In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to signal important or serious news.
- Used mainly in professional writing like emails or legal letters.
- Implies a duty or obligation to share the information.
- Followed by 'that' or 'of' to introduce the topic.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite yet firm way to signal that you have important, often serious, information to share. It carries a sense of duty or professional obligation, as if you are bound by rules or circumstances to speak up. It’s the verbal equivalent of a firm handshake or a crisp business suit—clean, professional, and slightly detached.
Key Examples
3 of 10Formal email from HR
It is necessary to inform you that the office will be closed for maintenance next Friday.
I need to tell you that the office will be closed for maintenance next Friday.
Banking notification
It is necessary to inform you of changes to your account's interest rate.
I have to let you know that your interest rate is changing.
Job interview closing
It is necessary to inform you that I am also considering another offer from a competitor.
I should let you know that I have another job offer.
Cultural Background
In the UK, this phrase is often used as a 'polite warning.' It signals that the speaker is about to be very firm or deliver news that is non-negotiable. It's part of the 'stiff upper lip' culture of maintaining decorum even in difficult situations. In American business culture, this phrase is frequently used to avoid liability. By saying 'It is necessary to inform you,' the company is checking a legal box to ensure they have 'disclosed' information to the consumer. German professional culture values directness and clarity. While the English phrase sounds very formal to Americans, a German speaker might use it simply to be precise and ensure no information is missed. In the world of international business, this phrase acts as a 'lingua franca' for formal distance. It allows people from different cultures to communicate serious news without the risk of being too personal or too rude.
The 'Bad News' Buffer
Use this phrase when you want to sound like you are 'just the messenger.' It protects you from the listener's emotional reaction.
Don't use with friends!
Unless you are being funny, using this with friends makes you sound cold and robotic.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to signal important or serious news.
- Used mainly in professional writing like emails or legal letters.
- Implies a duty or obligation to share the information.
- Followed by 'that' or 'of' to introduce the topic.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a fancy dinner. You wouldn't just shout across the table. You would lean in and speak clearly. That is what it is necessary to inform you does in writing. It sets a serious stage. It tells the listener that what comes next isn't just small talk. This isn't about the weather. It is about something that must be said. The word necessary is the star here. It implies a requirement. It suggests that you might not even *want* to say it. But you *have* to. It feels like a duty. It has a vibe of official business. Think of a bank teller or a principal. They use this to stay polite while being very serious. It is professional but a bit cold. It keeps a distance between people. It’s perfect for when you need to be a boss.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is like building a bridge. You start with the phrase itself. Then you usually add the word that. For example, it is necessary to inform you that the meeting is canceled. This is the most common way. It acts as a clear signal. You can also use of after the phrase. You might say it is necessary to inform you of our new policy. This works better when you are naming a topic. It is almost always the first sentence. It prepares the reader for the core message. Don't bury it in the middle of a long paragraph. Put it right at the top. It shows you respect their time. It also shows you are in control. It’s like the 'Warning' sign before a sharp turn in the road. It keeps everyone safe and informed.
Formality & Register
This phrase lives in the highest level of formality. It is very formal. You will find it in legal letters. You will see it in official emails from huge companies. It belongs in the world of suits and ties. If English formality was a building, this phrase would be the penthouse. It is not for casual chats. It is not for your best friend. In fact, using it with a friend might make them think you are mad at them! It has a 'don't-mess-with-me' energy. It is polite but not warm. It is like a clean, white hospital room. Everything is in its place. There is no clutter. It is efficient. It is perfect for Zoom interviews or HR reports. It says, 'I am a professional and I follow rules.'
Real-Life Examples
Let’s look at where you might actually see this. Imagine you get an email from Netflix. It might say, it is necessary to inform you of a price change. They aren't asking for permission. They are telling you what is happening. Or imagine you are applying for a visa. The consulate might write, it is necessary to inform you that your application is under review. It sounds official because it *is* official. You might also hear it in a courtroom drama. A lawyer might say, it is necessary to inform the court of this new evidence. It adds weight to the words. It makes the evidence sound more dramatic and important. Even your landlord might use it. It is necessary to inform you of repairs on Monday. It’s the language of rules and reality.
