B2 Expression Very Formal 7 min read

You will be advised

Formal business communication expression

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to mean 'you will be officially informed' later.
  • Very high formality level, mostly for business or law.
  • Often used by HR, banks, or large corporations.
  • Creates professional distance and sounds highly authoritative.

Meaning

This phrase is the corporate equivalent of 'we'll get back to you.' It tells you that more information is coming, but on someone else's timeline. It feels official, slightly cold, and carries the weight of authority.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

HR email after an interview

You will be advised of our hiring decision by the end of the business week.

You will be informed of our decision by Friday.

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2

Banking notification

You will be advised of any changes to the interest rate via post.

We will tell you if the rates change by mail.

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3

Uber app technical message

You will be advised once a driver has accepted your request.

We will let you know when a driver is coming.

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🌍

Cultural Background

In the US, this phrase is heavily associated with 'Corporate Speak.' It is often used by large companies to avoid personal liability. If a customer service agent says this, it usually means they don't have the authority to make a decision themselves. The British use this phrase to maintain a 'polite distance.' It is a way of being very formal without being aggressive, though it can feel quite cold to those from more informal cultures. In German business culture, clarity and process are highly valued. This phrase is seen as a helpful indicator that a specific process is being followed, rather than a way to hide information. While the English phrase is used in international business in Japan, the concept is often replaced by very specific humble verbs that emphasize the company's service to the customer, even when the news is delayed.

🎯

Use it to buy time

If you are in a meeting and don't have an answer yet, saying 'You will be advised of the final figures by EOD' sounds much more professional than 'I don't know yet.'

⚠️

Watch the 'of'

Don't forget the 'of'. It's 'advised OF something,' not 'advised something.'

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to mean 'you will be officially informed' later.
  • Very high formality level, mostly for business or law.
  • Often used by HR, banks, or large corporations.
  • Creates professional distance and sounds highly authoritative.

What It Means

Imagine you are waiting for a very important decision. You ask for an update. The reply says: You will be advised. This means the decision is not ready yet. It also means you are not the one in charge. In this context, advised does not mean 'given advice'. It means 'to be officially informed'. It is the passive voice at its most formal. It creates a professional distance between the sender and you. You are the receiver of information. They are the source of power. It feels like a letter from a bank. It sounds like a message from a government office. It is polite, but it is definitely not warm.

How To Use It

You use this phrase when you are in a formal role. It works best in writing, like emails or letters. The structure is simple: Subject + will be + advised. You can add of to specify the topic. For example: You will be advised of the result. You can also add in due course. This means 'at the right time'. It is very common in HR and legal departments. Use it when you represent a company. Do not use it when you speak for yourself. It sounds a bit like a robot trying to be polite. If you want to sound human, use I will let you know instead. But if you need to be official, this is your phrase.

Formality & Register

This phrase sits at the very top of the formality ladder. It is very formal. You will find it in contracts and terms of service. It appears in automated emails from big companies like Netflix or Amazon. It is the language of bureaucracy and law. You would never use this while texting your mom. You would not use it with a close colleague at the coffee machine. It belongs in a Zoom meeting with the board of directors. It belongs in an official notice about your tax return. It is designed to be neutral. It avoids taking personal responsibility. By using the passive voice, the 'who' is hidden. This makes the message feel like it comes from the system itself.

Real-Life Examples

Think about a job interview process. You finish the final round. The recruiter sends an email. It says: You will be advised of our decision by Friday. This sounds much more serious than We'll call you. Another example is a flight delay. The airline app might say: You will be advised of a new gate shortly. It keeps the communication one-way. You also see it in university admission letters. It is common in legal settlements too. Even in high-end luxury services, you might hear it. A concierge at a five-star hotel might say it. It makes the service feel exclusive and highly organized. It is the language of people who have everything under control.

When To Use It

Use it when you need to sound authoritative and professional. It is perfect for communicating with a large group of people. If you are an HR manager announcing a policy change, use it. If you are a lawyer writing to an opposing party, use it. It is great for situations where you want to remain vague. Maybe you do not have the answer yet. Maybe the answer is sensitive. Using You will be advised buys you time. It tells the other person to stop asking questions for now. It sets a clear boundary. It says: 'Wait for us to contact you'. It is also useful when the information is purely technical.

