Effective communication hinges on clarity and adaptability. Knowing how to phrase requests and reminders in various ways not only enhances your professional and personal interactions but also demonstrates a sophisticated command of the English language.
This article explores a multitude of alternatives to the common phrase “Please be reminded,” providing you with the tools to communicate more effectively and appropriately in diverse situations. Whether you are drafting a formal email, leaving a casual note, or delivering a presentation, mastering these alternatives will undoubtedly elevate your communication skills.
This comprehensive guide is designed for English language learners, professionals seeking to refine their communication, and anyone interested in expanding their vocabulary and grammatical understanding. We will delve into definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, and common mistakes, ensuring a thorough grasp of the topic.
Through numerous examples and practice exercises, you will gain the confidence to employ these alternative phrases with precision and ease.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Please Be Reminded”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Alternatives
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Please Be Reminded”
“Please be reminded” is a polite phrase used to prompt someone to remember or recall something previously agreed upon or communicated. It serves as a gentle nudge, ensuring that the recipient is aware of a deadline, obligation, or upcoming event.
The phrase is generally considered formal and is frequently used in professional settings, such as emails, memos, and official notices.
The function of “Please be reminded” is twofold: to jog the recipient’s memory and to maintain a respectful tone. It acknowledges that the recipient may have simply forgotten the information and avoids accusatory or demanding language.
By using “Please be reminded,” the sender aims to facilitate compliance and cooperation.
Understanding its function is crucial because it helps to choose appropriate alternatives based on the context and the relationship with the recipient. While “Please be reminded” is generally safe for formal communication, it might sound overly stiff or impersonal in more casual settings.
Therefore, knowing a range of alternatives is essential for effective communication.
Structural Breakdown
The phrase “Please be reminded” consists of three main components:
- Please: This is a polite request marker, softening the imperative nature of the reminder. It indicates courtesy and respect.
- Be: This is an auxiliary verb in the passive voice, indicating that the recipient is the one being acted upon (i.e., being reminded).
- Reminded: This is the past participle of the verb “remind,” indicating the action of bringing something back to someone’s memory.
The entire phrase functions as a polite imperative, indirectly instructing the recipient to remember something. The passive voice construction (“be reminded”) is a key element of its formality.
Actively constructed alternatives (e.g., “Remember that…”) tend to be less formal.
Understanding this structure allows for the creation of effective alternatives by modifying or replacing one or more of these components. For example, replacing “Please” with a less formal equivalent, using an active voice construction, or substituting “reminded” with a synonym can all create different shades of meaning and formality.
Types and Categories of Alternatives
Alternatives to “Please be reminded” can be broadly categorized based on their level of formality:
Formal Alternatives
These alternatives are suitable for professional correspondence, official notices, and situations where maintaining a respectful and distant tone is important. They often involve more complex vocabulary and passive voice constructions.
Semi-Formal Alternatives
These alternatives are appropriate for situations where a degree of professionalism is required but a more personal touch is desired. They strike a balance between formality and approachability.
Informal Alternatives
These alternatives are suitable for communication with colleagues, friends, and family, where a relaxed and friendly tone is appropriate. They often use simpler vocabulary and active voice constructions.
Examples
The following tables provide examples of alternatives to “Please be reminded,” categorized by formality level.
Formal Examples
This table showcases formal alternatives to “Please be reminded.” These phrases are suitable for professional correspondence and official announcements where maintaining a respectful tone is essential.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Kindly note that… | Kindly note that the deadline for submitting the report is Friday. |
| It is important to note that… | It is important to note that all attendees must register in advance. |
| We would like to bring to your attention that… | We would like to bring to your attention that the meeting has been rescheduled. |
| Please take note that… | Please take note that the building will be closed for maintenance on Sunday. |
| We wish to remind you that… | We wish to remind you that payment is due upon receipt of the invoice. |
| It has come to our attention that… | It has come to our attention that some users are experiencing technical difficulties. |
| We must emphasize that… | We must emphasize that adherence to the safety guidelines is mandatory. |
| Please be aware that… | Please be aware that unauthorized access is strictly prohibited. |
| You are hereby notified that… | You are hereby notified that your application has been approved. |
| It is imperative that you remember… | It is imperative that you remember to back up your data regularly. |
| We would like to draw your attention to… | We would like to draw your attention to the revised policy. |
| It should be noted that… | It should be noted that the conference room is booked for the entire day. |
| We must remind you of… | We must remind you of the confidentiality agreement you signed. |
| Please be informed that… | Please be informed that the system will be undergoing maintenance tonight. |
| You are advised that… | You are advised that the road will be closed due to construction. |
