We are pleased to inform you is a formal phrase often used to share good news, an important update, an approval, or an official decision. It sounds polite and professional, but it can also feel a little traditional or formal in modern communication. Learning other ways to say we are pleased to inform you gives you more choices when writing emails, letters, notices, and business messages.
The words you choose can change the feeling of your message. A formal phrase may suit an official letter, while a warm phrase may work better with a customer or colleague. For example, We are pleased to inform you that your application has been approved sounds formal. We are happy to let you know that your application has been approved sounds warmer and more natural.
Using varied expressions can make your English clearer, smoother, and more engaging.
What Does We Are Pleased to Inform You Mean?
We are pleased to inform you means we are happy to tell you something important.
It is commonly used before good news or a positive announcement. The phrase often introduces information about an approval, selection, appointment, acceptance, achievement, offer, or successful result.
For example:
- We are pleased to inform you that your application was successful.
- We are pleased to inform you of your selection for the program.
The phrase contains several parts. Pleased is an adjective that describes a positive feeling. Inform is a formal verb meaning to give someone information. The structure to inform you is an infinitive phrase.
The phrase is similar to:
- We are happy to let you know
- We are delighted to tell you
- We are glad to announce
- We would like to inform you
- We are happy to announce
The main difference is tone. We are pleased to inform you is formal, while we are happy to let you know is more natural and friendly.
When to Use We Are Pleased to Inform You
Spoken English
The phrase can be used in speech, but it sounds quite formal. It may be suitable for an official announcement, ceremony, presentation, or formal meeting.
In everyday conversation, people normally use simpler expressions such as I’m happy to tell you or I’m glad to let you know.
Business English
This phrase is common in business communication. It can introduce positive information about a contract, application, promotion, order, appointment, or company decision.
For example:
We are pleased to inform you that your proposal has been accepted.
It gives the message a formal and professional tone.
Emails and Messages
The expression works well in formal emails, especially when communicating with customers, applicants, clients, or business partners.
For example:
We are pleased to inform you that your membership has been approved.
For internal emails between close colleagues, a warmer expression may sound more natural.
Social Media
This phrase is usually too formal for most social media posts. Companies sometimes use it in official announcements, but casual audiences often respond better to simpler wording.
Instead of We are pleased to inform you, a company might say We’re excited to announce or We’re happy to share.
Academic Writing
The phrase can appear in university notices, admission letters, scholarship announcements, and official academic communication.
For example:
We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected for the scholarship program.
It is less common in ordinary academic essays because essays usually focus on facts and arguments rather than personal announcements.
Professional Meetings
In formal meetings, the phrase can introduce important news.
For example:
We are pleased to inform you that the board has approved the proposal.
However, in a normal team meeting, I’m happy to share that… may sound more natural.
Is We Are Pleased to Inform You Polite or Professional?
We are pleased to inform you is strongly polite and professional.
It is especially useful when an organization communicates positive information to another person.
Polite
The phrase sounds respectful and courteous.
We are pleased to inform you that your request has been approved.
Neutral
A simpler alternative can communicate the same information without a strong formal tone.
We are happy to let you know that your request has been approved.
Strong
For an important announcement, you can use:
We are delighted to announce that…
This adds more excitement.
Soft
For a warm and gentle tone:
We’re happy to share that…
Formal vs Informal
Formal: We are pleased to inform you that your application has been successful.
Informal: We’re happy to let you know that you got the position.
Better for workplace: Use we are pleased to inform you for formal announcements, official letters, and external communication.
Avoid in casual messages: It may sound overly official when speaking with friends or close colleagues.
Pros & Cons of Using We Are Pleased to Inform You
✔ Pros
- Sounds professional
- Shows politeness
- Works well in official communication
- Suitable for formal business emails
- Clearly introduces important information
- Common in letters and announcements
- Works well when sharing positive news
✘ Cons
- Can sound old-fashioned
- May feel stiff in casual communication
- Is longer than many modern alternatives
- Can sound impersonal
- May be unnecessary for simple messages
Quick Alternatives to We Are Pleased to Inform You
- We are happy to let you know
- We are delighted to announce
- We are glad to inform you
- We are happy to announce
- We are pleased to announce
- We would like to inform you
- We’re happy to share
- We’re excited to announce
- We’re glad to let you know
- We’re pleased to announce
- We are delighted to let you know
- We are happy to share the news
- We’re pleased to share
- It is our pleasure to announce
- We are proud to announce
- We’re excited to share
- We’d like to share some good news
- We’re glad to share
- We have good news to share
- We’re happy to announce
We Are Happy to Let You Know
Phrase: We are happy to let you know
Meaning: We are pleased to give you some information.
