What Does “Apprise sb of sth” Mean?
“Apprise sb of sth” means to inform or notify someone about something. It is a formal way of telling someone important information.
Introduction
The phrase “apprise sb of sth” is commonly used in English to indicate that someone is being informed about a particular matter. The term “apprise” is a verb meaning to give information or make someone aware of something. When you “apprise someone of something,” you are updating them or letting them know about news, changes, or important details. This phrase is often used in professional or formal settings, such as in emails, reports, or meetings. Understanding the apprise sb of sth meaning helps learners improve their vocabulary and communicate more effectively in business or official contexts. It is a useful expression to replace simpler verbs like “tell” or “inform” with a more polished tone.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Apprise sb of sth (apprise somebody of something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 – C1 (Upper-Intermediate to Advanced)
- Short meaning: To inform or notify someone about something important
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Apprise” is a transitive verb and is always followed by an indirect object (sb/somebody) and a direct object (sth/something).
- Correct pattern: apprise + somebody + of + something
- Example: I will apprise you of the situation.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning you cannot separate “apprise” from “of” or move the object in between.
How to Use “Apprise sb of sth”?
Use “apprise sb of sth” when you want to formally inform or update someone about details or developments. It is common in professional communication, legal contexts, and formal writing. You can use it in both spoken and written English, but it sounds more formal than “tell” or “inform.”
Example phrases:
- “Please apprise me of any changes to the schedule.”
- “The manager apprised the team of the new policy.”
Examples
- The doctor apprised the patient of the test results.
- We need to apprise the client of the project delay immediately.
- She was apprised of the meeting time yesterday.
- The teacher apprised the parents of their child’s progress.
- They apprised us of the safety procedures before the trip.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: Apprise of you the details.
Correct: Apprise you of the details. - Incorrect: Apprise somebody about something.
Correct: Apprise somebody of something. - Incorrect: Apprise somebody something.
Correct: Apprise somebody of something.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar verbs to “apprise sb of sth” include inform, notify, update, brief. However, there are some differences:
- Inform: A general term for telling someone information, less formal.
- Notify: Often used for official or legal announcements.
- Update: To give the latest information or changes.
- Brief: To give a short summary or important points.
“Apprise” is more formal and often used in official or business contexts, whereas “tell” or “inform” are more common in daily speech.
Common Collocations
- Apprise someone of the situation
- Apprise someone of the facts
- Apprise someone of the changes
- Apprise someone of the results
- Apprise someone of the developments
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Have you apprised the team of the new deadline?
John: Yes, I sent an email this morning to apprise everyone of the change.
Anna: Great. It’s important they know as soon as possible.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the phrase “apprise sb of sth”:
- The manager __________ the employees __________ the new safety rules yesterday.
- Please __________ me __________ any updates on the project.
- They will __________ the customers __________ the price changes next week.
FAQs
- Q: Is “apprise” formal or informal?
A: “Apprise” is formal and mostly used in professional or official contexts. - Q: Can I use “apprise” without “of”?
A: No, “apprise” is always followed by “of” when informing someone about something. - Q: What is the difference between “apprise” and “inform”?
A: “Apprise” is more formal, while “inform” is common in everyday English. - Q: Can I say “apprise somebody about something”?
A: No, the correct preposition is “of,” not “about.” - Q: Is “apprise” commonly used in spoken English?
A: It is less common in casual speech and more frequent in writing or formal speech.
