Imagine opening an email from a university, employer, company, or organization and reading, “We are pleased to inform you that…” before the main announcement. You immediately know that important information is coming, and the wording suggests that the news is positive or welcome.
“We are pleased to inform you” is a formal way to introduce good news, an important decision, an update, or an official announcement. It is common in business emails, acceptance letters, employment messages, customer communications, institutional notices, and formal correspondence.
The phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood, but it can sometimes sound traditional or repetitive, particularly when used in everyday digital communication. Choosing an alternative can make the message warmer, clearer, more direct, or more conversational without changing the basic meaning.
For professionals, students, ESL learners, and content writers, knowing several alternatives is useful because the best wording depends on the audience, relationship, channel, and seriousness of the announcement. A job offer, for example, may need a different tone from a quick Slack update.
What Does “We Are Pleased to Inform You” Mean?
“We are pleased to inform you” is a formal expression used to introduce information that the sender considers positive, welcome, or significant. It generally means “we are happy to tell you” or “we are glad to let you know.” It commonly appears in professional emails, official notices, acceptance letters, announcements, and business correspondence.
Origin & History of “We Are Pleased to Inform You”
The exact complete expression does not have a single documented inventor or publication date. Instead, it developed naturally from several long-established English patterns used for formal communication.
The word “pleased” comes from the verb please, which entered Middle English from Old French and ultimately traces to Latin placere, meaning roughly “to be acceptable,” “to be liked,” or “to seem good.” Historical sources place pleased in English by the mid-14th century.
The verb “inform” has an even older formal history. It entered Middle English through Old French from Latin informare, originally associated with giving form or shape and later with teaching, instructing, and providing information. By the late 14th century, inform had developed the sense of reporting facts or communicating information.
Over time, formal English combined expressions of goodwill with verbs of communication. The construction “be pleased to inform” became a conventional way of introducing important information while maintaining courtesy and institutional distance.
Today, the expression is particularly recognizable in business correspondence, admissions communication, employment notices, customer-service messages, and official announcements. Oxford’s learner dictionary, for example, includes “I am pleased to inform you that…” as an example of pleased to used to introduce information.
The phrase therefore reflects an older style of formal correspondence in which writers often softened direct announcements with courteous introductory language. Modern communication has become more conversational, but the construction remains useful when formality and professionalism matter.
Synonyms & Alternatives by Tone
Professional & Neutral Alternatives
- We are pleased to announce
- We are happy to inform you
- We are glad to let you know
- We would like to inform you
- We are delighted to announce
- We are writing to let you know
- We are happy to announce
- We are pleased to announce that
- We would like to share the news that
- We are writing to share
- We are pleased to let you know
Polite & Supportive Alternatives
- We are happy to let you know
- We are glad to share
- We wanted to let you know
- We are pleased to share
- We are grateful to let you know
- We are glad to announce
- We are happy to share the news
Encouraging & Reassuring Alternatives
- We are pleased to share the good news
- We are happy to confirm
- We are glad to confirm
- We are pleased to confirm
- We are excited to share
- We are happy to share this update
- We are glad to share this with you
Casual, Playful & Idiomatic Alternatives
- Good news!
- We’re happy to share
- We’re excited to tell you
- We wanted to share some good news
- Here’s some good news
- We’re glad to say
- We’re happy to say
When Should You Use “We Are Pleased to Inform You”?
“We are pleased to inform you” works best when the information is important, positive, and formal enough to justify a respectful introductory phrase.
Professional settings
The phrase is appropriate for:
- Job offers
- Promotion announcements
- University admissions
- Scholarship decisions
- Customer notifications
- Business announcements
- Contract-related updates
- Successful application notices
- Service announcements
- Formal organizational communication
For example:
We are pleased to inform you that your application has been approved.
This sounds appropriate because the announcement is significant and positive.
Casual conversations
The phrase is usually unnecessary in casual conversations. Saying:
We are pleased to inform you that dinner is ready.
would sound intentionally formal or humorous among friends.
