Professional communicators employ various alternatives to "please note" to maintain reader engagement while effectively conveying important information. Common formal alternatives include "kindly be advised," "significant notice," and "your attention is required," while more direct options like "take note" or "be aware" suit casual contexts. Additional synonyms such as "for your reference," "we wish to inform you," "attention," "please be informed," and "for your attention" offer situational flexibility. Understanding these alternatives enables more dynamic and impactful communication.
Is It Professional to Use 'Please Note'?
Business professionals frequently debate the appropriateness of using the phrase "please note" in workplace communications. While the expression remains widely accepted in professional settings, its effectiveness depends on context and usage frequency. When employed sparingly to highlight essential information or draw attention to important details, "please note" serves as a courteous and clear signaler in emails, reports, and formal documents.
However, overusing this phrase can make writing appear stiff or unnecessarily formal, potentially diminishing its impact. Modern business communication trends favor direct, concise language that maintains professionalism without relying heavily on traditional formalities. Many style guides suggest using "please note" selectively, particularly when emphasizing vital points or changes in procedures, while considering alternative connectors for routine communications.
Why You Might Use a Different Word To 'Please Note'
While "please note" remains a standard phrase in professional communication, writers often seek alternatives to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Using different expressions can help prevent writing from becoming stale or mechanical, particularly in longer documents where multiple attention-drawing phrases are needed.
Additionally, some contexts may require a more direct or authoritative tone than "please note" provides. In legal documents, technical manuals, or urgent communications, stronger phrases like "important" or "warning" might better convey the message's significance. Cultural considerations also play a role, as some international audiences may respond differently to the politeness marker "please," making alternative phrases more appropriate for global communication.
10 Synonyms for 'Please Note'
1. Kindly be advised
Best suited for formal business communications, particularly when delivering important updates or changes in policies. This phrase maintains professionalism while softening the tone of potentially sensitive information. It's especially effective in emails to senior management or external stakeholders. This phrase also carries a sense of urgency without being alarming.
Example use:
"Kindly be advised that the quarterly meeting has been rescheduled to next Thursday."
"Kindly be advised of the new security protocols effective immediately."
"Kindly be advised that our office will be closed for maintenance this weekend."
2. Significant notice
Perfect for announcements that require immediate attention or action. This phrase clearly indicates the significance of the information being conveyed and is commonly used in public notices, safety communications, and critical updates. It creates a sense of urgency while remaining neutral and professional.
Example use:
"Significant notice: All employees must complete the safety training by Friday."
"Significant notice: The building's fire alarm system will be tested tomorrow morning."
"Significant notice: Updates to our privacy policy will take effect next month."
3. For your reference
Ideal for sharing supplementary information or documentation that may be useful but not necessarily urgent. This phrase works well when providing background information, supporting materials, or additional context. It's particularly effective in educational or professional settings where information needs to be archived or referenced later.
Example use:
"For your reference, the project timeline has been uploaded to the shared drive."
"For your reference, we've attached last year's performance metrics."
"For your reference, here are the guidelines for expense submissions."
4. Your attention is required
Best used when immediate action or acknowledgment is necessary. This phrase conveys urgency and importance without being overly demanding. It's particularly effective in time-sensitive situations or when compliance is mandatory.
Example use:
"Your attention is required regarding the upcoming system maintenance."
"Your attention is required for the mandatory safety training deadline."
"Your attention is required on the pending client approval documents."
5. Take note
A more casual and direct alternative that works well in team communications or informal business contexts. This phrase is straightforward and action-oriented, making it effective for quick updates or reminders. It's particularly useful in collaborative environments or team meetings.
Example use:
"Take note that the printer on the third floor is temporarily out of service."
"Take note of the changed schedule for next week's team meeting."
"Take note that parking passes will expire at the end of this month."
6. Be aware
Suited for situations where awareness of new information or changes is significant. This phrase is direct and clear, making it effective for safety announcements, policy changes, or potential issues that require attention. It's particularly useful in risk management communications.
Example use:
"Be aware that construction work will begin in the parking lot tomorrow."
"Be aware of the new password requirements for all system accounts."
"Be aware that the deadline for annual reviews has been moved up."
7. We wish to inform you
A formal and courteous phrase ideal for official communications, especially when delivering news or updates from an organization to its stakeholders. This phrase maintains a professional distance while showing respect for the recipient. It's particularly effective in corporate announcements or formal notifications.
Example use:
"We wish to inform you that our company will be merging with XYZ Corporation."
"We wish to inform you of changes to our service terms and conditions."
"We wish to inform you about our new office location."
8. Attention
A direct and impactful phrase best used for urgent or critical information that requires immediate notice. This phrase is particularly effective in emergency communications, safety alerts, or time-sensitive announcements. It quickly captures attention and emphasizes importance.
Example use:
"Attention: The fire alarm test will commence in 15 minutes."
"Attention: All vehicles must be removed from the parking lot by 6 PM."
"Attention: System maintenance will begin in 30 minutes."
9. Please be informed
A polite and professional phrase suitable for formal business communications. This phrase effectively combines courtesy with authority and is particularly useful when sharing important information that requires acknowledgment. It's well-suited for policy updates or procedural changes.
Example use:
"Please be informed that the company dress code has been updated."
"Please be informed of the new visitor registration process."
"Please be informed that the holiday schedule has been finalized."
10. For your attention
Best used when directing specific information to certain individuals or groups. This phrase is particularly effective in targeted communications where selective attention is required. It works well in both formal and semi-formal contexts, especially when highlighting specific items or issues.
Example use:
"For your attention: The quarterly reports are due by the end of this week."
"For your attention: Your department's budget review meeting is scheduled for tomorrow."
"For your attention: Updated security badges must be collected from HR."
Final Thoughts
Communication clarity stands at the heart of effective professional discourse, making these alternative phrases for "please note" valuable tools in any business setting. These alternatives help professionals vary their language while maintaining the essential function of drawing attention to important information.
When implementing these alternative phrases, writers should consider their audience, context, and the level of formality required. Some expressions work better in formal documents, while others suit casual workplace communication. The key is selecting phrases that maintain professionalism while effectively highlighting vital points. By incorporating these alternatives thoughtfully, communicators can enhance their message delivery, guarantee important details receive proper attention, and avoid the monotony of repetitive language use. This versatility in expression contributes to more engaging and effective professional communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'Please Note' Be Used in Casual Conversations or Text Messages?
While 'please note' can be used in casual settings, it often sounds formal. People typically use more relaxed alternatives like 'just so you know,' 'heads up,' or 'by the way.'
How Do Different Cultures Perceive the Phrase 'Please Note' in Business Communication?
Different cultures interpret "please note" variously. Western cultures view it as polite formality, while Asian cultures may find it too direct. Some perceive it as authoritative, others as respectfully professional.
Should 'Please Note' Be Followed by a Colon or Comma?
Both a colon and comma are acceptable after "please note," though a colon is more formal and emphasizes what follows, while a comma creates a softer, more conversational tone.
Is It Appropriate to Begin an Email Subject Line With 'Please Note'?
Beginning an email subject line with "please note" is generally discouraged as it wastes valuable subject line space and doesn't provide specific information about the email's actual content.
When Did the Phrase 'Please Note' First Appear in Formal Writing?
The phrase "please note" emerged in formal English correspondence during the late 18th century, becoming more widespread in business and administrative writing throughout the Victorian era's expanding bureaucracy.
