The following table provides semi-formal alternatives, appropriate for workplace emails, memos, and general business communication.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Just a quick note to let you know that… | Just a quick note to let you know that the meeting room has been changed. |
| I wanted to let you know that… | I wanted to let you know that I’ve finished the report. |
| Please note that… | Please note that the building entrance will be closed after 6 PM. |
| For your information… | For your information, the project timeline has been updated. |
| I’m writing to update you on… | I’m writing to update you on the progress of the marketing campaign. |
| I wanted to inform you about… | I wanted to inform you about the upcoming training opportunity. |
| This is to let you know that… | This is to let you know that your request has been approved. |
| Just a reminder that… | Just a reminder that the deadline for submitting expenses is Friday. |
| I’d like to inform you that… | I’d like to inform you that we have a new team member joining us next week. |
| We would like to update you on… | We would like to update you on the status of your order. |
| I’m pleased to announce that… | I’m pleased to announce that we exceeded our sales target this quarter. |
| I regret to advise you that… | I regret to advise you that the event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. |
| In regards to… | In regards to your inquiry, please find the attached document with more information. |
| With reference to… | With reference to our previous conversation, I have attached the revised report. |
| As you are aware… | As you are aware, the company is undergoing a restructuring process. |
| Following up on… | Following up on our meeting last week, I have prepared a summary of the key decisions. |
| I’m reaching out to inform you that… | I’m reaching out to inform you that your application has been shortlisted. |
| Hope this email finds you well. I wanted to let you know… | Hope this email finds you well. I wanted to let you know that I’ll be out of the office next week. |
| Just wanted to give you a heads up that… | Just wanted to give you a heads up that there will be a power outage tomorrow. |
| By way of this email, I wish to inform you… | By way of this email, I wish to inform you that your proposal has been accepted. |
| For your consideration… | For your consideration, I have included some alternative strategies in the attached document. |
| To keep you in the loop… | To keep you in the loop, I wanted to update you on the project’s progress. |
| As per our discussion… | As per our discussion, I have completed the necessary revisions. |
| I thought you would like to know that… | I thought you would like to know that the new product launch was a success. |
| Just a quick update on… | Just a quick update on the status of the pending invoice. |
These semi-formal phrases strike a balance between professionalism and approachability, making them suitable for a wide range of workplace communications.
Informal Examples
This table provides informal alternatives suitable for casual conversations and communications with close colleagues or friends.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| FYI… | FYI, the coffee machine is broken. |
| Just so you know… | Just so you know, I’m leaving early today. |
| Heads up! | Heads up! There’s a new policy change. |
| Just wanted to let you know… | Just wanted to let you know I finished the task. |
| So you’re aware… | So you’re aware, the boss is in a bad mood today. |
| Thought I’d mention that… | Thought I’d mention that the meeting is at 3 PM. |
| To let you in on a little secret… | To let you in on a little secret, I’m getting a promotion. |
| Just a quick note that… | Just a quick note that the printer’s out of paper. |
| Wanted to give you the scoop on… | Wanted to give you the scoop on what happened at the party. |
| FYSA (For Your Situational Awareness)… | FYSA, there’s heavy traffic on the highway. |
| For the record… | For the record, I told you so. |
| BTW (By the way)… | BTW, don’t forget to bring your laptop to the meeting. |
| Just a heads-up… | Just a heads-up, the deadline is approaching fast. |
| In case you didn’t know… | In case you didn’t know, there’s free pizza in the breakroom. |
| Good to know… | Good to know that the project is on track. |
| Thought you might be interested to hear… | Thought you might be interested to hear that Sarah is pregnant. |
| For what it’s worth… | For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing a great job. |
| Just dropping a line to say… | Just dropping a line to say I’m thinking of you. |
| Word on the street is… | Word on the street is that the company is getting acquired. |
| You should know that… | You should know that the new software is really buggy. |
| Just so we’re clear… | Just so we’re clear, everyone needs to contribute to the presentation. |
| So you’re in the loop… | So you’re in the loop, we’ve had to postpone the event. |
| As a side note… | As a side note, don’t forget to bring your ID. |
| To keep you in the know… | To keep you in the know, the budget has been approved. |
| Thought I’d give you a shout… | Thought I’d give you a shout to tell you about the promotion. |
These informal phrases are suitable for casual conversations with friends, family, and close colleagues. Avoid using them in formal settings.