A natural alternative would be:
Dinner’s ready!
Writing, presentations, and digital communication
It can work in:
- Formal emails
- Official letters
- Corporate announcements
- Institutional notices
- Award announcements
- Formal presentations
- Customer-service correspondence
However, modern workplace communication often benefits from a more direct opening.
Instead of:
We are pleased to inform you that the meeting has been moved to Thursday.
a team message might simply say:
The meeting has been moved to Thursday.
When it is especially effective
Use the phrase when you want to communicate three things simultaneously:
importance + courtesy + positive information
It is particularly useful when the sender represents an organization rather than communicating purely as an individual.
When Should You Avoid “We Are Pleased to Inform You”?
Although grammatically correct, the phrase is not ideal for every situation.
Overly formal situations
Sometimes the phrase is actually too formal for the relationship.
A colleague you work with every day may find:
We are pleased to inform you that the report is ready.
less natural than:
The report is ready.
Legal, academic, or sensitive contexts
In legal or highly sensitive communication, emotional wording can sometimes distract from the actual information.
For example, when communicating a contractual decision, a direct statement may be clearer:
Your agreement will terminate on October 31.
rather than:
We are pleased to inform you that your agreement will terminate on October 31.
The second sentence creates a positive emotional frame around information that may not be positive for the recipient.
Situations where nuance may be lost
Avoid it when the news is neutral, complicated, disappointing, or emotionally sensitive unless the positive wording genuinely reflects the sender’s intention.
“Pleased” signals positive sentiment. If the underlying announcement does not contain good news, the phrase can sound insensitive or formulaic.
Is “We Are Pleased to Inform You” Professional, Polite, or Casual?
It is professional and polite, but generally formal rather than casual.
The expression creates distance between the sender and recipient while maintaining courtesy. This can be useful when writing to customers, applicants, clients, students, candidates, or people outside your immediate team.
Its emotional subtext is also important. “Pleased” communicates positive feeling without sounding highly enthusiastic. Compare:
- We are pleased to inform you — formal and restrained
- We are happy to let you know — warm and approachable
- We are delighted to announce — highly positive and celebratory
- We’re excited to share — energetic and modern
- Good news! — informal and direct
The best choice depends on how much emotional energy the announcement deserves.
Pros and Cons of Using “We Are Pleased to Inform You”
Advantages
Clarity: The reader immediately understands that an announcement or important update follows.
Efficiency: It provides a conventional introduction without requiring a complicated explanation.
Accessibility: The phrase is widely understood by native and non-native English speakers.
Professionalism: It establishes a formal register suitable for official communication.
Positive framing: The word “pleased” prepares the reader for favorable information.
Potential Drawbacks
Oversimplification: The phrase can imply that information is positive even when the underlying situation is more complicated.
Tone mismatch: It may sound excessively formal in a casual workplace or personal conversation.
Repetition: Organizations that use the expression in every notification can make their communication feel automated.
Emotional distance: The institutional “we” can make an announcement feel less personal.
Formulaic language: Readers may recognize it as standard corporate wording rather than genuine enthusiasm.
Real-Life Examples of “We Are Pleased to Inform You” by Context
Emails
We are pleased to inform you that your application for the summer internship has been successful. Our recruitment team will contact you shortly with the next steps.
Meetings
We are pleased to inform the team that the client has approved the revised project timeline.
Presentations
We are pleased to inform you that our organization has reached its annual fundraising target.
Conversations
In ordinary conversation, the phrase is usually deliberately formal:
“I am pleased to inform you that your coffee has arrived.”
This could be humorous because everyday speech normally uses much simpler language.
Social media
A company may use it in a formal announcement:
We are pleased to inform our customers that online ordering is now available in three additional locations.
For social media, however, “We’re excited to share” or “Good news!” often sounds more natural.
