What is notify? Pronunciation and usage in English

notify means . Learn how to pronounce and use notify through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of notify

notifyverb

/ˈnəʊtɪfʌɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of notify

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "notify." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈnoʊtɪfaɪ/ (rhymes with "note-ify")

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈnoʊ: This part sounds like "no" – as in, "no way!" It's a short, open vowel sound.
  • tɪ: This is a very quick, light "tee" sound, almost like "ti." It’s a closed vowel.
  • faɪ: This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "fī" – like "fee" but with a slightly longer 'i' sound. It's a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds).

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't stress the "t": The "t" is very soft and almost silent. It's a subtle sound.
  • Focus on the "fī" sound: Practice saying "fī" slowly and distinctly. This is key to getting the pronunciation right.

Resources for hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word notify in English

Let's break down how to use the word "notify" in English. It's a useful word that’s often confused with "inform." Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Core Meaning:

  • To officially tell someone about something. "Notify" implies a more formal or deliberate act of communication than simply "telling" someone. It’s about providing official information.

2. How to Use It – Different Forms & Contexts:

  • Notify + Object (Most Common): This is the most frequently used form. You notify someone of something.

    • Example: "I need to notify the customer about the shipment delay." (You are formally telling the customer.)
    • Example: "The school will notify parents of any changes to the schedule." (The school is officially informing the parents.)
    • Example: "Please notify me immediately if you have any questions." (You’re asking for a formal, direct report of any questions.)

  • Notify + of + [Noun]: This is a very common and clear structure.

    • Example: "The system will notify you of your booking confirmation."
    • Example: "HR will notify employees of the new policy."

  • Notify + someone + that + [Clause]: This is a more detailed way to express it, used when the information being conveyed is complex.

    • Example: "I will notify them that the meeting has been rescheduled."

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings, but nuances):

  • Inform: This is often a good substitute, but "inform" can feel a little less formal. (e.g., “I’ll inform you of the results.”)
  • Alert: This suggests a warning or urgent notification. (e.g., “Alert the authorities immediately.”)
  • Advise: This implies giving advice along with the information. (e.g., "Advise all staff of the new procedure.")
  • Notify: (itself) – It's often the best choice when a formal, official communication is required.

4. Common Phrases & Uses:

  • Notify stakeholders: To inform parties who have an interest in a project or situation. (e.g., "We need to notify all stakeholders about the proposed changes.")
  • Notification: (noun) - The act of notifying or the message itself. (e.g., “I received a notification that my order has shipped.”)
  • Notification system: A computer system that sends out alerts or updates. (e.g., “The app sends push notifications to your phone.”)

5. Key Differences Between "Notify" and "Inform":

Feature Notify Inform
Formality More formal, official Less formal
Implication A deliberate, official act Simply conveying information
Context Official announcements, policies Casual conversation

Examples to illustrate the difference:

  • Notify: "The company will notify shareholders of its quarterly earnings." (Formal, official)
  • Inform: “I’ll inform you about the meeting time.” (More casual)

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "notify" in? (e.g., business writing, email, casual conversation, technical documentation?)

Synonyms for the word notify

Practice with vocabulary notify

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Please ______ the IT department immediately if you encounter any technical issues with your workstation.
  2. Before traveling abroad, it's advisable to ______ your bank about your itinerary to prevent your card from being blocked.
  3. The project manager decided to ______ the upcoming team meeting until Friday due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts.
  4. The admissions office will ______ all successful scholarship applicants by the end of next month.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. It is a requirement to ______ your supervisor of any significant delays in your project deliverables. A) advise B) announce C) declare D) notify E) report

  2. The company must ______ all shareholders of the annual general meeting at least two weeks in advance, as per regulations. A) apprise B) inform C) intimate D) notify E) acknowledge

  3. If there's an emergency, you should immediately ______ the building management and follow evacuation procedures. A) alert B) warn C) notify D) declare E) inform

  4. The research committee will ______ its final findings on the climate change study next quarter. A) declare B) announce C) publish D) state E) communicate

  5. Please ______ me with the updated details of your travel itinerary once it's confirmed. A) provide B) furnish C) present D) give E) offer

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is essential that you let the human resources department know about any changes to your contact information. (Rewrite using a form of "notify")

  2. The management sent out an announcement regarding the new remote work policy last Friday. (Rewrite using a form of "notify")

  3. We need to make sure everyone understands the new safety protocols before they start working on the factory floor. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "notify")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Please notify the IT department immediately if you encounter any technical issues with your workstation.
  2. Before traveling abroad, it's advisable to inform your bank about your itinerary to prevent your card from being blocked.
  3. The project manager decided to postpone the upcoming team meeting until Friday due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts.
  4. The admissions office will notify all successful scholarship applicants by the end of next month.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) advise, D) notify, E) report
  2. A) apprise, B) inform, D) notify
  3. A) alert, C) notify, E) inform
  4. B) announce, C) publish, E) communicate
  5. A) provide, B) furnish, D) give

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. You must notify the human resources department of any changes to your contact information.
  2. A notification regarding the new remote work policy was issued by the management last Friday.
  3. We need to inform everyone about the new safety protocols before they start working on the factory floor.

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