25 Other Ways to Say “Please note” (With Examples)

When you please note and consider the way we use such phrases, it’s important to be advised, aware of clarity, and pay attention to specific details or instructions, as the speaker wants the listener to acknowledge the information clearly.

To make your note effective, kindly note and be informed that repetition reinforces instructional messages. Draw attention, highlight, or call the listener’s on key points to help the listener understand potential issues, warnings, or considerations, using simple phrasing that clarifies meaning and purpose.

What Does “please note” Mean?

Please note is used to draw attention to important information, instructions, or details. It signals the reader or listener to be aware and acknowledge the content being shared. Using alternatives can soften the tone, add clarity, or make the communication feel more personal.

When to Use “please note”

Please note when you want the recipient to focus on a specific detail or instruction. It’s particularly helpful in emails, announcements, guidance, or any context where missing information could lead to misunderstanding.

Is It Professional/Polite to say “please note”?

Yes, please note is both professional and polite when used correctly. It is formal enough for workplace communication, but can feel cold if overused. Choosing alternative phrases can make the message feel more approachable.

Pros or Cons

Pros: Highlights important details, directs attention clearly, and maintains professionalism.
Cons: Can feel repetitive or abrupt if overused, may appear too formal in casual conversations.

Kindly Note

Definition/Meaning: “Kindly note” politely requests the reader to pay attention to a particular point. It softens the imperative tone of “please note.”

Detailed Explanation: Often used in emails or letters to gently highlight an important instruction or change.

Example: “Kindly note that the meeting has been rescheduled to 3 PM tomorrow.”

Best Use: Professional emails, polite reminders.
Worst Use: Informal chats, where it may sound overly formal.
Tone: Polite, courteous, professional

Be Advised

Definition/Meaning: Signals that the recipient should be aware of important information, often with an advisory tone.

Detailed Explanation: Common in formal or legal communication, it emphasizes that the information is notable and may require action.

Example: “Be advised that the office will be closed on Friday for maintenance.”

Best Use: Formal notifications, warnings.
Worst Use: Casual messages to friends.
Tone: Formal, assertive, informative

Take Note

Definition/Meaning: A direct way to ask someone to focus on a key point or instruction.

Detailed Explanation: Useful in presentations, meetings, or instructions where something important must be remembered or acted upon.

Example: “Take note of the deadlines for each project phase.”

Best Use: Meetings, teaching, instructional content.
Worst Use: Overly frequent use in casual messages.
Tone: Direct, clear, instructional

For Your Information

Definition/Meaning: Informs the recipient about something important they may need to know.

Detailed Explanation: Can be neutral or formal, and often used when no immediate action is required, but awareness is important.

Example: “For your information, the new office policy takes effect next Monday.”

Best Use: Sharing updates, notifications.
Worst Use: If overused, can seem passive-aggressive.
Tone: Neutral, informative

Note Well

Definition/Meaning: Urges careful attention to important details.

Detailed Explanation: Often found in formal writing, manuals, or instructions to emphasize that the information is critical.

Example: “Note well the safety instructions before operating the machine.”

Best Use: Manuals, procedural documents.
Worst Use: Casual conversation; may sound archaic.
Tone: Serious, formal, emphatic

It Should Be Noted

Definition/Meaning: Used to emphasize that a particular point is important and should not be overlooked.

Detailed Explanation: Common in formal reports or documents when you want the reader to pay attention to a significant detail.

Example: “It should be noted that all submissions must be completed before Friday.”

Best Use: Reports, professional memos, formal correspondence.
Worst Use: Casual messages or texts.
Tone: Formal, serious, instructive

Please Be Informed

Definition/Meaning: Politely alerts the recipient to important information they need to know.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in emails or notices to notify someone of changes or updates, without requiring immediate action.

Example: “Please be informed that the office hours will change starting next week.”

Best Use: Workplace notifications, policy updates.
Worst Use: Informal communication with friends or colleagues.
Tone: Polite, professional, neutral

It Should Be Pointed Out

Definition/Meaning: Highlights important details that the reader may otherwise miss.

Detailed Explanation: Typically used when clarifying instructions, rules, or exceptions that are critical.

Example: “It should be pointed out that late entries will not be accepted under any circumstances.”

Best Use: Formal instructions, clarifications, compliance documents.
Worst Use: Casual conversation.
Tone: Formal, clear, precise

Kindly Observe

Definition/Meaning: Requests attention to something important in a polite manner.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in emails or notices to gently direct someone’s focus to a key point or action.

