Sometimes, I use the phrase “just to let you know” when I want to let someone know something relevant yet friendly. It helps me introduce information with a soft tone instead of being direct. The expression draws attention, builds awareness, and makes conversations more gentle and natural. It’s similar to saying “by the way” or “for your information,” and is often used at the beginning or end of a sentence to ensure you’re aware without sounding formal or demanding.
From my experience, I’ve noticed it works best without necessarily requiring a response. For instance, I might say, “I’ll be late tomorrow, just letting you know,” to notify others politely. This phrasing can provide context, bring ease, and keep the conversation clear. It can also be mentioned in casual chats or professional settings to share updates and interests. The subtle modifier not only helps express care and consideration but also shows thoughtfulness when you inform others, arrive near, or keep them updated.
What Does “Just to Let You Know” Mean?
“Just to let you know” is a gentle way to share information or updates without sounding demanding or formal. It’s often used when you want someone to be aware of something, but don’t necessarily need a reply. It adds a friendly tone to your message, showing that you’re being thoughtful and considerate.
When to Use “Just to Let You Know”
Use this phrase when you want to:
- Share an update or information without expecting action.
- Notify someone of a change, plan, or event.
- Communicate something politely that could affect them.
It’s best suited for messages that aim to inform gently rather than instruct directly.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Just to Let You Know”?
Yes, it’s both professional and polite. It strikes a balance between formality and friendliness, making it appropriate for work emails or casual chats alike. In professional communication, it helps you appear courteous, respectful, and transparent without sounding too stiff or distant.
Pros or Cons
Pros:
- Sounds polite and approachable.
- Keeps communication light and considerate.
- Reduces the chance of sounding demanding.
Cons:
- It can be overused or sound vague if not specific.
- May appear passive in very formal contexts.
For Your Information
Meaning: A formal way to present facts or updates that the receiver might find relevant.
Definition: Often shortened to FYI, this is typically used in business or documentation.
Explanation: It’s direct but still polite; great for professional contexts.
Example Email:
Subject: Meeting Reschedule
Hi Alex,
For your information, tomorrow’s meeting has been moved to 3 PM.
Best Use: Formal reports, office updates.
Worst Use: Personal conversations.
Tone: Professional, neutral.
Just So You Know
Meaning: A conversational way to make someone aware of something.
Definition: Slightly casual and softer than “for your information.”
Explanation: It’s a friendly nudge, not a demand for response.
Example Email:
Just so you know, I’ll be out of the office on Friday.
Best Use: Everyday chat or semi-formal communication.
Worst Use: Official notices.
Tone: Warm, casual.
By the Way
Meaning: A casual phrase for adding information as an afterthought.
Definition: Used to share something secondary but still relevant.
Explanation: Helps keep conversations natural.
Example Email:
By the way, I’ve added you to the project folder.
Best Use: Friendly emails, personal notes.
Worst Use: Strictly formal communication.
Tone: Informal, conversational.
Just Wanted to Let You Know
Meaning: A slightly softer and more personal variation of the original phrase.
Definition: Used to show thoughtfulness and personal involvement.
Explanation: Great for when you’re being polite but want to sound approachable.
Example Email:
Just wanted to let you know I appreciated your quick reply today.
Best Use: Friendly or polite professional tone.
Worst Use: Highly formal documentation.
Tone: Gentle, sincere.
5. Thought You Should Know
Meaning: Indicates that the person might find the information useful.
Definition: A polite, empathetic alternative to highlight importance.
Explanation: It shows you care enough to ensure they’re informed.
Example Email:
Thought you should know the system will be down for maintenance tonight.
Best Use: When sharing updates that impact others.
Worst Use: Trivial topics.
Tone: Respectful, thoughtful.
Wanted to Give You a Heads-Up
Meaning: A friendly way to warn or notify someone ahead of time.
Definition: Often used to help someone prepare for a situation.
Explanation: It’s proactive and kind.
Example Email:
Wanted to give you a heads-up that the report deadline has changed.
Best Use: Upcoming events or changes.
Worst Use: Formal memos.
Tone: Friendly, considerate.
To Keep You Updated
Meaning: A clear signal of ongoing communication.
Definition: Used when you’re maintaining a flow of updates.
Explanation: Shows reliability and care.
Example Email:
To keep you updated, the project is now in the testing phase.
Best Use: Ongoing projects or teamwork.
Worst Use: One-time messages.
Tone: Informative, steady.
As a Quick Note
Meaning: A brief and light way to introduce a message.