When NOT To Use It

Never use this phrase in a casual setting. Do not tell your friend: You will be advised of my dinner choice. They will think you are joking or being very rude. Avoid it in small, friendly startups. It can make you sound like a 'corporate drone'. If you are trying to build a personal connection, stay away. Using such formal language can be a 'red flag' in dating. Imagine a Tinder message: You will be advised of my availability. That is a fast way to get blocked! Also, do not use it for actual advice. If your friend needs help, do not say this. They need a chat, not an official notice. Keep it for the boardroom, not the living room.

Common Mistakes

The biggest mistake is confusing advised with given advice. If you say You will be advised to wear a coat, it sounds weird. You should say You are advised to wear a coat. The phrase You will be advised specifically means 'you will be told facts'. Another mistake is using the wrong preposition. Always use of after it. Do not say You will be advised about the price. While people might understand, of is the standard formal choice. Another error is using it in the active voice when you mean to be formal. I will advise you is okay, but You will be advised is much more 'corporate'. Finally, do not use it for things that happen immediately. If you are telling them right now, do not use the future tense!

Common Variations

If You will be advised feels too heavy, try You will be notified. This is still formal but feels a bit more modern. We will keep you posted is the friendly, casual version. It is great for Slack or WhatsApp. In a business-casual email, try We will let you know. If you want to be even more formal, use Further details will be provided. In legal documents, you might see Notice will be given. For a very tech-focused vibe, people say You will receive a notification. In the UK, you might hear You will be informed. Australians might say We'll give you a shout. Always choose the one that fits your 'vibe' and your audience.

Real Conversations

HR Manager: Hello Mark, thank you for coming in today.

E

Employee

No problem. I was wondering about the promotion results?

HR Manager: The committee is still reviewing all the applications.

E

Employee

Oh, I see. When will I find out?

HR Manager: You will be advised of the final outcome via email next week.

E

Employee

Okay, I will keep an eye on my inbox.

Customer Support: My order hasn't arrived yet.

A

Agent

I am sorry for the delay, sir. There is a logistics issue.

Customer Support: Can you tell me when it will be delivered?

A

Agent

You will be advised of the new delivery date once the package is scanned.

Customer Support: Thanks for the update.

Quick FAQ

Is this phrase rude? No, it is just very formal. It can feel cold, though. Does it mean I failed the interview? Not necessarily. It just means the process is ongoing. Can I use it in a text? Only if you are being funny or sarcastic. Is it British or American? Both, but it feels slightly more 'Old School' British. Can I say 'You will be advised BY me'? No, that sounds clumsy. Just use the passive voice. What if I want to sound nicer? Use We will let you know as soon as possible. That sounds much more helpful and less like a robot is talking to you.

Usage Notes

This phrase is strictly for formal business and legal contexts. Use it sparingly to avoid sounding cold. Always follow it with the preposition 'of'.

🎯

Use it to buy time

If you are in a meeting and don't have an answer yet, saying 'You will be advised of the final figures by EOD' sounds much more professional than 'I don't know yet.'

⚠️

Watch the 'of'

Don't forget the 'of'. It's 'advised OF something,' not 'advised something.'

💬

The 'Cold' Factor

Be aware that this phrase can sound dismissive. Use it only when you want to establish a formal boundary.

Examples

10
#1 HR email after an interview
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You will be advised of our hiring decision by the end of the business week.

You will be informed of our decision by Friday.

Standard professional way to end a high-level interview process.

#2 Banking notification
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You will be advised of any changes to the interest rate via post.

We will tell you if the rates change by mail.

Very formal communication from a financial institution.

#3 Uber app technical message
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

You will be advised once a driver has accepted your request.

We will let you know when a driver is coming.

A modern, automated way of using this formal phrase.

Texting a close friend (Mistake) Common Mistake
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✗ You will be advised of what movie we are seeing. → ✓ I'll let you know which movie we're watching!

I'll tell you the movie later.

Using this with friends makes you sound like a robot or a mean boss.

Giving helpful tips (Mistake) Common Mistake
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✗ You will be advised to take an umbrella today. → ✓ I advise you to take an umbrella today.

You should take an umbrella.

Don't use the future passive 'will be advised' for current helpful advice.

#6 Legal notice regarding a court date
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The defendant will be advised of the hearing date in due course.

The person will be told the court date soon.

Classic legal jargon where 'advise' means 'give notice'.

#7 Instagram caption for a mysterious product launch
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Something big is coming... you will be advised of the secret location soon!

