Convey vs. Inform — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
Convey means to communicate or transport an idea, message, or object, while inform specifically refers to providing information or knowledge to someone.
Difference Between Convey and Inform
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Convey involves communicating or transferring an idea or message, often emphasizing the method or manner of expression. Whereas, inform is more focused on giving specific details, facts, or data to someone.
Convey is broader, encompassing both verbal and nonverbal communication, including tone, gestures, or visual symbols. Inform, on the other hand, is generally associated with verbal or written statements that share precise knowledge.
Convey can also mean transporting objects or people from one location to another. While, inform is exclusively about delivering information rather than physical transport.
Convey often emphasizes the way a message is presented, considering emotional or persuasive elements. Inform stresses accuracy and clarity to ensure the recipient gains a clear understanding.
Conveying can involve abstract messages like emotions or intentions that are harder to measure. Informing typically pertains to concrete facts, data, or explanations that have practical applications.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Communicate a message or transport
Provide specific information
Scope
Broader, includes verbal/nonverbal
Focused on factual communication
Physical Movement
Can involve physical transportation
Doesn't imply physical transport
Emphasis
Manner of presentation
Clarity of information
Examples
Emotions, symbols, intentions
Facts, figures, updates
Compare with Definitions
Convey
To communicate a message or idea to someone.
His expression conveyed deep sorrow.
Inform
To notify or make someone aware of something.
Please inform me of any changes in the schedule.
Convey
To transport an item or person from one place to another.
The conveyor belt conveys goods to the warehouse.
Inform
To influence or shape something.
His past experience informs his current work.
Convey
To transfer ownership or rights.
The deed conveys the property to the new owners.
Inform
To act as an informant.
The detective asked her to inform on her accomplices.
Convey
To impart meaning or symbolism.
The painting conveys a sense of mystery.
Inform
To advise or guide decision-making.
Data from the survey will inform future product development.
Convey
To express or communicate indirectly.
Her tone conveyed displeasure without saying a word.
Inform
To provide knowledge or information.
The memo was sent to inform employees about the new policy.
Convey
To take or carry from one place to another; transport.
Inform
Inform is a programming language and design system for interactive fiction originally created in 1993 by Graham Nelson. Inform can generate programs designed for the Z-code or Glulx virtual machines.
Convey
To serve as a medium of transmission for; transmit
Wires that convey electricity.
Inform
To impart information to; make aware of something
We were informed by mail of the change in plans. The nurse informed me that visiting hours were over.
Convey
To communicate or make known; impart
"a look intended to convey sympathetic comprehension" (Saki).
Inform
To acquaint (oneself) with knowledge of a subject.
Convey
(Law) To transfer ownership of or title to.
Inform
To give form or character to; imbue with a quality or an essence
"A society's strength is measured by ... its ability to inform a future generation with its moral standards" (Vanity Fair).
Convey
(Archaic) To steal.
Inform
To be a formative or characterizing presence in; animate
"It is this brash, backroom sensibility that informs his work as a novelist" (Jeff Shear).
Convey
To move (something) from one place to another.
Air conveys sound. Water is conveyed through the pipe.
Inform
(Obsolete) To form (the mind or character) by teaching or training.
Convey
(dated) To take or carry (someone) from one place to another.
Inform
To give or provide information.
Convey
To communicate; to make known; to portray.
To convey an impression; to convey information
Inform
To disclose confidential or incriminating information to an authority
The defendant informed against the other members of the ring.
Convey
(legal) To transfer legal rights (to).
He conveyed ownership of the company to his daughter.
Inform
To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
Convey
(obsolete) To manage with privacy; to carry out.
Inform
(transitive) To communicate knowledge to.
Convey
(obsolete) To carry or take away secretly; to steal; to thieve.
Inform
(intransitive) To impart information or knowledge.
Convey
To carry from one place to another; to bear or transport.
I will convey them by sea in floats.