Business-Specific Examples
These examples are tailored for various business contexts, such as reporting updates, making announcements, or conveying important policy changes.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| As per the latest report… | As per the latest report, sales figures have increased by 15%. |
| Regarding the upcoming merger… | Regarding the upcoming merger, we will be holding a town hall meeting to address your concerns. |
| In light of recent events… | In light of recent events, the company has decided to implement stricter security measures. |
| With respect to your inquiry… | With respect to your inquiry, we have reviewed your request and made a decision. |
| In order to maintain transparency… | In order to maintain transparency, we will be publishing quarterly financial reports. |
| For compliance purposes… | For compliance purposes, all employees must complete the mandatory training. |
| To ensure operational efficiency… | To ensure operational efficiency, we are implementing a new project management system. |
| In response to your feedback… | In response to your feedback, we have made changes to the customer service process. |
| With the objective of improving… | With the objective of improving customer satisfaction, we are launching a new loyalty program. |
| In anticipation of increased demand… | In anticipation of increased demand, we have stocked up on inventory. |
| To address the current situation… | To address the current situation, we are implementing a crisis management plan. |
| In connection with your application… | In connection with your application, we would like to schedule an interview. |
| Please be informed that effective immediately… | Please be informed that effective immediately, smoking is prohibited in all company buildings. |
| We are implementing the following measures… | We are implementing the following measures to reduce our carbon footprint. |
| In an effort to streamline processes… | In an effort to streamline processes, we are introducing a new workflow system. |
| With the goal of enhancing collaboration… | With the goal of enhancing collaboration, we are organizing team-building activities. |
| In line with our commitment to sustainability… | In line with our commitment to sustainability, we are reducing our paper consumption. |
| We are taking the following steps to ensure… | We are taking the following steps to ensure the safety of our employees. |
| For the purpose of clarification… | For the purpose of clarification, let me reiterate the key points of the discussion. |
| With a view to improving performance… | With a view to improving performance, we are implementing a new performance management system. |
| In light of the circumstances… | In light of the circumstances, we have decided to postpone the event. |
| To facilitate better communication… | To facilitate better communication, we are introducing a weekly newsletter. |
| To keep all stakeholders informed… | To keep all stakeholders informed, we will be providing regular updates on the project. |
| In accordance with the regulations… | In accordance with the regulations, we must conduct regular audits. |
| For the benefit of all parties involved… | For the benefit of all parties involved, we have prepared a detailed report. |
Using these phrases in business communications will help you convey information effectively and professionally.