Definition: Conveys that the message won’t take long to read.
Explanation: Perfect for short reminders or clarifications.
Example Email:
As a quick note, please review the attached draft before Friday.
Best Use: Friendly reminders.
Worst Use: Detailed explanations.
Tone: Efficient, polite.
Just Giving You an Update
Meaning: Indicates an ongoing process or development.
Definition: Helps maintain transparency.
Explanation: Keeps communication open and regular.
Example Email:
Just giving you an update on the new feature rollout.
Best Use: Regular reporting.
Worst Use: Irrelevant information.
Tone: Transparent, engaging.
To Inform You
Meaning: A formal alternative used in professional documents.
Definition: Direct and businesslike.
Explanation: Suitable for serious communication.
Example Email:
To inform you, your application has been approved.
Best Use: Official letters or HR updates.
Worst Use: Friendly chats.
Tone: Professional, factual.
Wanted to Mention
Meaning: A polite way to bring something to attention without demanding focus.
Definition: Often used casually in emails or conversations to introduce a point.
Explanation: Shows thoughtfulness and keeps communication light.
Example Email:
Wanted to mention that the client appreciated your report.
Best Use: Friendly or semi-professional updates.
Worst Use: Urgent matters requiring immediate action.
Tone: Warm, considerate.
In Case You Didn’t Know
Meaning: Highlights information that may not be obvious.
Definition: Casual phrase, good for soft reminders.
Explanation: Helps the receiver feel informed without pressure.
Example Email:
In case you didn’t know, the office will close early tomorrow.
Best Use: Casual notifications or reminders.
Worst Use: Formal documents or serious issues.
Tone: Friendly, conversational.
Just Sharing This With You
Meaning: Emphasizes inclusion and empathy.
Definition: A gentle way to communicate updates or news.
Explanation: Shows you care about keeping the other person informed.
Example Email:
Just sharing this with you, we finalized the new project guidelines.
Best Use: Team updates, informal emails.
Worst Use: Urgent or formal instructions.
Tone: Considerate, inclusive.
To Bring to Your Attention
Meaning: A formal way to ensure someone notices important info.
Definition: Often used in professional communication or reporting.
Explanation: Makes sure critical information isn’t overlooked.
Example Email:
To bring to your attention, the report deadline has been moved up.
Best Use: Professional or official emails.
Worst Use: Casual chat.
Tone: Formal, respectful.
Wanted to Notify You
Meaning: Indicates the intention to formally inform someone.
Definition: Appropriate for workplace updates.
Explanation: Polite and neutral, without emotional undertones.
Example Email:
Wanted to notify you that your request has been approved.
Best Use: HR, management, or official notices.
Worst Use: Friendly chats.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
Keep in Mind That
Meaning: Suggests advice or consideration.
Definition: Advisory phrase to prepare the reader for something.
Explanation: Used to highlight relevant context without imposing.
Example Email:
Keep in mind that the meeting time may change.
Best Use: Advisory notes or suggestions.
Worst Use: Demanding or commanding messages.
Tone: Advisory, polite.
For Your Awareness
Meaning: Focuses on making someone cognizant of info.
Definition: Formal alternative to “just to let you know.”
Explanation: Shows professionalism and careful communication.
Example Email:
For your awareness, the new policy starts next Monday.
Best Use: Professional or HR communication.
Worst Use: Informal messages.
Tone: Formal, neutral.
Just a Friendly Reminder
Meaning: A warm way to remind someone of something.
Definition: Keeps tone light while ensuring awareness.
Explanation: Useful for reminders without sounding strict.
Example Email:
Just a friendly reminder that the report is due tomorrow.
Best Use: Deadlines, appointments, or casual reminders.
Worst Use: Serious policy updates.
Tone: Friendly, gentle.
So You Know
Meaning: Short and casual way to share info.
Definition: Direct, yet still considerate.
Explanation: Works well for quick updates or clarifications.
Example Email:
So you know, the system update will happen tonight.
Best Use: Quick notes, casual communication.
Worst Use: Formal letters.
Tone: Casual, friendly.
In Case It Matters to You
Meaning: Shows empathy and relevance.
Definition: Polite, slightly personal.
Explanation: Lets the recipient know the info is optional but important.
Example Email:
In case it matters to you, the seating arrangement has changed.
Best Use: Optional updates or suggestions.
Worst Use: Critical mandatory notices.
Tone: Thoughtful, gentle.
Wanted You to Be Aware
Meaning: Polite and attentive way to share info.
Definition: Slightly formal but still approachable.