Convey me to my bed, then to my grave.
Inform
To act as an informer; denounce.
Convey
To cause to pass from one place or person to another; to serve as a medium in carrying (anything) from one place or person to another; to transmit; as, air conveys sound; words convey ideas.
Inform
(transitive) To give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.).
His sense of religion informs everything he writes.
Convey
To transfer or deliver to another; to make over, as property; more strictly (Law), to transfer (real estate) or pass (a title to real estate) by a sealed writing.
The Earl of Desmond . . . secretly conveyed all his lands to feoffees in trust.
Inform
To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
Convey
To impart or communicate; as, to convey an impression; to convey information.
Men fill one another's heads with noise and sound, but convey not thereby their thoughts.
Inform
To direct, guide.
Convey
To manage with privacy; to carry out.
I . . . will convey the business as I shall find means.
Inform
To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
Convey
To carry or take away secretly; to steal; to thieve.
Inform
Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
Convey
To accompany; to convoy.
Inform
Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
Convey
To play the thief; to steal.
But as I am Crack, I will convey, crossbite, and cheat upon Simplicius.
Inform
To give form or share to; to give vital or organizing power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion.
Let others better mold the running massOf metals, and inform the breathing brass.
Breath informs this fleeting frame.
Breathes in our soul, informs our mortal part.
Convey
Make known; pass on, of information
Inform
To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to acquaint; to advise; to instruct; to tell; to notify; to enlighten; - usually followed by of.
For he would learn their business secretly,And then inform his master hastily.
I am informed thoroughly of the cause.
Convey
Serve as a means for expressing something;
The painting of Mary carries motherly love
His voice carried a lot af anger
Inform
To communicate a knowledge of facts to, by way of accusation; to warn against anybody.
Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul.
Convey
Transfer to another;
Communicate a disease
Inform
To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
It is the bloody business which informsThus to mine eyes.
Convey
Transmit a title or property
Inform
To give intelligence or information; to tell.
He might either teach in the same manner, or inform how he had been taught.
Convey
Transmit or serve as the medium for transmission;
Sound carries well over water
The airwaves carry the sound
Many metals conduct heat
Inform
Impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to;
I informed him of his rights
Convey
Take something or somebody with oneself somewhere;
Bring me the box from the other room
Take these letters to the boss
This brings me to the main point
Inform
Give character or essence to;
The principles that inform modern teaching
Convey
Go or come after and bring or take back;
Get me those books over there, please
Could you bring the wine?
The dog fetched the hat
Inform
Act as an informer;
She had informed on her own parents for years
Common Curiosities
Can you convey information?
Yes, you can convey information through various communication methods.
What does inform mean?
Inform means to provide specific information or details to someone.
Is conveying limited to verbal communication?
No, you can convey messages nonverbally through gestures, expressions, and symbols.
How is convey used differently from inform?
Convey can refer to physical transportation or transferring rights, while inform is specific to knowledge.
Can you inform someone without intending to?
Typically not, as informing implies intentional communication of information.
Does conveying involve emotions?
Yes, conveying often includes expressing emotions or abstract messages.
What does convey mean?
Convey means to communicate or transport an idea, message, or object.
Is there a difference between conveying and informing?
Yes, conveying is broader, often emphasizing presentation, while informing is about sharing clear facts.
Can you convey a message without speaking?
Yes, body language or visual aids can effectively convey messages.
Does informing always mean giving data?
Generally, yes, informing involves sharing specific facts or knowledge.
Can convey mean transfer of property rights?
Yes, convey can mean to legally transfer ownership.
Is one term more specific than the other?
Yes, inform is more specific, focused on factual information, while convey has broader meanings.
Can inform be used non-verbally?
Rarely; inform usually relies on verbal or written communication.
Is informing always about facts?
Yes, informing generally aims to provide accurate data or details.
Does inform have legal implications like convey?
Not usually; inform is more about knowledge sharing than property rights.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
