Although these verbs are synonymous, tell is the least formal, inform more formal and notify the most formal.
- Tell your brother to come in for supper, please.
- If only my in-laws would tell me what to call them!
- Please tell (or inform) the customer that smoking is not permitted.
- Chelsea was told to go home because her cough was disrupting the class.
- Chelsea was informed that she would have to go home.
Official messages from authorities often inform or notify.
- The university has informed (or notified) Kim of another increase in tuition fees.
- Hydro-Quebec notified us that our power would be off for 12 hours.
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