“We Are Pleased to Inform You” vs Similar Expressions (Key Differences)
| Phrase | Meaning Difference | Tone Difference | Best Use Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| We are happy to inform you | Communicates satisfaction about sharing the information | Warm but still professional | Customer and workplace emails |
| We are delighted to announce | Expresses stronger enthusiasm | Formal and celebratory | Awards, major achievements, promotions |
| We would like to inform you | Announces information without necessarily saying it is positive | Neutral and formal | Notices, updates, procedures |
| We are pleased to announce | Similar meaning but emphasizes an announcement | Formal and polished | Corporate or institutional announcements |
| We’re excited to share | Shows stronger personal enthusiasm | Modern, friendly, energetic | Marketing, product news, team updates |
| Good news! | Immediately identifies the information as positive | Casual and direct | Social media, chats, informal emails |
The key distinction is that “pleased” combines positive sentiment with formal distance. Expressions such as “happy” are warmer, while “delighted” is more enthusiastic. “Would like to inform you” removes much of the emotional meaning and becomes more neutral.
Common Mistakes & Misuse of “We Are Pleased to Inform You”
Overuse
Repeating the phrase in every email can make communication sound mechanical.
If every company update begins with “We are pleased to inform you,” readers may stop noticing the positive framing.
Incorrect context
Do not automatically use the phrase for bad news.
For example:
We are pleased to inform you that your application has been rejected.
The combination is contradictory because “pleased” suggests positive emotion while “rejected” communicates an unfavorable outcome.
A better version would be:
We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.
Contradictory usage
Be careful with words that conflict with the emotional meaning of pleased.
The same issue can arise with:
- complaints
- cancellations
- disciplinary actions
- disappointing decisions
- service failures
- serious problems
Cultural misunderstandings
Formal English can sometimes sound more distant to readers who are accustomed to direct communication. ESL learners may also assume that a longer sentence automatically sounds more professional.
It does not.
Professional communication is usually about appropriate tone and clarity, not maximum formality.
Psychological Reason People Prefer “We Are Pleased to Inform You”
The phrase remains useful partly because it packages several communication functions into a short expression.
Cognitive load reduction
Readers recognize the structure immediately. Once they see:
We are pleased to inform you that…
they know an announcement is coming.
This predictable structure reduces the effort needed to interpret the opening.
Trust and authority signals
Formal institutional language can signal that information comes from an organization or authorized source. This is particularly relevant in admissions, employment, banking, customer service, and corporate communication.
However, formal wording alone does not create trust. Accuracy, transparency, and useful information matter more than ceremonial language.
Attention economy
People scan emails. A recognizable opening can establish the purpose of a message before the reader reaches the details.
Modern communication habits
Digital communication has shifted many professional messages toward shorter, more direct language. As a result, writers increasingly replace traditional formulas with conversational alternatives.
The phrase has not disappeared; rather, its best use has become more context-dependent.
US vs UK Usage of “We Are Pleased to Inform You”
There is no major meaning difference between American and British English for this expression. Speakers in both varieties understand it as a formal way to introduce information, particularly positive or significant news. Oxford lists the construction as an ordinary example of pleased-to usage.
The difference is more about communication style and context than grammar.
In both the US and UK, you can encounter the phrase in:
- institutional letters
- business correspondence
- formal announcements
- recruitment communication
- academic communication
- customer notices
British English can sometimes favor traditionally formal constructions in institutional writing, while American workplace communication often favors a more direct conversational style. These are broad tendencies rather than strict rules.
For international communication, the phrase is generally safe because its meaning is transparent.
“We Are Pleased to Inform You” in Digital & Modern Communication
Emails
The expression still works well in formal emails, particularly when the recipient is external to the organization.
For internal teams, shorter alternatives may sound more natural.
Slack / WhatsApp
The full phrase can feel unnecessarily formal:
We are pleased to inform you that the deployment has been completed.
A natural Slack message would be:
Good news — the deployment is complete.
