The phrase “I would be remiss” is a formal way to admit that failing to mention or do something would be careless, but it can sometimes sound old-fashioned or overly stiff. Depending on your tone, you might prefer alternatives like “I should mention,” “it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t say,” or “I’d regret not pointing out.”
Whether you’re writing a speech, expressing gratitude, or making an important acknowledgment, having different ways to say “I would be remiss” helps your message feel more natural and sincere. This guide shares thoughtful and effective alternatives for a variety of contexts.
Definition of “Remiss”
The word “remiss” is an adjective that describes a state of negligence, carelessness, or dereliction of duty. It implies a failure to fulfill an obligation or responsibility.
To be remiss is to be lacking in diligence, attention, or care, especially in doing what is required by one’s role or position. The term often carries a connotation of mild reproach or regret.
In essence, “remiss” suggests a shortcoming in one’s performance or behavior, particularly when it comes to fulfilling a responsibility or obligation. It’s a formal word, often used in professional or official contexts.
The phrase “I would be remiss” is a polite and somewhat formal way of acknowledging that you have a duty or obligation to do something, and that failing to do so would be a serious oversight.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of “remiss”:
- Classification: Adjective
- Function: Describes a state of negligence or failure to fulfill a duty.
- Contexts: Formal writing, professional communication, situations requiring a polite acknowledgment of responsibility.
Structural Breakdown of “I Would Be Remiss”
The phrase “I would be remiss” follows a specific grammatical structure. Understanding this structure helps in comprehending its meaning and finding appropriate substitutes:
I (Subject) + would be (Conditional Verb) + remiss (Adjective) + to/if (Preposition/Conjunction) + [Action/Condition]
Let’s break down each component:
- I: The first-person singular pronoun, indicating the speaker or writer.
- Would be: A conditional form of the verb “to be,” indicating a hypothetical situation. It suggests that the speaker is considering a potential course of action or inaction.
- Remiss: The adjective describing the state of negligence or failure to fulfill a duty.
- To/If: A preposition or conjunction that introduces the specific action or condition that would make the speaker remiss. “To” is typically used before a verb in the infinitive form, while “if” is used before a clause.
- [Action/Condition]: The specific action or condition that the speaker believes they have a responsibility to address.
For example: “I would be remiss to not acknowledge your hard work.” Here, “to not acknowledge” is the action. “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you.” Here, “if I didn’t thank” is the condition.
Other Ways to Say “I Would Be Remiss”
The phrase “I would be remiss” can be replaced with a variety of alternatives, depending on the context and desired level of formality. These alternatives can be categorized into formal, semi-formal, informal, and contextual options.
Formal Alternatives
These alternatives maintain a high level of formality and are suitable for professional or official settings:
- It would be negligent of me: This option emphasizes the potential for carelessness or neglect.
- I would be failing in my duty: This phrase highlights the speaker’s responsibility and the potential consequences of inaction.
- I would be derelict in my duty: Similar to the previous option, but with a stronger emphasis on the breach of duty.
- I feel obligated to: This expresses a sense of moral or professional obligation.
- It is incumbent upon me to: This phrase suggests a formal responsibility or requirement.
Semi-Formal Alternatives
These options strike a balance between formality and approachability, suitable for many professional and social situations:
- I should: A simple and direct way of expressing obligation.
- I ought to: Similar to “I should,” but with a slightly stronger sense of duty.
- I feel it’s important to: This emphasizes the speaker’s personal sense of importance.
- I need to: A straightforward way of expressing necessity.
- I want to: While seemingly less formal, this can be used to express a strong desire to fulfill an obligation, especially when followed by a sincere explanation.
Informal Alternatives
These options are suitable for casual conversations and informal settings:
- I have to: A common and direct way of expressing obligation.
- I gotta: A more colloquial version of “I have to.”
- It’s my job to: This emphasizes the speaker’s role and responsibilities.
- I’d better: This suggests a sense of urgency or potential negative consequences.
- I can’t forget to: This highlights the importance of remembering to do something.
Contextual Alternatives
These alternatives are specific to the context of the situation and may not directly translate to “I would be remiss,” but they effectively convey the same sentiment:
- Thank you: If “I would be remiss not to thank you,” simply saying “Thank you” might suffice.
- Congratulations: If “I would be remiss not to congratulate you,” just offering congratulations is appropriate.
- I appreciate: If “I would be remiss not to acknowledge your effort,” saying “I appreciate your effort” is more direct.
