Which is More Correct to Say: 'Kindly Inform Us' or 'Kindly Let Me Know'?

When it comes to making polite requests in English, precision and clarity are paramount. The phrases 'kindly inform us' and 'kindly let me know' both serve different purposes and contexts. Understanding the nuances between them is crucial for effective professional communication. This article explores the correct usage of these phrases, their contexts, and how to choose the most appropriate one based on your communication needs.

The Role of 'Kindly'

The word 'kindly' is used when you are politely asking someone to do something for you. It indicates respect and courtesy. However, if you refer to yourself as the actor performing the action, you need to invert the word order to make it grammatically correct.

Correct Usage Examples

Kindly Inform Us: Use this phrase when you are requesting someone to provide you with information. This is a polite way to state that you deserve to be kept informed.

Examples:

1. When you have made a decision, kindly let us know.

2. Kindly inform us of any changes to the plan.

Kindly Let Me Know: Use this phrase when you are asking someone to provide you with information. It is an indirect request, reflecting that the listener will inform you, not you performing the action.

Examples:

1. Kindly let me know if there are any updates on the project.

2. If you have any questions, kindly let me know.

When to Use 'Kindly Keep Us Informed'

When you want the person to keep you up-to-date regularly, use 'kindly keep us informed.' This is suitable for ongoing situations where you need regular updates.

Examples:

1. Kindly keep us informed of any changes to the schedule.

2. You can kindly keep me updated on the progress of the project.

Comparing the Two Phrases

The phrases 'kindly inform us' and 'kindly let me know' both convey the idea of receiving information. However, they are structured differently and used in different contexts.

Where they don't match up:

1. Kindly Let Us Inform You: This phrase is awkward and doesn't match the intended meaning. It sounds as though you are telling someone to perform an action for you.

2. Kindly Inform You: This phrase is even more incorrect because it lacks the object of the sentence and does not convey the intended courtesy.

Conclusion:

The choice between 'kindly inform us' and 'kindly let me know' depends on the context and the intended recipient of the information. If you want to request information directly from someone, 'kindly let me know' is the appropriate choice. If you want to be kept informed about ongoing developments, use 'kindly keep us informed.' Both phrases are correct, but their usage should align with the nature of the relationship and the specific communication needs.

Key Takeaways:

Kindly Inform Us: Use when you are the recipient of the information and want to be kept aware. Kindly Let Me Know: Use when you are asking someone else to provide you with information. Kindly Keep Us Informed: Use when you want regular updates on a particular topic or situation.

By understanding and using these phrases correctly, you can ensure clear and effective communication in both personal and professional settings.