Example: “Kindly observe the updated safety protocols before starting work.”

Best Use: Emails, polite professional reminders.
Worst Use: Overly casual messages may sound stiff.
Tone: Polite, courteous, professional

Pay Attention

Definition/Meaning: Directs the recipient to focus on a specific detail or instruction.

Detailed Explanation: Commonly used in training, presentations, or safety instructions where missing a step could have consequences.

Example: “Pay attention to the highlighted sections in the report.”

Best Use: Training sessions, workshops, meetings.
Worst Use: Formal writing where a softer tone is needed.
Tone: Direct, instructional, clear

Note That

Definition/Meaning: Signals that what follows is important and should be remembered or acted upon.

Detailed Explanation: Effective in highlighting facts, instructions, or conditions in professional documents.

Example: “Note that all applications must be submitted online.”

Best Use: Instructions, announcements.
Worst Use: Informal casual chat.
Tone: Neutral, factual, instructive

Alerting You

Definition/Meaning: Indicates that the message contains important information requiring awareness.

Detailed Explanation: Frequently used in emails or notifications to draw attention to a warning or update.

Example: “Alerting you that the deadline has been moved forward.”

Best Use: Notifications, warnings, critical updates.
Worst Use: Overuse can make the message seem urgent unnecessarily.
Tone: Cautionary, professional, informative

Important Notice

Definition/Meaning: Announces something of significant relevance that the recipient must read carefully.

Detailed Explanation: Common in public announcements, corporate emails, or policy documents.

Example: “Important notice: The new security measures will take effect next Monday.”

Best Use: Announcements, mandatory communications.
Worst Use: Casual conversations.
Tone: Formal, serious, clear

Please Take Note

Definition/Meaning: Politely emphasizes that the reader should be aware of something important.

Detailed Explanation: Useful in professional settings for highlighting key instructions or reminders.

Example: “Please take note of the revised meeting schedule.”

Best Use: Emails, meeting notes, official reminders.
Worst Use: Informal text messages.
Tone: Polite, professional, instructive

Mind You

Definition/Meaning: Draws attention to an important point, often adding emphasis or clarification.

Detailed Explanation: Can be used to highlight exceptions, contrasts, or details in conversations or writing.

Example: “Mind you, this change only applies to the marketing team.”

Best Use: Conversational writing, clarifications.
Worst Use: Overly formal documents.
Tone: Informal, emphatic, conversational

Draw Attention To

Definition/Meaning: Directs focus to important details that may require action or awareness.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in emails, presentations, or reports to highlight key points.

Example: “Draw attention to the highlighted areas in the financial report.”

Best Use: Presentations, emails, reports.
Worst Use: Overly casual or personal messages.
Tone: Professional, clear, instructive

For The Attention Of

Definition/Meaning: Formally directs the message to a specific person or group and signals important content.

Detailed Explanation: Common in letters, memos, or emails when you want to address someone specifically.

Example: “For the attention of all department heads, please review the updated guidelines.”

Best Use: Formal correspondence, official notifications.
Worst Use: Casual chat or text messages.
Tone: Formal, professional, directive

Make Notice Of

Definition/Meaning: Encourages the recipient to recognize or acknowledge something important.

Detailed Explanation: Useful in written instructions or notices where emphasis is needed.

Example: “Make notice of the new entry procedures effective immediately.”

Best Use: Instructions, policies, official communications.
Worst Use: Overly casual messages.
Tone: Formal, instructive, clear

Heads Up

Definition/Meaning: An Informal way to warn or alert someone about something important.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in conversations or emails to give advance warning or prepare someone for upcoming events.

Example: “Heads up, the team meeting has been moved to 2 PM.”

Best Use: Informal emails, quick alerts.
Worst Use: Formal letters or reports.
Tone: Casual, friendly, alerting

Just So You Know

Definition/Meaning: An Informal phrase to provide important information or clarification.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in emails, chats, or conversations to share a detail politely.

Example: “Just so you know, the documents need to be submitted by Friday.”

Best Use: Informal communication, internal messages.
Worst Use: Formal or professional correspondence.
Tone: Friendly, casual, informative

Observe That

Definition/Meaning: Directs attention to a significant detail or instruction.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in academic or professional writing to emphasize critical points.