| We find it necessary to reiterate that… | We find it necessary to reiterate that punctuality is expected. |
| It is essential to bear in mind that… | It is essential to bear in mind that changes to the schedule are possible. |
| We are compelled to remind you that… | We are compelled to remind you that the deadline cannot be extended. |
| You are requested to note that… | You are requested to note that parking is limited. |
| We kindly request you to remember that… | We kindly request you to remember that all materials must be submitted electronically. |
| It is to be understood that… | It is to be understood that non-compliance will result in penalties. |
| We are writing to remind you that… | We are writing to remind you that your subscription is expiring soon. |
| Please be guided that… | Please be guided that the new procedures will be implemented next week. |
| It is our duty to remind you that… | It is our duty to remind you that all employees are required to attend the training. |
| We are obligated to inform you that… | We are obligated to inform you that the terms of service have been updated. |
Semi-Formal Examples
This table contains semi-formal alternatives to “Please be reminded.” These phrases are suitable for professional settings where a slightly more personal and approachable tone is acceptable. They are less stiff than the formal options but still maintain a level of respect and professionalism.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Just a reminder that… | Just a reminder that the team meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 10 AM. |
| Don’t forget that… | Don’t forget that you need to submit your expense reports by the end of the week. |
| A quick reminder about… | A quick reminder about the upcoming client presentation. |
| I wanted to remind you about… | I wanted to remind you about the changes to the project timeline. |
| This is a reminder that… | This is a reminder that the office will be closed on Monday for the holiday. |
| Let me remind you that… | Let me remind you that all invoices must be approved before payment. |
| As a reminder,… | As a reminder, please submit your feedback by Friday. |
| Remember that… | Remember that the dress code for the event is business casual. |
| Just a friendly reminder… | Just a friendly reminder that the deadline for registration is approaching. |
| I’d like to remind you… | I’d like to remind you to review the attached document. |
| A gentle reminder… | A gentle reminder that the parking permits need to be renewed. |
| Let’s not forget that… | Let’s not forget that we have a conference call scheduled for this afternoon. |
| Just a note to remind you… | Just a note to remind you about the upcoming performance review. |
| It’s worth remembering that… | It’s worth remembering that customer satisfaction is our top priority. |
| I thought I’d mention that… | I thought I’d mention that the IT department will be conducting system maintenance tonight. |
| Just flagging that… | Just flagging that the budget proposal is due next week. |
| A short reminder that… | A short reminder that the fire drill will be held tomorrow morning. |
| I’m just reminding you that… | I’m just reminding you that the client is arriving at 2 PM. |
| This serves as a reminder that… | This serves as a reminder that all employees must complete the safety training. |
| Let me quickly remind you… | Let me quickly remind you to update your contact information. |
| A polite reminder about… | A polite reminder about the company’s policy on social media use. |
| Just a quick note to remind you… | Just a quick note to remind you about the team building event. |
| Don’t let’s forget that… | Don’t let’s forget that we need to prepare for the audit. |
| I wanted to bring to your attention again… | I wanted to bring to your attention again the importance of data privacy. |
Informal Examples
This table provides informal alternatives to “Please be reminded.” These phrases are suitable for casual communication with friends, family, and close colleagues where a relaxed and friendly tone is appropriate.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Just a heads-up… | Just a heads-up that we’re meeting for lunch tomorrow. |
| Don’t forget… | Don’t forget to pick up milk on your way home. |
| Remember… | Remember to water the plants while I’m away. |
| Just so you know… | Just so you know, the party starts at 8 PM. |
| Quick reminder… | Quick reminder about movie night this weekend! |
| Just wanted to remind you… | Just wanted to remind you about your doctor’s appointment. |
| Don’t let me forget to remind you… | Don’t let me forget to remind you to call your mom. |
| Hey, remember… | Hey, remember to bring your swimsuit to the beach. |
| Just a little reminder… | Just a little reminder that rent is due on the first. |
| FYI… | FYI, the concert tickets are in the drawer. |
| BTW, don’t forget… | BTW, don’t forget to feed the cat. |
| Just a ping to remind you… | Just a ping to remind you to RSVP for the wedding. |
| A little nudge to remind you… | A little nudge to remind you to finish the book club reading. |
| Friendly reminder… | Friendly reminder to set your alarm for tomorrow morning. |
| Just a thought… | Just a thought, maybe we should order pizza tonight? |
| Hey, just a reminder… | Hey, just a reminder to take out the trash. |
| Don’t you forget… | Don’t you forget to DVR the game! |
| Just popping in to remind you… | Just popping in to remind you about the potluck. |
| Just a little note… | Just a little note to remind you to pay the bills. |
| PS: Remember… | PS: Remember to pack your toothbrush. |
| By the way, remember… | By the way, remember to charge your phone. |
| Just checking in to remind you… | Just checking in to remind you about the deadline for the application. |
| One more thing… | One more thing, remember to lock the door. |
| Just a quickie… | Just a quickie to remind you to pick me up from the airport. |
| A little bird told me to remind you… | A little bird told me to remind you about our anniversary! |
Usage Rules
Choosing the appropriate alternative to “Please be reminded” depends on several factors:
- Formality: Consider the context and your relationship with the recipient. Use formal alternatives in professional settings and informal alternatives in casual settings.