Explanation: Ensures awareness without pressure to act immediately.
Example Email:
Wanted you to be aware that the team will meet early tomorrow.
Best Use: Semi-formal updates.
Worst Use: Casual, trivial notes.
Tone: Polite, professional.
Just Updating You
Meaning: Indicates a follow-up or progress update.
Definition: Keeps communication current.
Explanation: Works for ongoing tasks or projects.
Example Email:
Just updating you on the client feedback from yesterday.
Best Use: Team updates, project progress.
Worst Use: One-time casual notes.
Tone: Informative, neutral.
So You’re in the Loop
Meaning: Casual, inclusive way to ensure participation.
Definition: Friendly phrasing to keep someone informed.
Explanation: Shows you value the recipient’s awareness.
Example Email:
So you’re in the loop, the marketing campaign launches next week.
Best Use: Team communications, collaborative projects.
Worst Use: Formal business letters.
Tone: Casual, friendly.
So You’re Aware
Meaning: Direct but polite.
Definition: Similar to “just so you know,” slightly formal.
Explanation: Works in both casual and professional contexts.
Example Email:
So you’re aware, the office will be closed Friday afternoon.
Best Use: Quick notifications or alerts.
Worst Use: Overly informal chats.
Tone: Neutral, considerate.
For Your Attention
Meaning: Formal, draws careful notice.
Definition: Highlights the importance of the information.
Explanation: Often used in professional or official emails.
Example Email:
For your attention, the quarterly report is attached.
Best Use: Official memos, management updates.
Worst Use: Friendly chats.
Tone: Formal, respectful.
Final Thoughts
Using the phrase “just to let you know” and its alternatives is more than simply sharing information; it’s about connecting thoughtfully with the person you’re addressing. Words carry tone, care, and attention, and selecting the right phrasing can transform a simple update into a considerate and meaningful message. In professional or personal settings, these phrases allow you to introduce facts, updates, or reminders without sounding demanding, abrupt, or impersonal. For instance, alternatives like “just sharing this with you”, “wanted to give you a heads-up”, or “so you’re in the loop” help maintain clarity, warmth, and engagement, all while keeping the communication concise.
From my experience, people respond better when updates are friendly yet informative. Using these expressions appropriately can prevent misunderstandings, strengthen trust, and ensure that your messages are received as thoughtful and professional, depending on context. Whether you’re notifying a colleague about a schedule change, reminding a friend about an event, or keeping a client updated, the tone matters as much as the content. Always consider the relationship, the urgency, and the platform of communication to choose the most suitable alternative. By using these 25 alternatives strategically, you can communicate efficiently while maintaining politeness, empathy, and clarity, ensuring your messages are not only read but appreciated. Adopting these alternatives regularly enhances your communication skills, making you more personable, professional, and attentive in every interaction.
FAQs
What does “just to let you know” mean?
It’s a polite way to share information, updates, or reminders without expecting a reply, showing consideration and thoughtfulness.
Is it professional to say “just to let you know”?
Yes, it works in both casual and professional contexts, balancing friendliness and formality effectively.
When should I use “just to let you know”?
Use it when sharing information that may be relevant or important but doesn’t require immediate action.
Can I use alternatives in emails?
Absolutely. Phrases like “for your information” or “wanted to notify you” work well in professional emails.
Are there casual alternatives?
Yes. Options like “by the way”, “so you’re in the loop”, or “just sharing this with you” are friendly and conversational.
Does tone matter when using these phrases?
Yes, tone determines whether your message comes across as considerate, professional, or informal.
What’s the best alternative for reminders?
“Just a friendly reminder” or “wanted to give you a heads-up” works well for polite reminders.
Can it be used in urgent situations?
It can, but choose alternatives that convey urgency clearly, like “for your attention”.
Is repetition okay?
Overusing it may seem insincere; vary your alternatives depending on context.
Are these phrases culturally universal?
Mostly yes, but always consider local communication norms and formality levels.
Can it be used in text messages?
Yes, casual forms like “just so you know” are perfect for texting or chat apps.
Do these alternatives enhance clarity?
Yes, choosing the right phrase ensures the recipient understands importance without confusion.
Can I use multiple alternatives together?
Yes, combining phrases like “just to let you know” with “so you’re aware” can reinforce information politely.
Are these suitable for team communication?
Absolutely. They maintain professionalism while fostering friendly collaboration.
How do I decide which alternative to use?
Consider the relationship, context, and tone. Use formal alternatives for professional settings and casual ones for friends or colleagues.