Explanation: This is one of the most natural alternatives to we are pleased to inform you. It keeps the positive feeling but sounds less stiff. It works especially well in customer service and workplace emails.
Grammar Note: Adjective plus infinitive and verb phrase.
Example Sentence: We are happy to let you know that your order has been approved.
Best Use: Email, workplace, customer communication, professional messages.
Worst Use: Very formal legal documents where a more official style may be expected.
Tone: Friendly, polite, professional.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score (0–10): 10/10
Replaceability Tip: Choose this when you want the same meaning with a warmer modern tone.
We Are Delighted to Announce
Phrase: We are delighted to announce
Meaning: We are extremely happy to share important news.
Explanation: This phrase adds excitement and strong positive emotion. It is excellent for major achievements, new appointments, launches, awards, and celebrations.
Grammar Note: Formal announcement phrase.
Example Sentence: We are delighted to announce the opening of our new office.
Best Use: Business announcements, press releases, company news.
Worst Use: Bad news or routine information.
Tone: Formal, enthusiastic, positive.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score (0–10): 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Use it when the news is important and deserves an enthusiastic tone.
We Are Glad to Inform You
Phrase: We are glad to inform you
Meaning: We are happy to give you this information.
Explanation: This phrase stays close to the original. It sounds polite and positive, but it is slightly less formal.
Grammar Note: Adjective plus infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We are glad to inform you that your request has been approved.
Best Use: Emails, workplace communication, customer service.
Worst Use: Casual texts where a shorter expression would be easier.
Tone: Polite, professional, warm.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score (0–10): 10/10
Replaceability Tip: Use it when you want to keep a professional tone but avoid the traditional feel of pleased.
We Are Happy to Announce
Phrase: We are happy to announce
Meaning: We are pleased to share important news.
Explanation: This is common in modern business communication. It sounds positive without being overly formal.
Grammar Note: Adjective plus infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We are happy to announce that the new program will begin next month.
Best Use: Business, social media, company news, emails.
Worst Use: Serious or negative announcements.
Tone: Friendly, professional, positive.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score (0–10): 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Choose this for a modern business voice.
We Would Like to Inform You
Phrase: We would like to inform you
Meaning: We want to give you some information.
Explanation: This is highly useful when the message is important but not necessarily exciting. It does not strongly express happiness, so it works for neutral announcements too.
Grammar Note: Polite modal phrase.
Example Sentence: We would like to inform you of a change to our opening hours.
Best Use: Formal emails, notices, customer communication.
Worst Use: Very casual communication.
Tone: Formal, neutral, professional.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score (0–10): 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Use it when you need formality without emphasizing emotion.
We Are Pleased to Announce
Phrase: We are pleased to announce
Meaning: We are happy to make an important announcement.
Explanation: This is very close to the original but often sounds more natural when introducing company news or a public announcement.
Grammar Note: Formal announcement phrase.
Example Sentence: We are pleased to announce the launch of our new service.
Best Use: Business, official announcements, newsletters.
Worst Use: Simple personal messages.
Tone: Formal, professional, positive.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score (0–10): 10/10
Replaceability Tip: Use announce when the information is intended for a wider audience.
We’re Happy to Share
Phrase: We’re happy to share
Meaning: We are pleased to give you some news or information.
Explanation: This is warmer and more conversational than the original. It is a strong choice for modern companies that want to sound approachable.
Grammar Note: Informal contraction plus verb phrase.
Example Sentence: We’re happy to share some exciting news with you.
Best Use: Emails, newsletters, websites, social media.
Worst Use: Highly formal legal notices.
Tone: Warm, friendly, professional.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score (0–10): 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Use it when friendliness matters as much as professionalism.
We’re Excited to Announce
Phrase: We’re excited to announce
Meaning: We are very happy and enthusiastic about sharing news.
Explanation: This expression is more energetic than we are pleased to inform you. It works especially well for launches, events, partnerships, achievements, and new products.
