information

informationnoun

American /ˌɪn.fɚˈmeɪ.ʃən/ British /ˌɪn.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən/

no plural

very commondefining vocabulary

facts or detailsfacts or details about someone or something that tell you what it is like or what is happening
uncountable [U] often before another noun [before noun]
- The website has a lot of useful information about the city.
- Can you give me some information on the evening classes?
- For more information, call the office between nine and five.
- We need one more piece of information before we can decide. (one fact: a piece of information)
Collocations
adjective + noun useful information, more information, further information, detailed information, personal information, the latest information
verb + noun give someone information, get information, provide information, collect information, find information, share information
noun + preposition information about, information on, information from
noun + noun information desk, information center, information technology
phrase a piece of information, a bit of information, a source of information
Compare data (data is information in the form of numbers or facts collected for study or for computers); knowledge (knowledge is what a person understands and keeps in their mind); news (news is information about what has just happened)
help deska desk or office, especially in a large building, station, or store, where you can ask questions or get directions
countable [C] usually singular [usu sing]
- Ask at the information desk for a map of the museum.
- Leave your bag at Information while you look around the store.
Collocations
preposition + noun at information, at the information desk

Word family

inform
informative
informed
misinformation (false information spread by mistake)

Choosing between information · data · knowledge

Information is facts that can be given, found, or stored: information about train times. Data is information in the form of numbers or facts that are collected for study or for a computer to work on: the data from the experiment. Knowledge is what a person understands and remembers after learning: her knowledge of plants.

Usage

Information is uncountable. To talk about one fact, say a piece of information or a bit of information; to talk about a large amount, say a lot of information, not many informations. The usual prepositions are about and on: information about the trip, information on prices.

Common mistakes

She gave me an information. She gave me some information.
Information is uncountable and never takes a or an; for one fact say a piece of information.

These informations are useful. This information is useful.
Information has no plural and takes a singular verb.

I need information of the product. I need information about the product.
Use about or on, not of, for what the information is about.

For translators

Grammar trap Information is uncountable: it has no plural and never takes a or an. Use some information, a lot of information, or a piece of information for one fact, and a singular verb: the information is correct. Many languages count this word, so the plural informations is one of the most common learner errors.

False friends Words that look like information in other languages can mean the study of computers, a news program, or a formal accusation. English information means only facts and details that tell you about something.

Pronunciation trap Four syllables with the main stress on the third: in-for-MAY-shun.