Social media
Social platforms usually reward immediacy and human connection. A company might therefore write:
We’re excited to share that our new location is now open!
rather than:
We are pleased to inform you that our new location is now open.
AI-generated summaries
AI-generated business messages frequently reproduce formal templates because they are grammatically safe and broadly applicable. That can result in repetitive wording.
For human-edited communication, replacing formulaic language with a precise, audience-appropriate sentence can make the message feel more authentic.
Linguistic & Communication Insight
Emotional weight & subtext
Literally, “we are pleased” means that the sender is happy or satisfied. Pragmatically, however, readers often interpret it less strongly.
In many formal documents, pleased functions as a conventional marker of positive framing rather than a detailed expression of emotion.
That is why:
We are pleased to inform you that your application was successful.
sounds professional rather than emotionally intimate.
Direct vs indirect phrasing
The expression is indirect because it does not immediately state the news.
Compare:
We are pleased to inform you that your proposal has been approved.
with:
Your proposal has been approved.
The first creates a formal introduction and positive frame. The second prioritizes speed and clarity.
Neither is inherently better. The choice depends on what the recipient needs.
Professional communication perspective
In workplace communication, the phrase can be helpful when the message carries institutional weight.
It works especially well when an organization needs to communicate a decision respectfully without sounding overly enthusiastic.
In a close team, however, the same sentence may create unnecessary distance.
Pragmatic reasons for alternatives
Experienced communicators often choose alternatives to achieve a specific effect.
“We are happy to let you know” can reduce distance.
“We are excited to share” can increase energy.
“We would like to inform you” can remove emotional assumptions.
“Good news!” can make the message immediately accessible.
The important question is not simply, “What is another synonym?” It is:
“What should the reader feel and understand after reading this sentence?”
Social signaling
Language tells readers how to interpret a relationship.
Formal phrasing can signal:
- institutional authority
- respect
- seriousness
- professional distance
Conversational phrasing can signal:
- friendliness
- openness
- accessibility
- collaboration
This is why changing only a few words can significantly alter how an announcement feels.
Tone & context guidance
Use “we are pleased to inform you” when the announcement is significant, positive, and formal.
Choose a different expression when you need:
- greater warmth
- more energy
- greater neutrality
- faster communication
- a more personal voice
A useful rule is simple:
Match the emotional intensity of the wording to the actual importance and emotional character of the news.
Meaning, Usage & Examples for Each Alternative
We Are Happy to Inform You
Meaning: This means the sender is glad to provide the recipient with particular information. It communicates essentially the same basic message as “we are pleased to inform you,” but happy usually sounds more natural and approachable.
Why This Phrase Works: “Happy” is a familiar everyday word, so the sentence retains professionalism without sounding excessively ceremonial.
Real-World Usage Insight: This works especially well when a company wants to sound professional while maintaining a friendly relationship with customers or clients.
Best Use: Customer emails, workplace announcements, application updates, and service notifications.
Avoid When: The news is negative or emotionally sensitive.
Tone: Warm, professional, approachable.
US vs UK Usage: Natural in both varieties of English. It can sound slightly more conversational than “pleased.”
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are happy to inform you that your account upgrade has been approved. You can start using the new features immediately.
We Are Glad to Let You Know
Meaning: This means the sender is happy to share particular information with the recipient.
Why This Phrase Works: “Glad” feels personal and straightforward while still being suitable for many professional messages.
Real-World Usage Insight: It is particularly useful when the writer wants to sound like a person rather than an institution.
Best Use: Client communication, team updates, customer messages, and supportive announcements.
Avoid When: Writing highly formal legal or regulatory notices.
Tone: Warm, friendly, professional.
US vs UK Usage: Common and natural in both American and British English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We’re glad to let you know that your replacement order has shipped and should arrive by Friday.
We Are Pleased to Announce
Meaning: This phrase introduces a formal announcement and indicates that the organization views the news positively.