Academic-Specific Examples
These examples are tailored for academic settings, such as informing students of deadlines, providing feedback, or making announcements related to courses.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Please be reminded that… | Please be reminded that the deadline for the research paper is next Friday. |
| It is important to note that… | It is important to note that plagiarism will not be tolerated. |
| For those who are interested… | For those who are interested, there will be a guest lecture next week. |
| As per the syllabus… | As per the syllabus, the final exam will cover all topics discussed in class. |
| In relation to your assignment… | In relation to your assignment, I have provided some feedback for your consideration. |
| In light of the current situation… | In light of the current situation, we will be conducting classes online for the next two weeks. |
| With regard to the upcoming conference… | With regard to the upcoming conference, students are encouraged to submit their abstracts. |
| In order to ensure fairness… | In order to ensure fairness, all students will be graded according to the same rubric. |
| For your convenience… | For your convenience, I have uploaded the lecture slides to the course website. |
| In connection with the research project… | In connection with the research project, students are required to submit a progress report. |
| Please note the following changes… | Please note the following changes to the course schedule. |
| It has been decided that… | It has been decided that the final exam will be open-book. |
| This serves as a reminder that… | This serves as a reminder that attendance is mandatory for all lectures. |
| It is worth mentioning that… | It is worth mentioning that extra credit opportunities are available for students who participate in research studies. |
| In light of recent developments… | In light of recent developments, the course requirements have been revised. |
| With reference to your query… | With reference to your query, please see the FAQ section on the course website. |
| For those who may be unaware… | For those who may be unaware, the library offers free workshops on research skills. |
| In accordance with university policy… | In accordance with university policy, all students must adhere to the academic integrity code. |
| With the aim of improving student learning… | With the aim of improving student learning, we are introducing new teaching methods. |
| In response to student feedback… | In response to student feedback, we have extended the deadline for the assignment. |
| To clarify any confusion… | To clarify any confusion, let me explain the grading criteria once again. |
| In the interest of transparency… | In the interest of transparency, the exam questions will be based on the lecture materials. |
| To assist you with your studies… | To assist you with your studies, I have compiled a list of useful resources. |
| As a follow-up to our class discussion… | As a follow-up to our class discussion, I have posted additional readings on the course website. |
| In order to provide equal opportunities… | In order to provide equal opportunities, accommodations will be made for students with disabilities. |
These academic-specific phrases will help you communicate effectively with students and colleagues in an educational environment.
Usage Rules and Considerations
Choosing the right alternative depends on several factors:
- Formality: Match the formality of the phrase to the context. Using informal language in a formal setting can be inappropriate and vice versa.
- Audience: Consider your relationship with the recipient. A phrase that is suitable for a colleague may not be appropriate for a supervisor.
- Purpose: Choose a phrase that accurately reflects the purpose of your communication. Are you delivering good news, bad news, or simply providing information?
- Clarity: Ensure that the alternative phrase is clear and easy to understand. Avoid using overly complex language or jargon.
- Tone: Pay attention to the tone of the phrase. Some phrases are more direct and assertive, while others are more gentle and indirect.
For example, when informing a client about a project delay, a gentler approach like “We regret to inform you that…” might be more suitable than a direct “Please note that…”.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can occur when using alternatives to “This is to inform you”:
- Using overly formal language in an informal setting: This can make you sound pretentious or out of touch.
- Using overly informal language in a formal setting: This can be perceived as unprofessional or disrespectful.
- Choosing a phrase that is too vague or ambiguous: This can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
- Using incorrect grammar or syntax: This can undermine your credibility.
- Overusing the same alternative: This can make your writing or speaking sound repetitive and monotonous.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| “Heads up, we are obliged to inform you that the deadline is approaching.” | “Heads up, the deadline is approaching.” (Informal) or “We are obliged to inform you that the deadline is approaching.” (Formal) |
| “FYI, we regret to inform you that your proposal was rejected.” | “FYI, your proposal was rejected.” (Informal) or “We regret to inform you that your proposal was rejected.” (Formal) |
| “Just wanted to let you know, pursuant to our previous discussion, the project is delayed.” | “Just wanted to let you know the project is delayed.” (Informal) or “Pursuant to our previous discussion, the project is delayed.” (Formal) |
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can avoid them and communicate more effectively.
Practice Exercises
The following exercises will help you practice using the alternatives to “This is to inform you” in different contexts.
