The word “information” is a noun that refers to knowledge, facts, or data about a particular subject or topic. Here are some key aspects of its usage:
Information is an uncountable noun, which means it does not have a plural form. It is treated as a singular entity, even if it refers to multiple pieces of data, which is the reason it takes singular verbs.
- Correct: The information is valuable.
- Incorrect: The
informationsarevaluable.
However, there are situations where it can be used in a countable form, such as pieces of information or bits of information. We can say:
The marketing team received a valuable piece of information about consumer preferences from the latest market research report.
Also, when referencing information obtained from sources, provide proper attribution. Use phrases like according to, as stated by, or reported by to indicate the source of the information. For example:
According to the latest market research report, consumer preferences are changing.
or
As stated by the latest market research report, consumer preferences are changing.
Related terms to information include informative (adjective), to inform (verb), and informant (a person who provides information). For example:
an informative report
Please inform us about your decision as soon as possible.
He worked as an informant for the government.
Lastly, pay attention to appropriate prepositions! For example, you can say information on, information about, or information from.
The latest marked research report provided information on the change in consumer preferences.
To sum up:
- Information is an uncountable noun!
- If you want to use information as a countable noun, don’t forget to add a piece of, pieces of or bits of!
- Use according to, as stated by, or reported by to indicate the source of information.
- Informative, to inform, and informant are related terms.
- Pay attention to prepositions! We say information on, about or from.