Why This Phrase Works: It is concise and particularly suitable when an organization is making a public or institutional announcement.
Real-World Usage Insight: It often sounds more natural than “inform you” when the information represents something the organization wants to publicly announce.
Best Use: Company announcements, awards, launches, partnerships, and organizational news.
Avoid When: Sending a minor one-to-one update.
Tone: Formal, polished, positive.
US vs UK Usage: Widely understood and used in both varieties.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are pleased to announce that Maria Chen will join our leadership team as Chief Operating Officer next month.
We Are Delighted to Announce
Meaning: This expresses strong happiness while introducing important news.
Why This Phrase Works: “Delighted” carries more enthusiasm than “pleased,” making it appropriate when the news is genuinely celebratory.
Real-World Usage Insight: The phrase works particularly well when the organization wants readers to recognize that an announcement is a milestone rather than an ordinary update.
Best Use: Awards, major partnerships, promotions, achievements, and celebrations.
Avoid When: The announcement is routine or neutral.
Tone: Formal, enthusiastic, celebratory.
US vs UK Usage: Natural in both. British formal writing may make especially frequent use of “delighted” in announcements, but it is not exclusively British.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are delighted to announce that our research team has received the 2026 Innovation Award.
We Would Like to Inform You
Meaning: This is a formal way to say that the sender wants to provide information.
Why This Phrase Works: Unlike “pleased,” it does not necessarily suggest that the information is good news.
Real-World Usage Insight: This is useful when the writer wants a neutral institutional tone.
Best Use: Notices, policy updates, administrative communication, and formal correspondence.
Avoid When: You want a warm, celebratory tone.
Tone: Neutral, formal, professional.
US vs UK Usage: Standard in both varieties.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We would like to inform you that the office will close at 3 p.m. on Friday.
We Are Writing to Let You Know
Meaning: This directly explains the purpose of the message: the sender is writing to communicate information.
Why This Phrase Works: It is clear and less ceremonial than “we are pleased to inform you.”
Real-World Usage Insight: It sounds especially natural in email because it connects the wording directly to the communication channel.
Best Use: Customer emails, administrative messages, account updates, and service communication.
Avoid When: The announcement is highly ceremonial or celebratory.
Tone: Professional, direct, neutral.
US vs UK Usage: Natural in both American and British English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are writing to let you know that your appointment has been moved to Tuesday at 10 a.m.
We Are Happy to Announce
Meaning: This introduces positive news that the sender wants to announce formally.
Why This Phrase Works: It combines the positive feeling of “happy” with the public character of “announce.”
Real-World Usage Insight: It is a good middle ground between stiff corporate language and highly casual wording.
Best Use: Product launches, team announcements, company milestones, and community news.
Avoid When: Communicating routine administrative details.
Tone: Positive, professional, approachable.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are happy to announce that registration for the fall training program is now open.
We Are Pleased to Share
Meaning: This means the sender is happy to provide information, news, results, or an update.
Why This Phrase Works: “Share” creates a stronger sense of participation and openness than “inform.”
Real-World Usage Insight: It is particularly effective for organizations trying to sound collaborative rather than authoritative.
Best Use: Company news, reports, project updates, community announcements.
Avoid When: The message needs highly formal legal precision.
Tone: Professional, warm, collaborative.
US vs UK Usage: Natural across both varieties.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are pleased to share the results of this year’s employee engagement survey.
We Are Glad to Share
Meaning: This communicates that the sender is happy to share information with the recipient.
Why This Phrase Works: It combines positive emotion with a collaborative verb.
Real-World Usage Insight: The phrase can make formal communication feel more human without becoming casual.
Best Use: Team updates, customer communication, community announcements, and newsletters.
Avoid When: A strictly neutral notice is required.
Tone: Friendly, professional, supportive.
US vs UK Usage: Widely understood in both.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are glad to share that all shortlisted candidates will receive feedback this week.