- Tone: Be mindful of the tone you wish to convey. Some alternatives are more direct, while others are more gentle.
- Clarity: Ensure that your chosen alternative clearly conveys the message you intend. Avoid ambiguity.
- Audience: Tailor your language to your audience. Consider their level of English proficiency and cultural background.
For example, in a formal email to a client, using “We would like to bring to your attention that…” is more appropriate than “Just a heads-up…” Similarly, in a text message to a friend, “Remember to…” is perfectly acceptable, while “It is imperative that you remember…” would sound overly formal.
Pay attention to the nuances of each alternative and choose the one that best suits the specific situation. Overly formal language in a casual setting can sound stilted and unnatural, while overly informal language in a professional setting can be disrespectful and unprofessional.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “Please be reminded”:
- Using overly formal language in informal settings: This can make you sound pretentious or out of touch.
- Using overly informal language in formal settings: This can be perceived as disrespectful or unprofessional.
- Choosing an alternative that is too vague or ambiguous: This can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
- Using incorrect grammar or syntax: Always double-check your writing for errors.
Here are some examples of correct and incorrect usage:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “Yo, please be reminded that…” | “Please be reminded that…” (formal) or “Just a heads-up…” (informal) | “Yo” is too informal for most situations. |
| “It is imperative you to remember…” | “It is imperative that you remember…” | The correct grammatical structure is “It is imperative that…”. |
| “A reminder for you…” | “Just a reminder…” or “As a reminder…” | “A reminder for you” is not a natural-sounding phrase. |
| “Kindly be reminded…” | “Kindly note that…” or “Please be reminded…” | While not strictly incorrect, “Kindly be reminded” is somewhat redundant; “Kindly note” is more concise. |
| “Remember that the meeting is tomorrow you know.” | “Remember that the meeting is tomorrow.” | Adding “you know” makes the sentence less formal and less clear. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of alternatives to “Please be reminded” with the following exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate alternative to “Please be reminded,” choosing from the options provided.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| ________ the deadline for submitting the application is next Friday. | a) Just a heads-up, b) It is important to note that, c) Don’t forget | b) It is important to note that |
| ________ to bring your ID card to the exam. | a) Kindly note, b) Remember, c) We wish to remind you | b) Remember |
| ________ the office will be closed on Monday for the holiday. | a) Just a reminder, b) We would like to bring to your attention that, c) FYI | b) We would like to bring to your attention that |
| ________ to RSVP for the party by tomorrow. | a) Don’t forget, b) You are hereby notified, c) It should be noted | a) Don’t forget |
| ________ all attendees must register in advance. | a) Just so you know, b) We must emphasize that, c) Just a ping | b) We must emphasize that |
| ________ that payment is due upon receipt of the invoice. | a) We wish to remind you, b) Hey, remember, c) Quick reminder | a) We wish to remind you |
| ________ the meeting has been rescheduled for next week. | a) We would like to bring to your attention that, b) Just wanted to remind you, c) A little nudge | a) We would like to bring to your attention that |
| ________ to submit your expense reports by the end of the month. | a) Just a reminder, b) It is essential to bear in mind that, c) Remember | a) Just a reminder |
| ________ unauthorized access is strictly prohibited. | a) Please be aware that, b) A little bird told me, c) BTW, don’t forget | a) Please be aware that |
| ________ the new policy will be implemented next quarter. | a) Please be guided that, b) Just a heads-up, c) A polite reminder | a) Please be guided that |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using a more formal or informal alternative to “Please be reminded,” as indicated in parentheses.
| Original Sentence | Revised Sentence |
|---|---|
| Please be reminded that the deadline is tomorrow. (Formal) | It is important to note that the deadline is tomorrow. |
| Please be reminded to pick up milk. (Informal) | Don’t forget to pick up milk. |
| Please be reminded that the conference call is scheduled for 3 PM. (Semi-formal) | Just a reminder that the conference call is scheduled for 3 PM. |
| Please be reminded that all employees must attend the training. (Formal) | It is our duty to remind you that all employees must attend the training. |
| Please be reminded to lock the door. (Informal) | Remember to lock the door. |
| Please be reminded that the system will be down for maintenance. (Semi-formal) | This is a reminder that the system will be down for maintenance. |
| Please be reminded that punctuality is expected. (Formal) | We find it necessary to reiterate that punctuality is expected. |
| Please be reminded to bring your swimsuit. (Informal) | Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit. |
| Please be reminded that the office will be closed. (Semi-formal) | Just a reminder that the office will be closed. |
| Please be reminded that compliance is mandatory. (Formal) | We must emphasize that compliance is mandatory. |
Exercise 3: Choose the Best Alternative
Choose the best alternative to “Please be reminded” based on the context provided.