Exercise 1: Choose the best alternative for each situation.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| You need to inform your team about a last-minute meeting. | a) Please be advised that… b) Heads up! c) We hereby notify you that… | b) Heads up! |
| You are writing an official letter to a client about a contract renewal. | a) Just so you know… b) We are pleased to announce that… c) FYI… | b) We are pleased to announce that… |
| You are sending a quick email to a colleague about a change in the project timeline. | a) I wanted to let you know that… b) We are compelled to inform you that… c) Pursuant to our previous discussion… | a) I wanted to let you know that… |
| You are informing students about a change in the exam date. | a) You should know that… b) Please be reminded that… c) Word on the street is… | b) Please be reminded that… |
| You are writing a formal report about the company’s financial performance. | a) As per the latest report… b) Just a heads-up… c) Just dropping a line to say… | a) As per the latest report… |
| You need to tell your friend that you will be late. | a) I am writing to inform you that… b) Just so you know… c) We are instructed to notify you that… | b) Just so you know… |
| You are announcing a new company policy to all employees. | a) We are writing to inform you that… b) FYI… c) Good to know… | a) We are writing to inform you that… |
| You are giving a quick update to your boss about a project. | a) In order to maintain transparency… b) Just a quick update on… c) Please be advised that… | b) Just a quick update on… |
| You are sending a formal notification about a legal matter. | a) This is a formal notification that… b) BTW… c) Thought I’d mention that… | a) This is a formal notification that… |
| You are telling your colleague about a rumor at the office. | a) We are duty-bound to inform you that… b) Word on the street is… c) As per our discussion… | b) Word on the street is… |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using a more appropriate alternative to “This is to inform you.”
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| This is to inform you that the office will be closed on Monday. | Please note that the office will be closed on Monday. |
| This is to inform you that your application has been received. | We acknowledge receipt of your application. |
| This is to inform you that the project is on schedule. | I’m pleased to report that the project is on schedule. |
| This is to inform you that there will be a meeting tomorrow. | Just a reminder that there will be a meeting tomorrow. |
| This is to inform you that the deadline has been extended. | We are writing to let you know that the deadline has been extended. |
| This is to inform you that the price has increased. | Please be advised that the price has increased. |
| This is to inform you that your account is suspended. | This serves to notify you that your account has been suspended. |
| This is to inform you that a decision has been made. | We are reaching out to inform you a decision has been made. |
| This is to inform you that the event has been postponed. | I regret to inform you that the event has been postponed. |
| This is to inform you that we are hiring. | We are pleased to announce that we are hiring. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider the following:
- Subtleties of tone: Explore how different word choices can subtly alter the tone of a phrase. For example, “Kindly note” is slightly more polite than “Please note.”
- Cultural considerations: Be aware that communication styles vary across cultures. What is considered direct in one culture may be considered rude in another.
- Combining phrases: Experiment with combining different phrases to create your own unique expressions.
- Using figurative language: In some contexts, you can use metaphors or similes to convey information in a more engaging way.
Mastering these advanced topics will further enhance your communication skills and allow you to communicate with greater precision and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to avoid overusing “This is to inform you”?
Overusing the phrase can make your communication sound repetitive and impersonal. Varying your language makes your message more engaging and shows attention to detail.
How can I determine the appropriate level of formality for a given situation?
Consider your audience, the context of the communication, and the nature of the information being conveyed. If in doubt, err on the side of formality.
Are there any situations where “This is to inform you” is the best option?
In some very formal or legal contexts, the phrase may be appropriate due to its directness and unambiguous nature. However, even in these situations, consider whether a more nuanced alternative might be preferable.
How can I improve my overall communication skills?
Practice regularly, pay attention to feedback, and continually expand your vocabulary. Reading widely and observing how others communicate effectively can also be beneficial.
What resources are available to help me learn more about effective communication?
Numerous books, articles, and online courses cover effective communication skills. Additionally, consider joining a Toastmasters club or taking a public speaking workshop.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “This is to inform you” is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your communication effectiveness. By understanding the nuances of different phrases and tailoring your language to the specific context, you can convey information with greater clarity, impact, and professionalism.
This guide has provided you with a comprehensive toolkit of alternative expressions, usage rules, and practice exercises to help you confidently communicate your message in any situation. Continue to practice and refine your skills, and you will undoubtedly see improvements in your written and spoken communication.