We Are Excited to Share
Meaning: This communicates strong enthusiasm about information that the sender considers important or exciting.
Why This Phrase Works: It immediately adds energy and signals that the announcement is something the audience may care about.
Real-World Usage Insight: It is common in modern marketing and workplace communication because it sounds more conversational than traditional announcement formulas.
Best Use: Product launches, events, company milestones, creative projects, and social media.
Avoid When: Communicating serious, sensitive, or purely administrative information.
Tone: Energetic, modern, enthusiastic.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both, particularly in digital communication.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We’re excited to share that the new customer portal is now live.
We Are Happy to Share
Meaning: This means the sender is pleased to provide information to the recipient.
Why This Phrase Works: It sounds natural while retaining enough professionalism for workplace communication.
Real-World Usage Insight: This phrase is useful when “pleased” feels too formal but “excited” feels too enthusiastic.
Best Use: Internal updates, client communication, newsletters, and announcements.
Avoid When: The message concerns an unfavorable outcome.
Tone: Warm, professional, conversational.
US vs UK Usage: Natural in both American and British English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are happy to share the updated project schedule with everyone.
We Are Pleased to Let You Know
Meaning: This is a slightly more conversational version of “we are pleased to inform you.”
Why This Phrase Works: “Let you know” sounds more natural in everyday professional English than the more formal verb “inform.”
Real-World Usage Insight: It is a useful choice when you want to maintain courtesy without sounding overly institutional.
Best Use: Customer service, workplace emails, appointment updates, and application decisions.
Avoid When: Writing highly ceremonial documents.
Tone: Polite, warm, professional.
US vs UK Usage: Common and natural in both varieties.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are pleased to let you know that your refund has been processed.
We Would Like to Share
Meaning: This introduces information the sender wants to communicate with the recipient.
Why This Phrase Works: It focuses on communication rather than emotional reaction, making it flexible across many contexts.
Real-World Usage Insight: “Share” can sound more collaborative than “inform,” particularly when communicating results or ideas.
Best Use: Reports, presentations, team communication, and organizational updates.
Avoid When: You need to make the announcement extremely direct.
Tone: Professional, collaborative, neutral.
US vs UK Usage: Standard in both.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We would like to share the revised timeline before tomorrow’s planning meeting.
We Are Happy to Confirm
Meaning: This means the sender is pleased to verify that something is true, approved, completed, or available.
Why This Phrase Works: “Confirm” provides a specific communicative purpose and is often clearer than a general announcement phrase.
Real-World Usage Insight: This is especially effective when the recipient has been waiting for a decision or verification.
Best Use: Reservations, applications, approvals, bookings, employment decisions, and service requests.
Avoid When: There is nothing previously discussed or expected to be confirmed.
Tone: Professional, reassuring, positive.
US vs UK Usage: Natural in both.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are happy to confirm that your interview has been scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m.
We Are Pleased to Confirm
Meaning: This means the sender is formally confirming information while signaling that the confirmation is positive or welcome.
Why This Phrase Works: It combines courtesy with precision.
Real-World Usage Insight: The phrase is particularly effective when the recipient has already submitted a request, application, booking, or proposal.
Best Use: Formal confirmations, contracts, appointments, applications, and business arrangements.
Avoid When: The information is simply new rather than previously expected.
Tone: Formal, reassuring, professional.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both varieties.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are pleased to confirm your attendance at the annual conference.
Good News!
Meaning: This immediately tells the recipient that the following information is positive.
Why This Phrase Works: It eliminates unnecessary ceremony and puts the important emotional signal first.
Real-World Usage Insight: This is often much more natural in modern digital communication than a formal introductory sentence.
Best Use: Slack, WhatsApp, social media, internal team messages, and casual emails.
Avoid When: Writing formal legal, regulatory, or highly official correspondence.
Tone: Casual, enthusiastic, direct.
US vs UK Usage: Very natural in both American and British English.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
Good news! The client approved the revised design, so we can move into development tomorrow.
