In writing emails, presentations, and formal letters, I’ve learned that please note can sound firm, but using other ways to say it, like I’d like to highlight or kindly be aware, makes the tone more friendly and adaptable without losing clarity, helping messages land better in daily communication.
Choosing these alternatives helps a message feel warm and professional, improving how communication is received, and this small shift often changes the reader’s reaction more than expected.
I often try wording that guides rather than commands, using simple expressions like it’s important to mention or here’s something to keep in mind that maintain a polite point while staying clear.
What Does “Please Note” Mean?
Please note is a polite phrase used to draw attention to important information. It asks the reader to be aware of a detail, update, or instruction. The meaning focuses on guidance, not command, though tone can vary depending on context and wording.
When to Use “Please Note”
Please note in emails, presentations, and formal letters when you need to highlight something important. It works best when sharing updates, instructions, or reminders, especially in professional or informational communication where clarity matters.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Please Note”?
Yes, please note it is both professional and polite. However, frequent use can feel rigid. Choosing softer alternatives can improve how your communication is received, making it sound warmer, more respectful, and adaptable.
Pros and Cons of Using “Please Note”
Pros:
Clear, direct, and widely accepted in professional settings.
Cons:
Can sound firm or impersonal if overused, especially in friendly or collaborative communication.
Synonyms For “Please Note”
- I’d Like to Highlight
- Kindly Be Aware
- It’s Important to Mention
- Here’s Something to Keep in Mind
- Please Be Aware
- Just a Quick Note
- For Your Awareness
- Please Keep in Mind
- I’d Like to Point Out
- Please Take Note
- It’s Worth Noting
- A Quick Reminder
- Please Be Advised
- Just to Let You Know
- For Your Reference
I’d Like to Highlight
Meaning & Definition:
A gentle way to bring attention to key information.
Detailed Explanation:
Sounds friendly and intentional rather than commanding.
Scenario Example:
“I’d like to highlight the updated deadline.”
Best Use:
Emails, presentations.
Worst Use:
Urgent warnings.
Tone:
Warm, professional
Kindly Be Aware
Meaning & Definition:
A polite request for awareness.
Detailed Explanation:
Often used in formal or courteous communication.
Scenario Example:
“Kindly be aware of the schedule change.”
Best Use:
Formal emails.
Worst Use:
Casual chats.
Tone:
Polite, respectful
It’s Important to Mention
Meaning & Definition:
Highlights relevance without pressure.
Detailed Explanation:
Keeps the tone informative and calm.
Scenario Example:
“It’s important to mention the policy update.”
Best Use:
Explanations.
Worst Use:
Critical alerts.
Tone:
Neutral, clear
Here’s Something to Keep in Mind
Meaning & Definition:
A friendly reminder phrase.
Detailed Explanation:
Feels conversational and supportive.
Scenario Example:
“Here’s something to keep in mind for tomorrow.”
Best Use:
Team communication.
Worst Use:
Legal notices.
Tone:
Friendly, approachable
Please Be Aware
Meaning & Definition:
A direct but polite alert.
Detailed Explanation:
More formal than conversational.
Scenario Example:
“Please be aware of the maintenance window.”
Best Use:
Notices.
Worst Use:
Warm messaging.
Tone:
Formal, clear
Just a Quick Note
Meaning & Definition:
Signals brief and helpful information.
Detailed Explanation:
Keep the message light.
Scenario Example:
“Just a quick note about the meeting.”
Best Use:
Short emails.
Worst Use:
Serious matters.
Tone:
Casual, friendly
For Your Awareness
Meaning & Definition:
Share information without action pressure.
Detailed Explanation:
Often used in professional updates.
Scenario Example:
“For your awareness, the report is attached.”
Best Use:
Informational emails.
Worst Use:
Requests.
Tone:
Professional, neutral
Please Keep in Mind
Meaning & Definition:
A gentle reminder phrase.
Detailed Explanation:
Balances clarity and warmth.
Scenario Example:
“Please keep in mind the deadline.”
Best Use:
Reminders.
Worst Use:
Urgent warnings.
Tone:
Polite, calm
I’d Like to Point Out
Meaning & Definition:
Draws attention directly.
Detailed Explanation:
Sounds confident and clear.
Scenario Example:
“I’d like to point out a small change.”
Best Use:
Presentations.
Worst Use:
Sensitive topics.
