Professional alternatives to "please be advised" include clearer, more direct phrases that maintain courtesy while adapting to modern communication styles. Common substitutes are "please note," "kindly be informed," "for your information," "we wish to inform you," and "this is to notify you." Additional options include "take notice," "be aware that," "you are hereby notified," "we would like to bring to your attention," and "please be informed." Understanding these alternatives helps professionals craft more effective and engaging business correspondence.
Is It Professional to Use 'Please Be Advised'?
The formality of "please be advised" in professional communication remains a topic of ongoing discussion among business writing experts. While this phrase has long been considered a standard element of formal business correspondence, modern communication trends suggest a shift toward more direct and concise language.
Many professionals view "please be advised" as unnecessarily formal and potentially outdated, noting that it can create distance between the writer and recipient. However, in certain contexts, particularly legal communications or formal notices, the phrase remains appropriate and serves a specific purpose by clearly signaling the official nature of the message. The key consideration lies in the context and audience of the communication, with many experts recommending more straightforward alternatives for routine business correspondence while reserving this formal phrase for situations that warrant heightened formality.
Why You Might Use a Different Word To 'Please Be Advised'
Compelling reasons exist for choosing alternatives to "please be advised," as modern business communication increasingly favors clarity and directness over formal expressions. This dated phrase can create unnecessary distance between the writer and recipient, potentially diminishing the impact of important messages.
Using this phrase may also make writing appear overly bureaucratic or pretentious, particularly in industries that value straightforward communication. Additionally, starting emails or messages with "please be advised" adds three unnecessary words that don't contribute meaningful content to the message. In time-sensitive business environments, professionals benefit from eliminating such superfluous language. The phrase can also seem condescending to some readers, as it implies they need to be told to pay attention, rather than assuming their professional interest in the communication.
10 Synonyms for 'Please Be Advised'
1. Please Note
Best for informal yet professional communication, particularly when sharing important but non-urgent information. Works well in emails, memos, and internal communications where you want to maintain a collegial tone while ensuring the message is taken seriously. This phrase strikes a good balance between being direct and maintaining politeness.
Example use:
"Please note that the office will be closed for maintenance this Friday."
"Please note the updated security protocols take effect next week."
"Please note your attendance is required at tomorrow's staff meeting."
2. Kindly Be Informed
Formal and courteous, ideal for official communications with clients, senior management, or external stakeholders. This phrase carries a sense of importance and respect, making it particularly effective in business correspondence where maintaining professional distance is significant.
Example use:
"Kindly be informed that your application has been processed successfully."
"Kindly be informed of the changes to our payment terms."
"Kindly be informed that the deadline has been extended to next month."
3. For Your Information
Direct and clear, best suited for internal communications where formality isn't a primary concern. This phrase efficiently introduces important information without unnecessary ceremony, making it perfect for quick updates or routine notifications.
Example use:
"For your information, the printer on the second floor is currently out of service."
"For your information, we've updated the company holiday schedule."
"For your information, new parking permits will be issued next week."
4. We Wish to Inform You
Highly formal and traditional, ideal for official announcements and significant communications. This phrase conveys gravity and importance, making it suitable for legal notices, formal business letters, or communications about substantial changes.
Example use:
"We wish to inform you that your contract has been approved."
"We wish to inform you of our upcoming merger with XYZ Corporation."
"We wish to inform you about changes to your benefits package."
5. This is to Notify You
Clear and authoritative, best for official notifications requiring immediate attention. This phrase leaves no ambiguity about the purpose of the communication and works well in situations where formal documentation may be necessary.
Example use:
"This is to notify you that your warranty period expires next month."
"This is to notify you of changes to your account status."
"This is to notify you that your application has been successful."
6. Take Notice
Direct and commanding, suitable for urgent or critical communications requiring immediate attention. This phrase carries a sense of authority and importance, making it effective for safety notices, compliance issues, or time-sensitive matters.
Example use:
"Take notice that construction work will begin tomorrow morning."
"Take notice of the revised emergency evacuation procedures."
"Take notice that all passwords must be updated by Friday."
7. Be Aware That
Straightforward and attention-grabbing, ideal for important announcements or warnings. This phrase effectively signals that the following information requires careful attention and consideration, particularly useful in safety communications or policy updates.
Example use:
"Be aware that the parking garage will be closed for maintenance."
"Be aware that new security measures are being implemented."
"Be aware that the deadline for submissions is approaching."
8. You Are Hereby Notified
Highly formal and legal in tone, perfect for official or legal communications. This phrase carries significant weight and formality, making it appropriate for contractual notifications, legal notices, or other formal business matters.
Example use:
"You are hereby notified of changes to your employment terms."
"You are hereby notified that your lease will expire in 30 days."
"You are hereby notified of your selection for the annual audit."
9. We Would Like to Bring to Your Attention
Polite and professional, suitable for important but non-urgent matters. This phrase maintains a courteous tone while emphasizing the importance of the information, making it ideal for business correspondence requiring a soft touch.
Example use:
"We would like to bring to your attention our updated privacy policy."
"We would like to bring to your attention the new office procedures."
"We would like to bring to your attention your outstanding performance."
10. Please Be Informed
Professional and direct, appropriate for general business communications. This phrase offers a good balance of formality and clarity, making it versatile for various business contexts while maintaining a respectful tone.
Example use:
"Please be informed that the meeting has been rescheduled."
"Please be informed of changes to our operating hours."
"Please be informed that your request has been processed."
Final Thoughts
Selecting appropriate alternatives to "Please Be Advised" represents an important aspect of professional communication that can greatly impact how messages are received and interpreted. The key to success lies in choosing phrases that maintain professionalism while conveying information clearly and effectively.
When selecting alternatives, writers should consider their audience, the message's urgency, and the overall tone they wish to convey. While formal alternatives may be necessary for legal or highly professional contexts, more direct approaches often work better for day-to-day business communication. The goal is to balance courtesy with clarity, ensuring the message remains both professional and accessible. By carefully selecting appropriate alternatives to this common phrase, communicators can enhance their effectiveness while maintaining the necessary level of professionalism in their written correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'Please Be Advised' Be Used in Casual Email Communications?
While "please be advised" can be used in casual emails, it may sound overly formal or stiff. More relaxed alternatives like "just letting you know" or "FYI" are better suited for casual communication.
Is 'Please Be Advised' Considered Outdated in Modern Business Correspondence?
While "please be advised" remains common in formal business communications, many professionals now prefer simpler, more direct language. The phrase is increasingly seen as overly formal or bureaucratic.
How Does the Tone of 'Please Be Advised' Differ Across Cultures?
The phrase "please be advised" carries varying cultural interpretations. Western cultures may find it formal or stuffy, while Asian business cultures often view it as appropriately respectful and hierarchical.
Should 'Please Be Advised' Be Avoided When Writing to Senior Executives?
When writing to senior executives, 'please be advised' can appear overly formal and bureaucratic. More direct language demonstrates confidence and respects executives' time constraints while maintaining professional communication standards.
When Did 'Please Be Advised' First Become Common in Business Writing?
The phrase "please be advised" emerged during the early 20th century formalization of business correspondence, becoming particularly prevalent in the 1920s and 1930s as corporate communication standards developed.