Stay tuned for the secret spot!

Using formal language in a modern context to create 'hype'.

#8 Email to a tenant from a landlord
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

You will be advised of the scheduled maintenance at least 24 hours in advance.

We will tell you about the repairs a day before.

Professional and clear communication of a legal requirement.

#9 Joke among coworkers about a boring meeting
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If I survive this meeting, you will be advised of the gossip!

I'll tell you the drama after this boring call.

Using hyper-formal language for humor is common in office culture.

#10 Sensitive HR update about layoffs
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Affected employees will be advised of their status in private meetings.

We will tell people about their jobs in private.

The coldness of the phrase helps maintain professional distance in tough times.

Test Yourself

Complete the formal email sentence using the correct form of the phrase.

Regarding your request for a refund, you ______ of our decision by the end of the week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: will be advised

We need the future passive voice to indicate a forthcoming official decision.

Which situation is most appropriate for the phrase 'You will be advised'?

Choose the best context:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A judge telling a defendant when the next court date is.

This phrase is reserved for formal, authoritative, or legal contexts.

Complete the dialogue between an HR manager and a job candidate.

Candidate: 'Thank you for the interview. When will I hear from you?' HR Manager: 'It was a pleasure. ______.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: You will be advised of our choice soon.

The HR manager uses the formal passive to maintain professional distance.

Match the phrase variation to the correct register.

1. You will be advised. 2. I'll let you know. 3. Further details to follow.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Formal, 2-Informal, 3-Neutral

'You will be advised' is the most formal, 'I'll let you know' is the most informal.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Formal vs. Informal Updates

Formal (Institutional)
You will be advised Official
You will be notified Standard
Informal (Personal)
I'll let you know Friendly
I'll hit you up Slang

Where you'll see this phrase

⚖️

Legal

  • Court dates
  • Rights
  • Contracts
🏢

Corporate

  • HR decisions
  • Mergers
  • Policy changes
✈️

Travel

  • Delays
  • Gate changes
  • Cancellations

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the formal email sentence using the correct form of the phrase. Fill Blank B1

Regarding your request for a refund, you ______ of our decision by the end of the week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: will be advised

We need the future passive voice to indicate a forthcoming official decision.

Which situation is most appropriate for the phrase 'You will be advised'? Choose B2

Choose the best context:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A judge telling a defendant when the next court date is.

This phrase is reserved for formal, authoritative, or legal contexts.

Complete the dialogue between an HR manager and a job candidate. dialogue_completion B2

Candidate: 'Thank you for the interview. When will I hear from you?' HR Manager: 'It was a pleasure. ______.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: You will be advised of our choice soon.

The HR manager uses the formal passive to maintain professional distance.

Match the phrase variation to the correct register. situation_matching B1

1. You will be advised. 2. I'll let you know. 3. Further details to follow.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Formal, 2-Informal, 3-Neutral

'You will be advised' is the most formal, 'I'll let you know' is the most informal.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's not inherently rude, but it is very cold. In a professional setting, it's normal. In a social setting, it's very strange and could be seen as a joke or an insult.

Yes, 'You will be informed' is a perfect synonym and is slightly more common in modern American English.

While 'about' is sometimes used, 'of' is the traditional preposition used with 'advise' in formal English. It follows the pattern of 'to inform of' or 'to notify of.'

In this phrase, it is always 'advise' (the verb). 'Advice' is the noun (e.g., 'He gave me some advice').

Use 'Please be advised' at the start of a sentence to give information immediately. Use 'You will be advised' to promise information in the future.

No. Usually, when you are 'advised' in this context, you are being told a decision that has already been made by someone else.

Yes, it is extremely common in formal business emails, especially from HR, Legal, or Finance departments.

Only if you are being funny or if you are a lawyer texting a client. Otherwise, it's too formal for a text.

An informal opposite would be 'I'll keep you in the dark' (negative) or 'I'll let you know right away' (positive).

Yes, it is standard in both, though the UK tends to use it slightly more in general administrative letters.

Related Phrases

🔗

Please be advised

similar

A formal way to say 'Please note' or 'I am telling you now.'

🔗

In due course

builds on

At the appropriate or natural time.

🔗

Keep someone in the loop

contrast

To keep someone informed about a project or situation.

🔗

Under advisement

specialized form

Being considered, especially by a judge.

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