Example: “Observe that the data trends differ significantly from last quarter.”

Best Use: Reports, research papers, formal instructions.
Worst Use: Casual conversations.
Tone: Formal, serious, analytical

Keep In Mind

Definition/Meaning: Encourages someone to remember an important detail or consideration.

Detailed Explanation: Useful for reminders, guidance, or advice, often in both formal and informal contexts.

Example: “Keep in mind that all expense reports are due by Monday.”

Best Use: Reminders, advice, instructions.
Worst Use: Overly repetitive usage.
Tone: Friendly, advisory, practical

Take Heed

Definition/Meaning: Urges careful attention to important information, often cautionary.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in safety instructions, legal notices, or warnings.

Example: “Take heed of the safety warnings before operating the machinery.”

Best Use: Safety instructions, legal guidance.
Worst Use: Casual messages.
Tone: Serious, cautionary, formal

Reminder

Definition/Meaning: Highlights important information or deadlines that need attention.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in emails, notifications, or memos to prevent someone from missing something.

Example: “Reminder: The budget proposal is due tomorrow.”

Best Use: Emails, internal communication, deadlines.
Worst Use: Overused casual notes.
Tone: Neutral, clear, polite

Nota Bene

Definition/Meaning: Latin for “note well,” used to indicate important details that require attention.

Detailed Explanation: Common in formal writing, academic works, or professional manuals to emphasize critical points.

Example: “Nota bene: All signatures must be original and dated.”

Best Use: Formal writing, manuals, academic papers.
Worst Use: Informal conversation.
Tone: Formal, serious, instructive

Final Thoughts

Using please note effectively goes beyond simply repeating the phrase; it’s about conveying important information in a way that is clear, polite, and engaging. The alternatives explored here—ranging from kindly note and be advised to nota bene and take heed—allow you to tailor your tone, whether formal, instructional, or conversational. Each option has its nuances: some are more directive, others softer, and some highlight cautionary or advisory points. Choosing the right phrase ensures your message resonates and avoids miscommunication.

In professional writing, subtle differences in tone and phrasing can have a significant impact. Using alternatives strategically can enhance clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and create a warmer, more considerate communication style. Personal experience shows that readers respond positively when instructions or details are presented thoughtfully. Highlighting important points using variations of please note helps maintain attention, emphasizes key information, and fosters accountability.

Whether you’re writing emails, reports, manuals, or casual notes, the goal remains the same: ensure the reader understands and acknowledges critical points. By mastering these alternatives, you can convey urgency, caution, or simply draw focus without sounding repetitive or impersonal. Always consider the context, audience, and desired tone. Incorporating these variations into your writing habitually will improve clarity, professionalism, and engagement, making your communication more effective, empathetic, and memorable.

FAQs

What does “please note” mean?

Please note that signals the reader to pay attention to important information or instructions. It ensures awareness and understanding of critical points.

When should I use “please note”?

Use it in emails, reports, or announcements where highlighting important details or instructions is necessary for clarity.

Is “please note” polite?

Yes, it is polite and professional but may feel formal. Softer alternatives like kindly note can make it warmer.

Can “please note” be used in casual writing?

It can, but it may feel overly formal. Alternatives like just so you know or heads up are better in casual contexts.

What is the best alternative to “please note”?

Kindly note, be advised, and take note are versatile alternatives suitable for professional communication.

How do I choose the right alternative?

Consider tone, audience, and context. Formal reports need be advised or nota bene, while emails can use please take note.

Are there cautionary alternatives?

Yes, take heed or alerting you emphasize warnings or potential issues effectively.

Can “please note” sound rude?

Overuse or abrupt placement may feel commanding. Using polite alternatives softens the tone.

Is “nota bene” common in emails?

It is more formal and suited for academic or official documents rather than everyday emails.

Can “please note” be replaced in presentations?

Yes, alternatives like drawing attention to or observing that work well in slides and meetings.

Should I bold “important” points?

Bolding important information enhances readability and ensures key points are not missed.

Are there informal alternatives?

Yes, heads up, just so you know, and mind you suit suit-friendly or casual communication.

How many alternatives should I use?

Use one or two per message to avoid repetition and maintain clarity.

Do all alternatives work globally?

Most are widely understood, but cultural context may affect perception. Formality may vary by region.

Why use alternatives at all?

Alternatives prevent monotony, tailor tone, and make communication empathetic, engaging, and effective.