It is with pleasure that we announce

You use this phrase at the very beginning of a formal announcement. It's almost always followed by the good news itself. Imagine a CEO's memo, or a university's press release. It's perfect for official documents, keynote speeches, or any communication where you want to impress. For example: It is with pleasure that we announce the launch of our new flagship product. Simple, clear, and impactful. Always ensure the news following it is genuinely positive and significant. Otherwise, it can sound a bit over-the-top, like wearing a tuxedo to a picnic. You're setting a high bar, so the announcement needs to deliver.

This phrase is extremely formal. It belongs in the highest registers of English. Picture a fancy black-tie event for words. You'll find it in corporate press releases, official invitations, legal documents, academic notifications, or formal public addresses. Never, ever use it in casual conversation or texts. Your friends might think you've joined a secret society. It's the kind of language that commands respect and attention, but only in the right setting. Using it informally is like showing up to a beach party in full knight's armor – impressive, but totally misplaced and probably very hot.

• Press Release: "It is with pleasure that we announce the successful acquisition of TechCorp, expanding our global reach." Very corporate. Very official.
• Award Ceremony: "It is with pleasure that we announce the winner of this year's Innovation Award is Dr. Evelyn Reed!" High stakes, high honor.
• Formal Invitation: "It is with pleasure that we announce the engagement of Ms. Eleanor Vance and Mr. Marcus Thorne." Classic, elegant.
• University Bulletin: "It is with pleasure that we announce the opening of applications for our new AI Ethics postgraduate program." Academic rigor.
• Government Statement: "It is with pleasure that we announce new policy measures designed to boost economic growth." Official and weighty. See how each scenario demands a certain level of decorum? That's where this phrase shines.

• Official business communications: Mergers, new product launches, significant partnerships.
• Formal events: Announcing winners, engagements, or major milestones.
• Public statements: From institutions, governments, or charities.
• Academic news: Scholarship awards, new program announcements.
• Any situation requiring high respect and gravity: When the news truly calls for a formal, celebratory tone. Basically, when you're wearing your linguistic best. It's for moments that feel momentous, not just routine updates. Like when you finally defeat that tricky boss in a video game – you don't just say "yay," you make a grand pronouncement!

• Casual conversations: "It is with pleasure that we announce I'm heading to the fridge." (No, just no.)
• Text messages or social media: Your Instagram caption announcing brunch would look hilariously stuffy. #PleasureToAnnounceMyMimosa.
• Informal emails: To colleagues about a team lunch. "Hey team, pleasure to announce sandwiches are here!" Just say "Sandwiches are here!"
• Giving bad news: This phrase is for *good* news only. "It is with pleasure that we announce budget cuts" would be utterly jarring, and frankly, a bit evil. Save the formal sadness for phrases like It is with regret....
• Any situation not requiring extreme formality: When in doubt, scale it down. This phrase is like a diamond necklace – beautiful, but not for everyday wear.

Because it's so formal, there aren't many truly casual variations of It is with pleasure that we announce. The variations usually involve slightly less formal, but still professional, phrasing:

• "We are pleased to announce...": A very common, slightly less formal but still professional alternative. You'll hear this a lot in business. It's still good for official news, just a step down from the pleasure that we version.
• "We are delighted to announce...": Similar to pleased, but emphasizes delight – a stronger sense of happiness. Also very common in corporate announcements.
• "We proudly announce...": When the announcement involves an achievement worth boasting about. Adds a touch of justifiable pride.
• "We're excited to share...": More contemporary, still professional, but has a bit more energy. You might see this on a company's social media. It implies genuine enthusiasm, rather than just formal satisfaction.
• "Big news!" / "Exciting update!": For a truly informal, social media-friendly approach. Definitely not formal, but gets the point across in a modern way. Think TikTok announcements.

• Can I use this for bad news? Absolutely not! It's reserved exclusively for positive announcements. Imagine announcing layoffs with It is with pleasure – that would be quite the faux pas! Always remember the emotional weight of your words.
• Is it old-fashioned? While very formal, it's not outdated. It's still actively used in official, corporate, and ceremonial contexts today. It retains its power and gravitas because of its historical usage and formal structure. Think of it as a timeless classic, not a dusty antique.
• What's a simpler alternative? We are pleased to announce... is a widely accepted, slightly less formal, but still professional substitute. It carries much of the same meaning without quite the same elevated tone. It's like switching from a ball gown to a very smart suit.
• Does it always have to be "we"? Typically, yes. It's usually a collective announcement from an organization or group. However, you could theoretically use "I" if you are an individual making a very formal, personal announcement of great significance, but it's much rarer. It emphasizes the collective voice of the entity making the announcement.
• Where does the "that" come from? The "that" introduces the clause containing the actual announcement. It connects the "pleasure" with the news being shared, making the sentence grammatically complete and formally structured. It's a standard part of this construction, ensuring clarity and proper flow.
• Can I shorten it? Only by changing to a less formal alternative. The phrase itself is a fixed, formal construction. Shortening it would likely break its formal structure and make it sound incorrect or awkward. Respect the full phrase for its intended effect.
• Is it only for written communication? No, it can be used in formal speeches or public addresses, but it definitely shines in written form. When spoken, it conveys a very deliberate and measured tone, often used at events like award ceremonies or major corporate presentations.
• What about social media? For social media, almost always opt for something much more casual, like Exciting news! or We're thrilled to share! This phrase would stick out like a sore thumb in a tweet or Instagram post. It just doesn't fit the fast-paced, informal nature of social platforms.
• Does it require a specific kind of news? Yes, it implies news that is significant, usually positive, and often impactful for a wider audience. It's not for trivial updates but for information that genuinely warrants a formal presentation. Think promotions, new projects, or major company achievements.
• Why not just say "We're happy to announce"? While We're happy to announce is perfectly fine and understandable, it lacks the gravity and ceremonial feel of It is with pleasure that we announce. The longer, more structured phrase elevates the news to a higher level of importance and formality. It's about setting a distinct tone.