Grammar Note: Adjective plus infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We’re excited to announce our new partnership.
Best Use: Marketing, social media, company announcements.
Worst Use: Routine administrative updates.
Tone: Enthusiastic, friendly, professional.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score (0–10): 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Use it when you want your announcement to feel lively and engaging.
We Are Delighted to Let You Know
Phrase: We are delighted to let you know
Meaning: We are very happy to give you this information.
Explanation: This phrase combines formal language with a personal and positive feeling. It works particularly well when communicating good news directly to an individual.
Grammar Note: Formal adjective plus infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We are delighted to let you know that you have been selected for the program.
Best Use: Formal emails, acceptance letters, awards, professional communication.
Worst Use: Routine negative or neutral updates.
Tone: Formal, warm, enthusiastic.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score (0–10): 10/10
Replaceability Tip: Choose this when you want the original meaning with a stronger feeling of happiness.
It Is Our Pleasure to Announce
Phrase: It is our pleasure to announce
Meaning: We are honored and happy to make an announcement.
Explanation: This is a highly formal expression. It is often used by organizations when announcing important events, appointments, achievements, or partnerships.
Grammar Note: Formal fixed expression.
Example Sentence: It is our pleasure to announce the appointment of our new director.
Best Use: Official announcements, ceremonies, formal business communication.
Worst Use: Casual emails and everyday conversation.
Tone: Very formal, respectful, ceremonial.
Level: Advanced.
Similarity Score (0–10): 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Use this when the announcement has an official or ceremonial character.
We Are Proud to Announce
Phrase: We are proud to announce
Meaning: We are happy and proud to share important news.
Explanation: This phrase adds a sense of achievement. It is useful when an organization has accomplished something significant.
Grammar Note: Adjective plus infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We are proud to announce that our team has won the award.
Best Use: Company achievements, awards, milestones, social media.
Worst Use: Routine administrative information.
Tone: Positive, confident, professional.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score (0–10): 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Choose it when pride or achievement is part of the message.
We’re Glad to Let You Know
Phrase: We’re glad to let you know
Meaning: We are happy to tell you something.
Explanation: This is a natural and friendly alternative. It works well when communicating directly with customers, applicants, students, or colleagues.
Grammar Note: Adjective plus infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We’re glad to let you know that your account is now active.
Best Use: Customer emails, workplace messages, support communication.
Worst Use: Very formal legal writing.
Tone: Friendly, polite, professional.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score (0–10): 10/10
Replaceability Tip: Use this for a warm but professional message.
We’re Pleased to Share
Phrase: We’re pleased to share
Meaning: We are happy to give you information or news.
Explanation: This phrase feels modern while retaining a professional tone. It works well for newsletters, business updates, and announcements.
Grammar Note: Adjective plus infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We’re pleased to share the results of this year’s program.
Best Use: Business emails, newsletters, websites.
Worst Use: Very casual conversations.
Tone: Professional, positive, polished.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score (0–10): 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Use it when inform you feels too formal but you still want a polished style.
We’re Excited to Share
Phrase: We’re excited to share
Meaning: We are enthusiastic about giving you some news.
Explanation: This expression creates a strong sense of energy. It is popular for marketing and public-facing communication.
Grammar Note: Adjective plus infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We’re excited to share our latest update with you.
Best Use: Social media, marketing, newsletters, business announcements.
Worst Use: Formal complaints or serious notices.
Tone: Enthusiastic, friendly, modern.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score (0–10): 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Choose it when you want your message to feel energetic.
We Have Good News to Share
Phrase: We have good news to share
Meaning: We have positive information for you.
Explanation: This is simple and direct. It clearly tells readers that something positive is coming.
Grammar Note: Common noun phrase.
Example Sentence: We have good news to share about your application.
Best Use: Emails, announcements, social media, workplace messages.
Worst Use: Formal legal documents.
Tone: Friendly, positive, clear.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score (0–10): 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Use this when clarity and warmth are more important than formality.
We’d Like to Share Some Good News
Phrase: We’d like to share some good news
Meaning: We want to tell you something positive.
Explanation: This phrase is natural and welcoming. It works well when you want to create interest before giving the details.
Grammar Note: Polite contraction plus infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We’d like to share some good news about your application.
Best Use: Emails, announcements, newsletters, workplace communication.
