Introduction
When you need polite ways to say we are pleased to inform you, you are usually about to share good news in a professional setting. Maybe a client won a contract, a candidate got the job, or a customer request was approved. The classic phrase works, but it can sound stiff when you use it again and again. A fresh, well chosen alternative keeps your message warm, clear, and professional, and it helps the reader feel the good news right away.
This guide gives you 28 polished alternatives, grouped by tone and situation. You will find professional options for formal letters, friendly options for regular clients, and ready to use email examples for managers, colleagues, customers, and networking contacts. You will also learn the common mistakes that make good news sound cold or confusing, so your message lands exactly as you intend.
What Does “We Are Pleased to Inform You” Mean?
The phrase “we are pleased to inform you” means, in plain words, “we are happy to tell you something.” It introduces news that the writer believes the reader will welcome. The word “pleased” signals satisfaction and warmth, while “inform” keeps the tone official rather than chatty.
Its tone is polite, formal, and positive. It suits announcements, approvals, acceptances, and updates where the sender speaks for a company or a team. That is why it appears so often in job offer letters, bank letters, university admissions, and client emails.
The emotional context matters too. The phrase tells the reader, before the news itself, that the news is good. Compare these two openings:
- “We are pleased to inform you that your application has been approved.” The reader relaxes and reads on with confidence.
- “This is to inform you that your application has been approved.” The news is the same, but the warmth is gone, and the reader may wonder whether there is a catch.
That small difference is why this phrase has survived for so long in business writing, and why finding a good synonym for we are pleased to inform you is worth a little thought.
When to Use This Phrase Professionally
Use this phrase, or one of its alternatives, when the news is genuinely positive and the relationship calls for courtesy. It works best in these settings:
In Emails
Use it in the opening line of an email that delivers an approval, an acceptance, a confirmation, or a welcome. It sets a positive tone before the details. For a first message to a new client, a slightly more formal version works best.
In the Workplace
Managers use it to announce promotions, project approvals, bonuses, and successful applications. It shows respect for the person receiving the news and keeps the announcement professional rather than boastful.
With Clients
Clients appreciate good news delivered with warmth. A polite opening makes a contract win, a delivery update, or a price approval feel like a shared success rather than a dry transaction.
In Networking
When you invite someone to speak at an event, join a panel, or collaborate on a project, a pleased to inform you style opening makes the invitation feel like an honor, not a chore.
In Customer Service
Customer service teams use it when a refund is approved, a complaint is resolved, or a request is granted. It reassures the customer that the company is glad to help. If you often write this kind of opening, you may also like these professional ways to say this is to inform you, which cover neutral announcements as well as good news.
28 Polite Alternatives
Here are 28 alternatives, grouped by tone. Each one includes its tone, its best use case, and an example sentence you can adapt.
Professional Alternatives
1. We are delighted to share that… Tone: Warm and professional. Best use: Announcements to clients or partners. Example: “We are delighted to share that your proposal has been accepted.”
2. It is our pleasure to announce… Tone: Confident and polished. Best use: Public or company wide announcements. Example: “It is our pleasure to announce the launch of our new training program.”
3. We are happy to confirm… Tone: Friendly and professional. Best use: Confirming bookings, orders, or approvals. Example: “We are happy to confirm your registration for the workshop on Friday.”
4. We are pleased to share… Tone: Warm and simple. Best use: Everyday good news emails. Example: “We are pleased to share that your request has been approved.”
5. We are excited to announce… Tone: Energetic and positive. Best use: Product launches, new hires, and events. Example: “We are excited to announce that Maria will lead our design team.”
6. We are honored to inform you… Tone: Respectful and formal. Best use: Awards, invitations, and selections. Example: “We are honored to inform you that you have been selected for the award.”
7. We are glad to let you know… Tone: Warm and approachable. Best use: Good news to regular clients or colleagues. Example: “We are glad to let you know that your account upgrade is complete.”
Formal Alternatives
8. We have the pleasure of informing you… Tone: Very formal and courteous. Best use: Official letters and legal or banking notices. Example: “We have the pleasure of informing you that your loan has been approved.”