| Context | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Sending an email to your boss about an upcoming deadline. | a) Just a heads-up, b) It is important to note that, c) Don’t forget | b) It is important to note that |
| Texting a friend about a movie night. | a) Kindly note, b) Remember, c) We wish to remind you | b) Remember |
| Announcing an office closure in a company-wide email. | a) Just a reminder, b) We would like to bring to your attention that, c) FYI | b) We would like to bring to your attention that |
| Telling your roommate about rent being due. | a) Don’t forget, b) You are hereby notified, c) It should be noted | a) Don’t forget |
| Informing employees about mandatory safety training. | a) Just so you know, b) We must emphasize that, c) Just a ping | b) We must emphasize that |
| Emailing a client about an overdue invoice. | a) We wish to remind you, b) Hey, remember, c) Quick reminder | a) We wish to remind you |
| Informing attendees of a rescheduled meeting. | a) We would like to bring to your attention that, b) Just wanted to remind you, c) A little nudge | a) We would like to bring to your attention that |
| Reminding your team about a project deadline. | a) Just a reminder, b) It is essential to bear in mind that, c) Remember | a) Just a reminder |
| Warning employees about unauthorized access. | a) Please be aware that, b) A little bird told me, c) BTW, don’t forget | a) Please be aware that |
| Informing employees about a new company policy. | a) Please be guided that, b) Just a heads-up, c) A polite reminder | a) Please be guided that |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more nuanced aspects:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware that different cultures may have different expectations regarding formality and directness.
- Subtle Variations: Explore the subtle differences in meaning between seemingly similar alternatives. For example, “Kindly note” implies a slightly stronger request than “Please note.”
- Combining Alternatives: You can combine elements of different alternatives to create a unique and nuanced phrase. For example, “Just a friendly reminder that…”
- Using alternatives to avoid sounding repetitive: If you have to send multiple reminders, varying your language will make your communication more engaging and less monotonous.
Mastering these advanced concepts will allow you to communicate with even greater precision and effectiveness.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about alternatives to “Please be reminded”:
- Is “Please be reminded” always appropriate in formal settings?
While generally suitable, it can sometimes sound overly stiff. Consider alternatives like “It is important to note that…” or “We would like to bring to your attention that…” for a more nuanced approach. - What is the best alternative for a quick email to a colleague?
“Just a reminder that…” or “Don’t forget that…” are often good choices for a semi-formal and friendly tone. - How can I avoid sounding demanding when reminding someone of something?
Use softening phrases like “Just a friendly reminder…” or “I wanted to remind you…” to maintain a polite and respectful tone. - Are there any alternatives that are considered outdated or overly formal?
Phrases like “You are hereby notified that…” can sound antiquated and overly legalistic. It’s best to opt for more modern and approachable alternatives. - How do I choose the right alternative for a specific situation?
Consider the formality of the setting, your relationship with the recipient, and the tone you wish to convey. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose a slightly more formal option. - Can I use “FYI” as a replacement for “Please be reminded?”
“FYI” (For Your Information) is suitable for informal settings where you’re simply providing information, but it doesn’t carry the same weight as a reminder about an action or deadline. - What if I need to remind someone multiple times? Should I continue using the same phrase?
No, varying your language is crucial to avoid sounding repetitive or nagging. Use a mix of formal, semi-formal, and even slightly more direct alternatives depending on the situation and the recipient’s responsiveness. - Is “Kindly reminder” a correct phrase?
While “kindly” and “reminder” are both valid words, the phrase “kindly reminder” is not grammatically correct or commonly used in English. Instead, use “gentle reminder” or “friendly reminder.”
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “Please be reminded” is a valuable skill that enhances your communication in various contexts. By understanding the nuances of formality, tone, and audience, you can choose the most appropriate phrase for each situation.
This not only improves clarity but also demonstrates your command of the English language and your ability to adapt to different communication styles.
Remember to practice using these alternatives in your writing and speaking. Pay attention to the feedback you receive and refine your skills over time.
With consistent effort, you will become more confident and effective in your communication, both professionally and personally. The key takeaway is to be mindful of your audience and the context of your message, ensuring that your reminders are both clear and considerate.