We’re Glad to Say
Meaning: This introduces a positive statement while showing that the sender is pleased about it.
Why This Phrase Works: It is concise and conversational without being excessively casual.
Real-World Usage Insight: It can work well when a message needs a human voice rather than a formal institutional tone.
Best Use: Team updates, customer communication, newsletters, and informal announcements.
Avoid When: The communication needs strict neutrality.
Tone: Friendly, positive, conversational.
US vs UK Usage: Natural in both.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We’re glad to say that the issue has now been resolved.
We Wanted to Let You Know
Meaning: This simply means the sender wanted to make sure the recipient received particular information.
Why This Phrase Works: It sounds personal and conversational while remaining appropriate for professional messages.
Real-World Usage Insight: It is especially useful when the purpose is to keep someone informed rather than make a grand announcement.
Best Use: Customer service, team communication, scheduling, and everyday workplace emails.
Avoid When: A formal announcement requires institutional authority.
Tone: Friendly, natural, conversational.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We wanted to let you know that the repair team will arrive between 9 and 11 tomorrow morning.
We Are Delighted to Share
Meaning: This expresses strong pleasure while introducing information that the sender wants others to know.
Why This Phrase Works: It combines the celebratory feeling of “delighted” with the collaborative quality of “share.”
Real-World Usage Insight: It works well for meaningful achievements where a simple “pleased” does not fully communicate the importance of the announcement.
Best Use: Awards, major milestones, partnerships, fundraising achievements, and organizational celebrations.
Avoid When: The update is routine.
Tone: Formal, enthusiastic, celebratory.
US vs UK Usage: Natural in both varieties.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We are delighted to share that our community project has received full funding for the coming year.
We Are Excited to Announce
Meaning: This communicates strong enthusiasm about an announcement.
Why This Phrase Works: It gives formal announcements a more modern and energetic voice.
Real-World Usage Insight: It is particularly common when companies want to create momentum around a new product, event, partnership, or major development.
Best Use: Marketing, launches, events, technology, creative projects, and social media.
Avoid When: The subject is sensitive, disappointing, or highly procedural.
Tone: Energetic, modern, enthusiastic.
US vs UK Usage: Common in both, especially in digital and marketing communication.
Example (Email / Message / Meeting):
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new customer dashboard next week.
Comparison Table of 10 Best Alternatives
The best alternative depends on formality, emotional intensity, relationship, and communication channel. The table below highlights ten useful choices without assuming that one expression works for every situation.
| Phrase | Meaning | Best Use | Worst Use | Tone | US vs UK Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| We Are Happy to Inform You | Gladly provides important information | Professional emails | Sensitive negative news | Warm, professional | Common in both |
| We Are Glad to Let You Know | Friendly way to share good news | Customer communication | Legal notices | Friendly, professional | Common in both |
| We Are Pleased to Announce | Formal announcement of positive news | Company announcements | Minor updates | Formal, polished | Common in both |
| We Are Delighted to Announce | Strongly positive announcement | Awards and major achievements | Routine notices | Celebratory, formal | Common in both |
| We Would Like to Inform You | Neutral formal notification | Administrative messages | Casual chats | Neutral, formal | Common in both |
| We Are Writing to Let You Know | Directly explains the purpose of an email | Customer and workplace emails | Ceremonial announcements | Clear, professional | Common in both |
| We Are Happy to Share | Warmly communicates information | Team and client updates | Strictly legal documents | Warm, collaborative | Common in both |
| We Are Excited to Share | Expresses enthusiasm about news | Product and company updates | Sensitive situations | Modern, energetic | Common in both |
| We Are Pleased to Confirm | Formally verifies information | Bookings, applications, approvals | Brand-new information | Formal, reassuring | Common in both |
| Good News! | Immediately signals positive information | Chats and social media | Official correspondence | Casual, enthusiastic | Common in both |
Conclusion
“We are pleased to inform you” introduces important or positive information professionally and politely. It works particularly well in formal emails, business correspondence, academic communication, application decisions, customer notices, and organizational announcements. However, its formal tone may feel somewhat distant or repetitive in casual conversations and modern digital communication.
