notify
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To formally or officially inform someone about something.
To give notice to; to make something known, often in a formal or procedural context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies an official or required communication, often for procedural, legal, or safety purposes. Less casual than 'tell' or 'let know'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. In administrative contexts, BrE may show a slight preference for 'notify' over the more direct 'tell' where AmE might use both.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/bureaucratic in both varieties. Neutral connotation of duty or procedure.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in formal writing in both varieties. Slightly more common in legal/administrative BrE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
notify somebody (of something)notify somebody that...notify something to somebodyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with 'notify'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for official communication of policy changes, data breaches, or contract terminations.
Academic
Used formally, e.g., 'Participants will be notified of the results.'
Everyday
Less common in casual speech. Used for important updates, e.g., from a school or utility company.
Technical
Central in IT (system notifications), law (legal notice), and compliance (regulatory reporting).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council must notify residents of planned roadworks.
- Please notify us in advance if you cannot attend.
American English
- The company will notify customers of the data breach.
- You are required to notify the DMV of a change of address.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher will notify your parents.
- I will notify you when dinner is ready.
- The airline notified us of a flight delay.
- You must notify the bank if you lose your card.
- Landlords are legally obligated to notify tenants of any rent increase.
- The system automatically notifies the administrator of any security breaches.
- The research ethics committee requires investigators to notify them of any adverse events.
- Failure to notify the relevant authorities constitutes a breach of regulations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a NOTE that you send to make someone aware (NOTIFY).
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS AN OBJECT THAT IS TRANSFERRED (you notify someone *of* something).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'нотифицировать' in everyday speech; it's a high-register calque. Use 'сообщать' or 'извещать'.
- Don't confuse with 'note' (заметить) or 'notice' (уведомление).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'notify about' (use 'notify of' or 'notify that').
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'tell' or 'let know' is better.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural collocation with 'notify' in a formal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is neutral to formal. In casual conversation, 'tell', 'let know', or 'inform' are more common.
Typically 'of' (notify someone of something) or 'that' (notify someone that...). 'About' is sometimes used but is less standard.
They are very close synonyms. 'Notify' often implies a brief, official, or procedural announcement, while 'inform' can be broader, covering the general act of giving information.
Yes, frequently. E.g., 'You will be notified of the decision in due course.'