want or would like

[Ray77]

Hello

Which of the following sentence starters would be more appropriate in formal writing?

1. I want to inform you...
2. I would like to inform you...

Some suggest that using would like instead of want would suggest less confident writing even in formal writing. Also, how about using the verb advise instead of inform? Does the verb advise imply any superiority of the writer on the reader?

Have a great day ahead.

 

[Yankee]

"Would like" does not suggest "authority" to me. And I wouldn't consider "advise" to suggest superiority, rather each term is more polite.

 

[probus]

To me there is little difference between advise and inform in this context. I agree that "would like" is more courteous than "want" but it's really just a small matter of tone or register. Your risk of being misunderstood is nil in both cases.

 

[teechar]

rather each term is more polite.

What does that mean?

 

[Yankee]

What does that mean?

Rather than being superior.

 

[teechar]

I still don't understand what you mean. What does "each term" refer to, and what are those terms more polite than?

 

[Yankee]

I still don't understand what you mean. What does "each term" refer to (want/would like), and what are those terms more polite than? Inform /Want.

 

[Tarheel]

There is a significant difference between advising someone (suggesting a course of course of action) and informing them (telling them something).

(My two cents.)

 

[emsr2d2]

There is a significant difference between advising someone (suggesting a course of course of action) and informing them (telling them something).

One of the meanings of "advise" is "inform". For some reason, I can't post a link at the moment but here's a screenshot of the first hit when I Googled "definition of advise".

 

[tedmc]

Whether it is spoken or in writing, I have been taught that "want" is considered rude, especially when you are asking for something.
I think "I would like to inform you" is superfluous. Go straight to the point and say what you want to say.

 

[Tarheel]

In speech I might say, "I have something to tell you." In an online message I might start by saying, "I have a question." If it's an email the person already knows you have something to say. You sent him/her an email. And in the subject line you said what you want to talk about.

Please tell me if I am missing something. What's the formal situation you have in mind?

 

[Tdol]

In formal writing, I would use would like.