inform about/of

我们在英语语法书和英汉词典上最常见的的是 inform sb. of sth.。但是，据 CGEL 解释，inform sb. about sth. 是最常见的形式。虽然 of 可代替 about，但用得较少，且大都用于书面语中。这种情形颇与 tell about/of, speak about/of, talk about/of 相似。

1. You ought to inform the police about that man who's been hiding in the bushes outside your gate. 你应该向警方告发一直躲藏在你大门外树丛里的那个人。

2. He then informs the student about the success of this initial attempt. (AOT) 他于是把这首次尝试的成功告诉了他的学生。

3. He intended to see Barbara to inform her of his objections... (EED) 他试图去见芭芭拉以便把他的反对意见告诉她。

4. They informed the Austrians of the French plan of campaign. (Hazen) 他们把法国的战役计划告诉了奥地利人。