March 1, 2017　    =========

☆  inform  通知する

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Welcome to March! This month’s topic is “Farewells and New Beginnings.” Although it farewells and endings are often sad, the good news is as Seneca says in this week’s quote, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” The cycle of life, right? Beginnings, followed by endings, followed by beginnings and round it goes.

When you inform someone of something, you tell them about it. However, if you talking about what you did on the weekend, you wouldn’t inform someone about what you did, this word is too formal; you would just tell them what you did.

So, when you use “inform” it is generally because you have “big news” either positive or negative, that you need to let the other person know. A common phrase using this word is, “I’m sorry to have to inform you of this….” An easy way to know which word to use then, if it’s fun and informal information, use “tell”. If it is more serious news, then use “inform.”

Bye,

Chris