The best alternative depends on the message, audience, and desired tone. “We are happy to let you know” sounds warmer, while “we would like to inform you” is more neutral. For celebratory announcements, “we are delighted to announce” adds enthusiasm, while “we’re excited to share” creates a more modern and energetic tone.
Understanding these subtle differences helps you communicate more naturally and effectively. Rather than choosing an alternative simply because it is a synonym, consider what you want the reader to understand and feel. When your wording matches the context, your communication becomes clearer, more professional, and easier to engage with.
FAQs
What Do We Mean When We Say “We Are Pleased to Inform You”?
“We are pleased to inform you” means “we are happy or glad to tell you something.” It is a formal expression typically used before important or positive information. You may see it in business emails, job offers, university letters, customer notifications, official announcements, and other professional communication where courtesy and formality are appropriate.
Does “We Are Pleased to Inform You” Sound Professional?
Yes, “we are pleased to inform you” is professional, polite, and formal. It is appropriate for business correspondence, institutional notices, employment communication, application decisions, and customer messages. However, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations or quick workplace chats, where alternatives such as “We’re happy to let you know” can sound more natural.
Does “We Are Pleased to Inform You” Sound Too Formal?
It can be too formal in certain situations, although the phrase itself is not incorrect. It may sound stiff when communicating with close colleagues, friends, or customers through casual digital channels. For everyday workplace communication, “We wanted to let you know” or “We’re happy to share” often provides a friendlier and more conversational tone.
What Can You Say Instead of “We Are Pleased to Inform You”?
Common alternatives include “We are happy to inform you,” “We are glad to let you know,” “We are pleased to announce,” “We would like to inform you,” and “We are happy to share.” Choose the option that best matches your intended tone. Some alternatives sound more formal, while others emphasize warmth, enthusiasm, neutrality, or collaboration.
Can You Use “We Are Pleased to Inform You” in an Email?
Yes. The phrase is especially suitable for formal professional emails containing important or positive information. For example, an employer might write, “We are pleased to inform you that your application has been successful.” For internal emails or casual workplace messages, a shorter phrase may sound more direct and natural.
Does “We Are Pleased to Inform You” Introduce Good News?
Usually, yes. The word “pleased” signals that the sender views the information positively, so readers generally expect favorable news. Using it before negative information can create an inappropriate contrast. If the news is disappointing, neutral wording or an expression such as “We regret to inform you” may be more suitable.
What is the difference between “pleased” and “happy” in this expression?
Both words communicate positive feelings, but “pleased” generally has a more formal and restrained tone, while “happy” sounds more conversational. “We are pleased to inform you” is common in official correspondence, whereas “We are happy to let you know” feels warmer and more personal while still being professional.
What Is a Simpler Way to Say “We Are Pleased to Inform You”?
A simple alternative is “We’re happy to let you know.” Other natural choices include “We wanted to let you know,” “We’re glad to share,” and “Good news!” The best option depends on the context. Formal announcements may require a more polished expression, while emails, chats, and internal updates often benefit from simpler language.
Can You Use “We Are Pleased to Inform You That” to Introduce Good News?
Yes. “We are pleased to inform you that” is a standard construction for introducing positive or welcome information. For example: “We are pleased to inform you that your application has been approved.” The phrase establishes a formal tone before presenting the specific announcement, making it common in employment, academic, business, and institutional communication.
Is “We Are Pleased to Inform You” Used in American and British English?
Yes. The expression is understood and used in both American and British English. There is no significant difference in its basic meaning. Differences are more likely to involve communication style and formality preferences. Both varieties use the phrase in professional, institutional, and formal correspondence rather than in ordinary casual conversation.