- Please allow me to: Use this to express a polite request or offer.
- Before I forget: Use this to transition into something you don’t want to neglect.
Examples
The following tables provide examples of how to use each alternative in a sentence, demonstrating the nuances of each expression.
Formal Examples
This table provides examples of more formal alternatives to “I would be remiss.” These options are suitable for professional or official settings where a high level of formality is expected.
| Original Sentence | Formal Alternative |
|---|---|
| I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge your contribution to the project. | It would be negligent of me if I didn’t acknowledge your contribution to the project. |
| I would be remiss to not inform the board of these developments. | I would be failing in my duty if I did not inform the board of these developments. |
| I would be remiss if I failed to mention the support of our sponsors. | I would be derelict in my duty if I failed to mention the support of our sponsors. |
| I would be remiss not to express my gratitude for your assistance. | I feel obligated to express my gratitude for your assistance. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight the importance of adhering to these guidelines. | It is incumbent upon me to highlight the importance of adhering to these guidelines. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the team for their overtime work. | It would be negligent of me if I didn’t thank the team for their overtime work. |
| I would be remiss to not address the potential risks associated with this venture. | I would be failing in my duty if I did not address the potential risks associated with this venture. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the dedication of our volunteers. | I would be derelict in my duty if I didn’t recognize the dedication of our volunteers. |
| I would be remiss not to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land. | I feel obligated to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t emphasize the confidentiality of this information. | It is incumbent upon me to emphasize the confidentiality of this information. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the positive feedback we received. | It would be negligent of me if I didn’t mention the positive feedback we received. |
| I would be remiss to not update you on the project’s progress. | I would be failing in my duty if I did not update you on the project’s progress. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight the significance of this research. | I would be derelict in my duty if I didn’t highlight the significance of this research. |
| I would be remiss not to show my appreciation to the sponsors for their generous support. | I feel obligated to show my appreciation to the sponsors for their generous support. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t inform you about the upcoming changes in policy. | It is incumbent upon me to inform you about the upcoming changes in policy. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the importance of this partnership. | It would be negligent of me if I didn’t acknowledge the importance of this partnership. |
| I would be remiss to not express my gratitude for all of the team’s dedication. | I would be failing in my duty if I did not express my gratitude for all of the team’s dedication. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t underscore the severity of the situation. | I would be derelict in my duty if I didn’t underscore the severity of the situation. |
| I would be remiss not to convey my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. | I feel obligated to convey my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t remind everyone of the safety protocols. | It is incumbent upon me to remind everyone of the safety protocols. |
Semi-Formal Examples
This table provides examples of semi-formal alternatives to “I would be remiss.” These phrases are suitable for professional and social situations where a balance between formality and approachability is desired.
| Original Sentence | Semi-Formal Alternative |
|---|---|
| I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how helpful Sarah has been. | I should mention how helpful Sarah has been. |
| I would be remiss to not thank you for your hospitality. | I ought to thank you for your hospitality. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the hard work everyone put in. | I feel it’s important to acknowledge the hard work everyone put in. |
| I would be remiss to not let you know about the meeting next week. | I need to let you know about the meeting next week. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t offer my congratulations on your promotion. | I want to offer my congratulations on your promotion. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize your efforts. | I should recognize your efforts. |
| I would be remiss to not acknowledge the positive impact of this initiative. | I ought to acknowledge the positive impact of this initiative. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t share my concerns about the new policy. | I feel it’s important to share my concerns about the new policy. |
| I would be remiss to not remind you about the deadline. | I need to remind you about the deadline. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t express my appreciation for your support. | I want to express my appreciation for your support. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t bring up the budget concerns. | I should bring up the budget concerns. |
| I would be remiss to not let you know about the change in plans. | I ought to let you know about the change in plans. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t emphasize the importance of teamwork. | I feel it’s important to emphasize the importance of teamwork. |
| I would be remiss to not provide you with the necessary information. | I need to provide you with the necessary information. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t commend you on your excellent performance. | I want to commend you on your excellent performance. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge your patience. | I should acknowledge your patience. |
| I would be remiss to not thank you for your consideration. | I ought to thank you for your consideration. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t express my gratitude to the volunteers. | I feel it’s important to express my gratitude to the volunteers. |
| I would be remiss to not inform you of the recent developments. | I need to inform you of the recent developments. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t congratulate you on your achievement. | I want to congratulate you on your achievement. |
Informal Examples
This table provides examples of informal alternatives to “I would be remiss.” These phrases are suitable for casual conversations and informal settings where a relaxed tone is appropriate.