Worst Use: Highly formal legal notices.
Tone: Warm, polite, professional.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score (0–10): 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Choose this when you want a friendly opening before positive information.
Mini Dialogue Examples
Formal Dialogue
Director: We have completed the final review.
Manager: What was the result?
Director: We are pleased to inform you that the proposal has been approved.
Informal Dialogue
Friend: Did you hear back from the company?
Friend: Yes! I’m happy to let you know that I got the job!
Business Email Style
Subject: Application Update
Dear Ms. Taylor,
We are pleased to inform you that your application has been successful. We would like to invite you to the next stage of the process.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
The Recruitment Team
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the phrase in every message: It can make casual communication sound too formal.
- Confusing inform with announce: Inform usually means giving information to someone, while announce often means making information public.
- Using contractions in highly formal writing: We’re may be less suitable than we are in very formal letters.
- Using pleased for bad news: The phrase naturally suggests positive or welcome information.
- Making the sentence too long: Keep the announcement clear and direct.
- Using very formal language with close colleagues: A simple We’re happy to share may sound more natural.
- Ignoring the audience: Customers, executives, friends, and social media followers may all need different tones.
Cultural & Tone Tips
Native English speakers generally understand we are pleased to inform you as formal, polite, and somewhat official. It is often associated with letters, institutions, companies, schools, banks, and other organizations.
In UK English, the phrase can have a traditional and formal feel. It is common in official letters and professional notices.
In US English, modern business communication often favors simpler expressions such as we’re happy to let you know, we’re pleased to announce, or we’re excited to share. The original phrase is still understandable and professional.
In casual social English, shorter expressions are usually better. People may say we’re happy to share, we’re excited to announce, or simply great news.
The key is to match the phrase to the audience. Formal language can show respect, but too much formality can create distance. Modern professional English often aims for a balance between clear, polite, and human.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Professional Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| We are happy to let you know | Warm | Emails | High | We are happy to let you know that your application was accepted. |
| We are pleased to announce | Formal | Official news | Very high | We are pleased to announce the new partnership. |
| We would like to inform you | Neutral | Notices | Very high | We would like to inform you of a policy change. |
| We’re happy to share | Friendly | Business communication | High | We’re happy to share the latest results. |
| We’re excited to announce | Enthusiastic | Marketing | High | We’re excited to announce our new service. |
| We are delighted to let you know | Formal and warm | Acceptance news | Very high | We are delighted to let you know that you were selected. |
| It is our pleasure to announce | Very formal | Official events | Very high | It is our pleasure to announce the appointment. |
FAQs
Is We Are Pleased to Inform You Rude?
No. We are pleased to inform you is polite and professional. It may sound formal or traditional, but it is not normally rude.
Is We Are Pleased to Inform You Okay in Emails?
Yes. It is especially suitable for formal business emails, official notices, customer communication, and messages about applications or approvals.
What Is the Most Formal Alternative to We Are Pleased to Inform You?
It is our pleasure to announce is highly formal and ceremonial. We are pleased to announce is also a strong choice for official business communication.
What Is the Most Polite Alternative to We Are Pleased to Inform You?
We are happy to let you know is a polite and warm option. It sounds professional without feeling too stiff.
What Should Beginners Use Instead of We Are Pleased to Inform You?
Beginners can use we are happy to let you know or we are glad to let you know. Both are easy to understand and useful in many situations.
Is We Are Happy to Let You Know More Natural?
In many modern business and customer-service situations, we are happy to let you know sounds warmer and more conversational. The original phrase remains useful when a formal tone is needed.
Conclusion:
Knowing other ways to say we are pleased to inform you gives you more control over your English. The original phrase is polite and professional, but it can sometimes sound formal or traditional. Expressions such as we are happy to let you know, we are pleased to announce, and we’re happy to share can make your writing more natural.
The best choice depends on your audience, purpose, and relationship with the reader. Formal announcements need polished language, while everyday professional messages can often be warmer and simpler. Practice these alternatives in emails, workplace conversations, announcements, and customer communication. With regular practice, you can choose expressions that sound clear, confident, and natural.
I’m John Mark, the creator of EnglishGrammarline. I share simple and meaningful insights into dreams, their symbols, and possible interpretations. My goal is to help readers understand their dreams in an easy and interesting way.