Quick Answer: am writing to inform you is used to formally introduce information in emails or letters.
Top alternatives include this email is to inform you, we would like to inform you, please be advised that, I am writing to notify you, and this is to let you know.
The phrase I am writing to inform you is a classic opening line in formal emails, letters, and official notices. It clearly signals that important information is being shared.
However, in modern professional English, this phrase can feel repetitive, stiff, or overly formal. Many professionals prefer clearer, shorter, and more natural alternatives.
Learning alternatives to I am writing to inform you improves fluency, tone awareness, and professionalism. It also helps you express excitement in English or neutrality more effectively depending on the message.
“Professional emails sound stronger when the opening is clear and purposeful.”
Quick Categories Section
Formal alternatives to “I am writing to inform you”
Please be advised that, We wish to inform you, I am writing to notify you, This letter serves to inform you
Pro Tips Box:
Use these in legal notices, official letters, and high-formality communication.
Casual alternatives
Just to let you know, Wanted to let you know, Sharing an update, Quick note to say
Pro Tips Box:
Best for friendly emails and internal communication.
Professional alternatives
This email is to inform you, We would like to inform you, I am reaching out to inform you, I am writing regarding
Pro Tips Box:
Ideal for business emails, HR updates, and client communication.
Informal expressions
FYI, Heads up, Letting you know, Passing along an update
Pro Tips Box:
Avoid these in formal or external-facing communication.
Common Mistakes Using “I Am Writing to Inform You”
- Using it in very short emails
Example: I am writing to inform you the meeting is canceled. - Repeating it in every email
Example: I am writing to inform you… (used repeatedly) - Using it when excitement is intended
Example: I am writing to inform you of your promotion. - Using it in casual conversations
Example: I am writing to inform you I’ll be late. - Using it without stating the point clearly
Example: I am writing to inform you about something.
What Does “I Am Writing to Inform You” Mean?
Definition:
I am writing to inform you means the sender is formally introducing information or an update.
Grammar Explanation:
It is a complete introductory clause commonly used at the start of written communication.
Example Sentence:
I am writing to inform you of the policy update.
When to Use “I Am Writing to Inform You”
- Formal emails and letters
- Official announcements
- Legal or HR communication
- Written notices
Spoken vs Written: Written only
Formal vs Informal: Formal
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “I Am Writing to Inform You”?
- Polite? ✔️ Yes
- Professional? ✔️ Yes (but old-fashioned)
Business-style example:
This email is to inform you of the upcoming system maintenance.
Pros and Cons of Using “I Am Writing to Inform You”
Pros
- Polite and respectful
- Clear intent
- Widely accepted
- Suitable for formal writing
Cons
- Sounds outdated
- Overly wordy
- Lacks warmth
- Not conversational
“Modern English values clarity over formality.”
Other Ways to Say “I Am Writing to Inform You” (With Examples)
These other ways to say I am writing to inform you help you sound fluent, confident, and professional.
Use them according to tone, context, and audience to express excitement in English, neutrality, or authority.
1. Phrase: This Email Is to Inform You
Meaning: Introduces information formally.
Explanation: Modern and professional replacement.
Example Sentence: This email is to inform you of the revised schedule.
Best Use: Business emails
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
2. Phrase: We Would Like to Inform You
Meaning: Formal group communication.
Explanation: Polite and collective tone.
Example Sentence: We would like to inform you about the policy update.
Best Use: Organizations
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability:** professional
3. Phrase: Please Be Advised That
Meaning: Signals important information.
Explanation: Very formal and authoritative.
Example Sentence: Please be advised that the office will be closed.
Best Use: Legal, HR
Worst Use: Friendly emails
Tone: Formal
Context Variability:** professional
4. Phrase: I Am Writing to Notify You
Meaning: Formal notification.
Explanation: Slightly more modern than the original.
Example Sentence: I am writing to notify you of the change.
Best Use: Official notices
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability:** professional
5. Phrase: This Is to Let You Know
Meaning: Neutral information sharing.
Explanation: Polite and modern.
Example Sentence: This is to let you know the report is ready.
Best Use: Business emails
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability:** professional
6. Phrase: I Am Reaching Out to Inform You
Meaning: Polite professional outreach.
Explanation: Friendly-professional tone.
Example Sentence: I am reaching out to inform you about the update.
Best Use: Client emails
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability:** professional
7. Phrase: We Are Writing to Inform You
Meaning: Formal group notice.
Explanation: Common in official emails.
Example Sentence: We are writing to inform you of the changes.
Best Use: Organizations
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability:** professional
8. Phrase: I Would Like to Inform You
Meaning: Polite personal notice.
Explanation: Softens the message.
Example Sentence: I would like to inform you of my availability.
Best Use: Polite emails
Worst Use: Urgent notices
Tone: Polite
Context Variability:** professional
9. Phrase: This Message Is to Inform You
Meaning: Neutral formal introduction.
Explanation: Suitable for notices.
Example Sentence: This message is to inform you of the delay.
Best Use: Announcements
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability:** professional
10. Phrase: I Am Writing Regarding
Meaning: Introduces topic without formality overload.
Explanation: Flexible and professional.
Example Sentence: I am writing regarding your recent inquiry.
Best Use: Business emails
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability:** professional
11. Phrase: We Wish to Inform You
Meaning: Traditional formal phrase.
Explanation: Very formal tone.
Example Sentence: We wish to inform you of the outcome.
Best Use: Legal letters
Worst Use: Friendly emails
Tone: Formal
Context Variability:** professional
12. Phrase: I Am Contacting You to Inform You
Meaning: Direct notification.
Explanation: Clear but slightly wordy.
