Formal synonyms of 'tell'

Below are the formal and polite equivalents (synonyms) of 'tell' which you can use in your business or professional pieces of writing.

Inform

It has exactly the same meaning and usage as 'tell'.

'If you can inform your staff about the new procedures, it will be very much appreciated.'

Notify

It has exactly the same meaning and usage as 'tell/inform'.

'If you can notify your staff about the new procedures, it will be very much appreciated.'

Brief

Although it has the same meaning as 'tell/inform', when you use 'brief' as a verb it suggests that you did it for a long time and in a lot of detail. This is the opposite to when it is used as an adjective.

'If you can brief your staff about the new procedures, it will be very much appreciated.'

Apprise

It is a very formal way of saying 'tell/inform'. It should only be used when writing to very educated people.

'When we are aware of the new procedures, we will apprise you immediately.'

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