Tone:
Direct, professional
Please Take Note
Meaning & Definition:
A slightly firmer version of please note.
Detailed Explanation:
Used when attention is important.
Scenario Example:
“Please take note of the new process.”
Best Use:
Instructions.
Worst Use:
Friendly chats.
Tone:
Firm, formal
It’s Worth Noting
Meaning & Definition:
Suggests importance without pressure.
Detailed Explanation:
Sounds thoughtful and balanced.
Scenario Example:
It’s worth noting the deadline moved.”
Best Use:
Reports.
Worst Use:
Commands.
Tone:
Thoughtful, neutral
A Quick Reminder
Meaning & Definition:
Signals helpful repetition.
Detailed Explanation:
Feels supportive.
Scenario Example:
“A quick reminder about tomorrow’s call.”
Best Use:
Follow-ups.
Worst Use:
First notice.
Tone:
Friendly, helpful
Please Be Advised
Meaning & Definition:
A formal advisory phrase.
Detailed Explanation:
Common in legal or official writing.
Scenario Example:
“Please be advised of the policy change.”
Best Use:
Formal notices.
Worst Use:
Casual messages.
Tone:
Formal, authoritative
Just to Let You Know
Meaning & Definition:
Casual way to share information.
Detailed Explanation:
Feels relaxed and human.
Scenario Example:
“Just to let you know, the file is updated.”
Best Use:
Informal emails.
Worst Use:
Serious instructions.
Tone:
Casual, friendly
For Your Reference
Meaning & Definition:
Points to information for later use.
Detailed Explanation:
Neutral and professional.
Scenario Example:
“For your reference, see the attached file.”
Best Use:
Documentation.
Worst Use:
Urgent messages.
Tone:
Professional, neutral
Comparison Table of Top Alternatives
| Alternative | Best Use | Tone |
| I’d Like to Highlight | Emails, presentations | Warm |
| Kindly Be Aware | Formal writing | Polite |
| Here’s Something to Keep in Mind | Team communication | Friendly |
| Please Be Advised | Official notices | Formal |
| Just a Quick Note | Casual updates | Relaxed |
Final Thoughts
Choosing how you say please note can shape how your message feels to the reader. Gentle wording shows care, respect, and awareness of tone, helping information land without sounding commanding. Small language choices can turn a simple notice into a message that feels thoughtful and considerate.
By using warmer alternatives, you keep your communication clear while making it more approachable. Whether in emails, presentations, or formal letters, thoughtful phrasing helps maintain professionalism, reduce tension, and build better understanding between people.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of saying “please note”?
The purpose of please note is to draw attention to important information. It signals that a detail matters and should not be missed. The phrase is commonly used in professional communication to guide the reader without being overly forceful or demanding.
Is “please note” polite enough for professional emails?
Yes, please note it is polite and acceptable in professional emails. However, its tone can feel firm if overused. Choosing softer alternatives can make your message sound more respectful and friendly while keeping the same level of clarity.
When should I avoid using “please note”?
You may want to avoid please note in friendly or sensitive conversations. In these cases, it can sound distant. Using warmer phrases helps maintain a supportive tone and encourages better engagement from the reader.
Can “please note” sound rude or demanding?
On its own, please note it is not rude, but context matters. In short or direct messages, it may feel abrupt. Adding polite phrasing or choosing a gentler alternative can prevent misunderstandings.
What are softer alternatives to “please note”?
Softer alternatives include phrases like I’d like to highlight or here’s something to keep in mind. These expressions guide attention gently and make communication feel more conversational and human.
Is “please note” suitable for presentations?
Yes, it works in presentations, especially when highlighting key points. However, spoken language often benefits from friendlier phrasing, which keeps the audience engaged and receptive.
Does replacing “please note” change the meaning?
Replacing please note usually does not change the meaning if the alternative is chosen carefully. The goal remains the same: guiding attention. The difference lies in tone, not intent.
How can I make “please note” sound more friendly?
You can soften it by adding context or choosing warmer wording. Brief explanations and conversational phrases help the message feel less like a command and more like helpful guidance.
Is “please note” formal language?
Yes, please note it is generally formal. That is why it appears often in official writing. Depending on your audience, a less formal option may improve connection and understanding.
Why do alternatives to “please note” matter?
Alternatives matter because language shapes relationships. Using thoughtful phrasing helps your message feel respectful, clear, and approachable, improving how your communication is received and understood.