Example Sentence: I am contacting you to inform you of the update.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability:** professional
13. Phrase: Just to Let You Know
Meaning: Casual update.
Explanation: Friendly and informal.
Example Sentence: Just to let you know, the meeting moved.
Best Use: Internal chat
Worst Use: Formal emails
Tone: Casual
Context Variability:** spoken, professional
14. Phrase: Sharing an Update
Meaning: Neutral information sharing.
Explanation: Modern workplace phrasing.
Example Sentence: Sharing an update on the project status.
Best Use: Internal teams
Worst Use: Legal
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability:** professional
15. Phrase: This Notice Is to Inform You
Meaning: Formal announcement.
Explanation: Used in official notices.
Example Sentence: This notice is to inform you of the closure.
Best Use: Official notices
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability:** professional
16. Phrase: Please Note That
Meaning: Draws attention to info.
Explanation: Polite and professional.
Example Sentence: Please note that deadlines have changed.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Legal notices
Tone: Professional
Context Variability:** professional
17. Phrase: We Are Pleased to Inform You
Meaning: Positive announcement.
Explanation: Used for good news.
Example Sentence: We are pleased to inform you of your selection.
Best Use: Positive updates
Worst Use: Bad news
Tone: Positive, professional
Context Variability:** professional
18. Phrase: This Is to Notify You
Meaning: Formal notification.
Explanation: Concise and official.
Example Sentence: This is to notify you of the change.
Best Use: Legal, HR
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability:** professional
19. Phrase: I Wanted to Inform You
Meaning: Slightly softer tone.
Explanation: Polite and conversational.
Example Sentence: I wanted to inform you about the update.
Best Use: Semi-formal
Worst Use: Urgent notices
Tone: Polite
Context Variability:** professional
20. Phrase: I Am Writing to Update You
Meaning: Focuses on changes.
Explanation: Clear and modern.
Example Sentence: I am writing to update you on the project.
Best Use: Progress updates
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Professional
Context Variability:** professional
21. Phrase: For Your Information
Meaning: Informational sharing.
Explanation: Neutral and common.
Example Sentence: For your information, the policy has changed.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability:** professional
22. Phrase: This Is an Update Regarding
Meaning: Signals new information.
Explanation: Modern and clear.
Example Sentence: This is an update regarding your request.
Best Use: Business emails
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability:** professional
23. Phrase: Writing to Share an Update
Meaning: Friendly-professional tone.
Explanation: Less formal opener.
Example Sentence: Writing to share an update on the schedule.
Best Use: Internal emails
Worst Use: Legal
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability:** professional
24. Phrase: I’d Like to Make You Aware
Meaning: Formal but polite.
Explanation: Professional clarity.
Example Sentence: I’d like to make you aware of the change.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability:** professional
25. Phrase: This Email Serves to Inform You
Meaning: Official notification.
Explanation: Formal and authoritative.
Example Sentence: This email serves to inform you of the update.
Best Use: Legal notices
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability:** professional
26. Phrase: I Am Writing in Regard to
Meaning: Topic introduction.
Explanation: Professional and flexible.
Example Sentence: I am writing in regard to your application.
Best Use: Business emails
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability:** professional
27. Phrase: Just a Quick Note to Say
Meaning: Informal update.
Explanation: Friendly tone.
Example Sentence: Just a quick note to say the task is complete.
Best Use: Internal teams
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Casual
Context Variability:** spoken, professional
28. Phrase: This Communication Is to Inform You
Meaning: Formal announcement.
Explanation: Official wording.
Example Sentence: This communication is to inform you of changes.
Best Use: Corporate notices
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability:** professional
29. Phrase: I Am Writing to Bring to Your Attention
Meaning: Highlights importance.
Explanation: Formal emphasis.
Example Sentence: I am writing to bring this issue to your attention.
Best Use: Serious matters
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability:** professional
30. Phrase: This Is to Update You
Meaning: Modern and concise.
Explanation: Common in business English.
Example Sentence: This is to update you on the timeline.
Best Use: Workplace
Worst Use: Legal notices
Tone: Professional
Context Variability:** professional
“The right opening sets the tone for the entire message.”
Mini Quiz / Self-Check
- Best phrase for a formal notice?
a) Just to let you know
b) Please be advised that
c) Heads up - Which is too casual for client emails?
a) This email is to inform you
b) Just a quick note to say
c) We would like to inform you - Best phrase for positive news?
a) We are pleased to inform you
b) Please be advised that
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| This email is to inform you | Professional | Emails |
| Please be advised that | Formal | Legal |
| We are pleased to inform you | Positive | Announcements |
| I am writing to update you | Professional | Updates |
| This is to let you know | Neutral | Emails |
| For your information | Neutral | Emails |
| I’d like to make you aware | Professional | Business |
| We wish to inform you | Formal | Letters |
| Sharing an update | Neutral | Internal |
| This is to update you | Professional | Workplace |
FAQs
1. Is “I am writing to inform you” outdated?
It’s still correct but sounds old-fashioned.
2. What is the best modern alternative?
“This email is to inform you” or “This is to update you.”
3. Can I use it in emails?
Yes, but shorter alternatives are preferred.
4. Is it polite?
Yes, it is polite and formal.
5. Are there informal expressions in English for this phrase?
Yes, but avoid them in professional writing.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say I am writing to inform you helps you sound modern, confident, and professional. The right opener improves clarity and tone immediately.
Practice these alternatives daily and always match your opening to the message purpose and audience.
See also:
Alt Text Suggestion:
Other ways to say I am writing to inform you with examples and formal alternatives for professional English
James Anderson is a vocabulary-focused blogger at SynonymHub.com, providing clear and practical insights on synonyms and word meanings to help readers enhance their language skills and communicate more effectively.