When To Use It
Use this when the stakes are high. It is great for delivering bad news gracefully. If you have to fire someone, this phrase softens the blow. It shifts the blame to 'necessity' rather than personal choice. Use it for formal policy updates. If you change your business hours, this phrase works well. It is also good for legal warnings. If someone is late on a payment, use this to sound serious. It is also useful in academic writing. If you discover something vital in your research, use it. It signals to other scholars that this point is non-negotiable. Basically, use it whenever you need to sound like the adult in the room. It commands instant attention and respect.
When NOT To Use It
Whatever you do, don't use this in a text to your crush. It is necessary to inform you that I like your outfit sounds like a robot wrote it! It will kill the vibe faster than a bad haircut. Also, avoid it at family dinners. Telling your mom it is necessary to inform you that the chicken is dry is a great way to get no dessert. It is too cold for personal relationships. Don't use it for small, unimportant things. It is necessary to inform you that I lost my pen is just dramatic. It makes you sound like you take yourself too seriously. If the situation is relaxed, stay away from this phrase. It is a heavy tool. Don't use a sledgehammer to hang a small picture frame. Keep it for the big stuff.
Common Mistakes
Many learners forget the small words. A common one is it is necessary inform you. You absolutely need that to! It links the adjective to the verb. Another mistake is saying I am necessary to inform you. This is wrong because *you* are not necessary; the *act* of informing is. It makes you sound like you think you are a literal requirement for existence. Quite the ego! Some people also confuse inform with tell. While they mean the same thing, it is necessary to tell you feels a bit weak. It’s like wearing sneakers with a tuxedo. Use inform to keep the formal level consistent. Finally, don't use it and then use slang right after. It is necessary to inform you that the party was lit is just confusing.
Common Variations
If this phrase feels a bit too stiff, you have options. I must inform you is very similar but feels slightly more personal. It uses the first person I. This makes it feel like the speaker is taking responsibility. Please be advised that... is a classic business alternative. It is very common in office emails. It’s a bit more passive. Regrettably, I must inform you adds a touch of sadness. Use this for truly bad news. It shows you have a heart. I am writing to inform you is the standard 'safe' version. It is professional but a little less 'heavy' than necessary. For something slightly softer, try I wanted to let you know. This is great for colleagues you actually like. It’s the 'business casual' version of our phrase.
Real Conversations
Speaker A: Hello, Mr. Henderson. Do you have a moment?
Speaker B: Yes, what is it?
Speaker A: It is necessary to inform you that your contract expires next month.
Speaker B: Oh, I see. Will it be renewed?
Speaker A: We are still deciding, but I felt it was important to tell you now.
Speaker A: (Email) Dear Customer, it is necessary to inform you of a scheduled power outage.
Speaker B: (Reply) Thanks for the heads up! I'll charge my laptop.
Speaker A: (Text) Hey, are you coming to the party?
Speaker B: It is necessary to inform you that I am staying home to watch Netflix.
Speaker A: Lol, why are you talking like a lawyer? Just say you're tired!
Quick FAQ
Is this phrase too mean? Not really. It is just very professional. It can feel cold, but it isn't rude. It is just very direct. Can I use it in an interview? Yes, if you are discussing a serious point. It shows you have a good grasp of formal English. Is it better than I need to tell you? In a business setting, yes. Need can sound a bit desperate or personal. Necessary sounds like a logical requirement. Should I use it in a cover letter? Definitely. It works well when introducing a key qualification. It is necessary to inform you that I have five years of experience. It sounds confident and authoritative. Just don't overdo it. One use per letter is plenty!
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly for formal writing and high-register spoken English. It is most effective when used to introduce bad news or important policy changes where you want to emphasize objectivity and duty. Avoid using it in casual settings to prevent sounding robotic or socially awkward.
The 'Bad News' Buffer
Use this phrase when you want to sound like you are 'just the messenger.' It protects you from the listener's emotional reaction.
Don't use with friends!
Unless you are being funny, using this with friends makes you sound cold and robotic.
The 'That' vs 'Of' rule
Use 'that' before a full sentence (verb included) and 'of' before a noun. 'Inform you that we are late' vs 'Inform you of the delay'.
Examples
10It is necessary to inform you that the office will be closed for maintenance next Friday.