9. Please be advised that… Tone: Formal and neutral. Best use: Official notices where the news itself carries the warmth. Example: “Please be advised that your application has been successful.”
10. We are writing to inform you… Tone: Formal and direct. Best use: Letters where clarity matters most. Example: “We are writing to inform you that you have been offered the position.”
11. It is with great pleasure that we announce… Tone: Grand and ceremonial. Best use: Major announcements and award letters. Example: “It is with great pleasure that we announce our new partnership.”
12. We wish to inform you that… Tone: Formal and polite. Best use: Traditional business letters. Example: “We wish to inform you that your membership has been renewed.”
13. We are pleased to advise you… Tone: Formal and professional. Best use: Banking, legal, and advisory messages. Example: “We are pleased to advise you that your claim has been settled in full.”
14. This letter is to inform you… Tone: Formal and official. Best use: Printed letters and formal notices. Example: “This letter is to inform you that your application was successful.”
Friendly Alternatives
15. Great news… Tone: Cheerful and direct. Best use: Quick updates to people you know well. Example: “Great news: your project has been approved, and we start on Monday.”
16. We have some good news… Tone: Warm and conversational. Best use: Emails to regular clients or team members. Example: “We have some good news: your delivery will arrive two days early.”
17. We are thrilled to share… Tone: Enthusiastic and warm. Best use: Celebrations, wins, and milestones. Example: “We are thrilled to share that we won the regional design award.”
18. We are happy to report… Tone: Friendly and upbeat. Best use: Progress updates and results. Example: “We are happy to report that sales grew by 20 percent this quarter.”
19. We wanted you to be the first to know… Tone: Personal and warm. Best use: Making a valued contact feel special. Example: “We wanted you to be the first to know that our new store opens in June.”
20. We are delighted to let you know… Tone: Warm and polite. Best use: Personal good news in a professional email. Example: “We are delighted to let you know that your manuscript was accepted.”
21. Good news: Tone: Simple and cheerful. Best use: Short emails and internal updates. Example: “Good news: your leave request has been approved.”
Email and Workplace Alternatives
22. We are pleased to confirm… Tone: Professional and reassuring. Best use: Confirmations of decisions already discussed. Example: “We are pleased to confirm your appointment for Tuesday at 10 a.m.”
23. We are writing with good news… Tone: Warm and direct. Best use: Opening an email that delivers a positive decision. Example: “We are writing with good news about your scholarship application.”
24. We are delighted to announce… Tone: Polished and celebratory. Best use: Team announcements and promotions. Example: “We are delighted to announce that James has been promoted to manager.”
25. I am pleased to share… Tone: Personal and professional. Best use: When you write as an individual, not a team. Example: “I am pleased to share that our team met its annual target.”
26. We are happy to announce… Tone: Friendly and professional. Best use: General announcements and invitations. Example: “We are happy to announce our summer internship program.”
27. We are pleased to report… Tone: Professional and measured. Best use: Results, outcomes, and formal updates. Example: “We are pleased to report that the audit is complete and successful.”
28. We are excited to share… Tone: Energetic and modern. Best use: Startups, creative teams, and product news. Example: “We are excited to share our new collection with you this spring.”
Quick Comparison Table
| Alternative | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| We are delighted to share that… | Warm, professional | Client announcements |
| It is our pleasure to announce… | Polished, confident | Company announcements |
| We are happy to confirm… | Friendly, professional | Confirmations |
| We are pleased to share… | Warm, simple | Everyday good news |
| We are excited to announce… | Energetic | Launches and events |
| We are honored to inform you… | Respectful, formal | Awards and selections |
| We have the pleasure of informing you… | Very formal | Official letters |
| Please be advised that… | Formal, neutral | Official notices |
| It is with great pleasure that we announce… | Grand, ceremonial | Major announcements |
| Great news… | Cheerful, direct | Quick updates |
| We have some good news… | Warm, conversational | Regular clients |
| We are thrilled to share… | Enthusiastic | Celebrations |
| We wanted you to be the first to know… | Personal, warm | Valued contacts |
| We are pleased to confirm… | Professional, reassuring | Decisions confirmed |
| I am pleased to share… | Personal, professional | Individual senders |
Email Examples
To a Client
Subject: Good news about your proposal
“Dear Ms. Carter, we are delighted to share that your proposal has been approved. Our team will contact you this week to agree on the next steps. Thank you for trusting us with this project.”