I need to tell you that the office will be closed for maintenance next Friday.
A classic use for company-wide announcements.
It is necessary to inform you of changes to your account's interest rate.
I have to let you know that your interest rate is changing.
Using 'of' to introduce a specific topic.
It is necessary to inform you that I am also considering another offer from a competitor.
I should let you know that I have another job offer.
Shows confidence and transparency in a professional setting.
It is necessary to inform you all that I'm finally moving to London!
I have to tell you guys that I'm moving to London!
Using a formal phrase for a dramatic or exciting effect on social media.
It is necessary to inform you that my internet is down, so I can't play tonight.
I have to let you know my internet is broken.
Slightly humorous because it's too formal for a gaming chat.
It is necessary to inform you that we have chosen another candidate for this role.
I'm sorry to say we picked someone else for the job.
The 'necessary' part makes the rejection feel like a procedural fact.
It is necessary to inform you that I've been feeling very stressed lately.
I really need to tell you that I've been stressed lately.
High emotional weight; signals that a deep talk is coming.
✗ It is necessary inform you that the shop is closed. → ✓ It is necessary to inform you that the shop is closed.
I need to tell you the shop is closed.
Always remember the 'to' after 'necessary'.
✗ I am necessary to inform you of the news. → ✓ It is necessary to inform you of the news.
I have to tell you the news.
The subject should be 'It', not 'I'.
It is necessary to inform you that your refund has been processed successfully.
I'm letting you know your refund is done.
Polite and reassuring in a formal service context.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal sentence with the correct preposition or pronoun.
It is necessary to inform ______ ______ the upcoming changes to your health insurance plan.
We 'inform [someone] of [something]'.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for using 'It is necessary to inform you'?
Select the best context:
This phrase is for high-stakes, formal, and official information.
Complete the HR manager's line to make it sound professional.
HR Manager: 'Mr. Smith, please sit down. ____________________ that your position has been made redundant.'
This is the standard formal opening for delivering serious employment news.
Match the phrase variation to the correct level of formality.
1. It is necessary to inform you... | 2. I'm writing to let you know... | 3. Just a heads up...
'Necessary' is formal, 'Writing to let you know' is neutral/professional, and 'Heads up' is informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'It is necessary to inform you'
Professional
- • Job Rejections
- • Policy Changes
- • Contract Updates
Official
- • Legal Notices
- • Government Letters
- • Bank Alerts
Public
- • Airport Announcements
- • Train Delays
- • Safety Warnings
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIt is necessary to inform ______ ______ the upcoming changes to your health insurance plan.
We 'inform [someone] of [something]'.
Select the best context:
This phrase is for high-stakes, formal, and official information.
HR Manager: 'Mr. Smith, please sit down. ____________________ that your position has been made redundant.'
This is the standard formal opening for delivering serious employment news.
1. It is necessary to inform you... | 2. I'm writing to let you know... | 3. Just a heads up...
'Necessary' is formal, 'Writing to let you know' is neutral/professional, and 'Heads up' is informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly, but it is very cold. It's professional and distant. If you use it when you should be friendly, it might be perceived as rude.
Yes, 'I need to inform you' is slightly less formal but still very professional. It's a good middle ground.
'Inform' is formal and usually involves official facts. 'Tell' is general and can be used for anything from secrets to stories.
Yes, in this specific phrase, 'inform' needs an object. You are informing *someone*.
Only if you are a company sending an automated alert. For personal texting, it's way too formal.
You can say 'It is incumbent upon me to inform you,' though this is extremely rare and very old-fashioned.
Technically yes, but it sounds so serious that people might expect bad news. For good news, try 'I am pleased to inform you'.
In formal writing, avoid the contraction 'It's'. Use 'It is' to maintain the high register.
Usually a 'that' clause, such as '...that your payment was received' or '...that the event is canceled'.
Yes, it's a staple of British bureaucratic and formal communication.
Related Phrases
I regret to inform you
specialized formA formal way to deliver bad news.
Please be advised
similarA formal way to tell someone to pay attention to information.
For your information
similarUsed to provide info that doesn't necessarily require action.
I must let you know
neutralA semi-formal way to share important news.