To a Manager
“Hi David, I am pleased to share that the client signed the contract this morning. The project starts on Monday, and I will send you the full timeline by Friday.”
To a Colleague
“Hi Sara, great news: your leave request has been approved for the last two weeks of July. Enjoy the break, and let me know if you need help handing over your tasks.”
To a Customer
“Dear Mr. Ahmed, we are happy to confirm that your refund has been processed. The amount will appear in your account within five working days. Thank you for your patience.”
For Networking
“Dear Dr. Lee, we are honored to inform you that you have been invited to speak at our annual conference in September. We would love to have you share your work with our audience.” If you need a softer opening for this kind of message, these polite synonyms for I am writing to let you know work well for introductions and invitations too.
Meeting Follow-Up
“Hi team, we are pleased to report that the board approved our budget yesterday. We can move ahead with hiring, and I will share the updated plan in our meeting on Thursday.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overusing the Same Phrase
When every email from your company starts with the same sentence, readers stop noticing it. Rotate through two or three favorites that fit your voice, and save the most formal version for the most formal news.
Choosing the Wrong Tone
“It is with great pleasure that we announce” sounds strange for a routine delivery update, and “Great news” sounds too casual for a legal approval. Match the weight of your words to the weight of the news.
Too Formal or Too Casual a Mismatch
A mismatch confuses the reader. If you write to a long term client in a stiff, legal style, the message feels cold. If you write to a bank or a government office in slang, it feels careless. When in doubt, choose the middle ground: warm and professional.
Burying the News
Do not spend three paragraphs on background before you share the good news. Put the announcement in the first or second sentence, then give the details. Readers should never have to hunt for the point of your email.
Forgetting the Next Step
Good news still needs action. After your announcement, tell the reader what happens next, whether that is a meeting, a document to sign, or simply nothing at all. A clear next step turns a pleasant email into a useful one, and if you need to attach that document, use one of these professional ways to say please see attached to keep the message polished.
Related Phrases
- We are delighted to inform you: a warmer version of the classic phrase. Example: “We are delighted to inform you that you passed the exam.”
- We are happy to announce: a friendly announcement opener. Example: “We are happy to announce our new office in Austin.”
- It gives us great pleasure to inform you: a very formal, traditional opener. Example: “It gives us great pleasure to inform you of your promotion.”
- We are proud to announce: shows achievement and pride. Example: “We are proud to announce our charity partnership.”
- We are thrilled to announce: high energy and excitement. Example: “We are thrilled to announce the winner of the contest.”
- We are glad to announce: simple and warm. Example: “We are glad to announce extended opening hours.”
- We have good news for you: direct and reader focused. Example: “We have good news for you about your application.”
- We are pleased to confirm: best for decisions already expected. Example: “We are pleased to confirm your booking.”
- We are writing to share some wonderful news: personal and warm. Example: “We are writing to share some wonderful news about the merger.”
- We are honored to announce: respectful and formal. Example: “We are honored to announce our new chairperson.”
- We are excited to let you know: modern and upbeat. Example: “We are excited to let you know that registration is open.”
- We are pleased to advise: formal, common in banking and legal writing. Example: “We are pleased to advise that payment has been received.”
- We are happy to let you know: friendly and relaxed. Example: “We are happy to let you know that your order shipped today.”
- We are delighted to confirm: warm confirmation. Example: “We are delighted to confirm your place on the course.”
- We wanted to share some exciting news: conversational and inviting. Example: “We wanted to share some exciting news about our expansion.”
- We are pleased to welcome you: best for new members or clients. Example: “We are pleased to welcome you to our team.”
Phrase Comparison: Classic Phrase vs Alternatives
The classic phrase “we are pleased to inform you” sits at the formal end of the scale. It is safe, respectful, and slightly old fashioned. It works in almost any professional letter, which is both its strength and its weakness: it never offends, but it rarely delights.
Warmer alternatives such as “we are delighted to share” keep the professionalism while adding genuine feeling. They suit clients, partners, and colleagues you already know. More energetic options such as “we are thrilled to announce” fit celebrations and launches, but they can sound over the top for routine news.
Shorter options such as “great news” or “good news” work best in quick internal emails. They save time and feel human, but they lack the courtesy a first time client or a senior executive may expect. The best choice depends on three things: how formal the relationship is, how big the news is, and whether you write as a person or on behalf of a company.
As a rule, use the classic phrase or a formal alternative for first contact, legal matters, and major decisions. Use a warm alternative for regular clients and good news of medium importance. Use a short, friendly opener only with people you already know well.
Cultural Usage
US English
American business writing favors direct, warm language. “We are excited to announce” and “we are happy to share” are very common, and readers expect the news quickly. Long, ceremonial openings can feel stiff in US emails.
UK English
British business writing leans slightly more formal. “We are pleased to inform you” and “we have the pleasure of informing you” still appear often in letters from banks, universities, and government bodies. In everyday office emails, though, the warmer alternatives are just as welcome.
Corporate Communication
Large companies often standardize their announcements. Human resources teams use “we are pleased to confirm” for offers and promotions, while marketing teams prefer “we are excited to announce” for launches. Matching your company’s house style matters more than picking the most elegant phrase.
Customer Service
Customer service messages should sound human first and formal second. “We are happy to confirm” and “we are glad to let you know” reassure customers without sounding like a legal notice.
Networking
In networking, warmth wins. An invitation that starts “we are honored to inform you” flatters the recipient, while “we wanted you to be the first to know” builds a personal connection. Either beats a cold, generic announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a polite way to say we are pleased to inform you?
“We are delighted to share that…” is one of the best polite alternatives. It keeps the warmth and professionalism of the original while sounding fresh and modern.
What is a formal alternative to we are pleased to inform you?
“We have the pleasure of informing you” is the most formal option. It suits official letters, banking notices, and legal announcements.
Can I say “we are happy to inform you” in a business email?
Yes. It is polite, professional, and slightly warmer than the classic phrase. It works well for clients, colleagues, and customers.
Is “we are pleased to inform you” outdated?
Not at all, but it is overused. It still suits formal letters and first contact. For regular emails, a warmer alternative often reads better.
How do I start a good news email?
Put the news in the first or second sentence. Start with a warm opener such as “We are delighted to share that…” and follow it with the key detail, then the next step.
What should I say instead of “please be informed”?
For good news, try “we are pleased to share” or “we are happy to confirm.” For neutral news, “please note that” or “we are writing to let you know” work better.
Is it “we are pleased to inform you” or “we are pleased to inform you that”?
Both are correct, but the “that” version is more complete: “We are pleased to inform you that your application was approved.” In short emails, you can drop “that” without losing clarity.
How do I announce a promotion politely?
Try: “We are delighted to announce that James has been promoted to senior manager.” Add one line about the person’s contribution, then the start date of the new role.
What is a short way to say we are pleased to inform you?
“Great news:” and “Good news:” are the shortest options. They suit quick internal emails and messages to people you know well.
Should I use “I” or “we” in a good news email?
Use “we” when you speak for a company or a team, and “I” when the news is personal or you are the decision maker. “I am pleased to share” feels personal; “we are pleased to share” feels official.
Final Summary
The best professional options are “we are delighted to share” and “we are pleased to confirm,” because they sound polished without sounding stiff. The best formal options remain “we have the pleasure of informing you” and “it is with great pleasure that we announce,” which suit official letters and major decisions. For a casual touch with people you know well, “great news” and “we have some good news” do the job in just a few words. For email, “we are writing with good news” and “I am pleased to share” open the message warmly and get straight to the point.
Whichever phrase you choose, put the news early, match the tone to the relationship, and end with a clear next step. That simple habit turns a standard announcement into a message people enjoy receiving. For the exact meaning and usage of the key word in this phrase, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for pleased.