| Original Sentence | Informal Alternative |
|---|---|
| I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about the party. | I have to tell you about the party. |
| I would be remiss to not say thank you for the gift. | I gotta say thank you for the gift. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you to take out the trash. | It’s my job to remind you to take out the trash. |
| I would be remiss to not call my mom today. | I’d better call my mom today. |
| I would be remiss if I forgot to pick up the dry cleaning. | I can’t forget to pick up the dry cleaning. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how awesome the movie was. | I have to tell you how awesome the movie was. |
| I would be remiss to not thank you for the ride. | I gotta thank you for the ride. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you about the doctor’s appointment. | It’s my job to remind you about the doctor’s appointment. |
| I would be remiss to not water the plants. | I’d better water the plants. |
| I would be remiss if I forgot to buy milk. | I can’t forget to buy milk. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t ask about your vacation. | I have to ask about your vacation. |
| I would be remiss to not tell you about the funny thing that happened. | I gotta tell you about the funny thing that happened. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you to lock the door. | It’s my job to remind you to lock the door. |
| I would be remiss to not return the book to the library. | I’d better return the book to the library. |
| I would be remiss if I forgot to feed the cat. | I can’t forget to feed the cat. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge your help. | I have to acknowledge your help. |
| I would be remiss to not thank you for everything. | I gotta thank you for everything. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you about the deadline. | It’s my job to remind you about the deadline. |
| I would be remiss to not finish this assignment on time. | I’d better finish this assignment on time. |
| I would be remiss if I forgot to pack my lunch. | I can’t forget to pack my lunch. |
Contextual Examples
This table provides examples of contextual alternatives to “I would be remiss.” These phrases are specific to the context and may not directly translate, but effectively convey the same sentiment.
| Original Sentence | Contextual Alternative |
|---|---|
| I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you for your help. | Thank you for your help. |
| I would be remiss not to congratulate you on your success. | Congratulations on your success! |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge your outstanding effort. | I appreciate your outstanding effort. |
| I would be remiss to not offer you a drink. | Please allow me to offer you a drink. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the change in schedule. | Before I forget, the schedule has changed. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t compliment you on your presentation. | That was a great presentation! |
| I would be remiss not to mention the upcoming conference. | Don’t forget about the upcoming conference. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t ask about your family. | How is your family doing? |
| I would be remiss to not offer my assistance. | Please let me know if you need any help. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge your support. | Your support is greatly appreciated. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t make you aware of the new policy. | Please be aware of the new policy. |
| I would be remiss not to extend an invitation. | We would be delighted if you could join us. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the importance of safety. | Remember, safety is our top priority. |
| I would be remiss to not offer my condolences. | I am so sorry for your loss. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you for your time. | Thank you for your time. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t wish you good luck. | I wish you the best of luck. |
| I would be remiss not to acknowledge the team’s success. | The team’s success is worth celebrating. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you of the upcoming deadline. | Just a reminder about the upcoming deadline. |
| I would be remiss to not express my enthusiasm for the project. | I’m very excited about this project. |
| I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge your dedication. | Your dedication does not go unnoticed. |
Usage Rules
When choosing an alternative to “I would be remiss,” consider the following usage rules:
- Formality: Select an alternative that matches the formality of the situation. Formal alternatives are suitable for professional settings, while informal alternatives are best for casual conversations.
- Context: Choose an alternative that fits the specific context of the situation. Contextual alternatives can be more effective than direct replacements in some cases.
- Audience: Consider your audience when choosing an alternative. Use language that is appropriate for their level of understanding and expectations.
- Clarity: Ensure that the alternative you choose clearly conveys your intended meaning. Avoid using ambiguous or confusing language.
- Emphasis: Think about the level of emphasis you want to convey. Some alternatives, like “I feel obligated to,” express a stronger sense of duty than others, such as “I should.”
Key Considerations: Pay close attention to the specific nuance you want to convey. “I would be failing in my duty” carries a stronger sense of responsibility than “I should.” Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects your intent.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “I would be remiss”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I must to thank you. | I must thank you. | “Must” is a modal verb and doesn’t require “to.” |
| I ought thank you. | I ought to thank you. | “Ought” requires “to” before the verb. |
| It’s my job remind you. | It’s my job to remind you. | “To” is needed before the verb when using “It’s my job.” |
| I negligent if I don’t say. | It would be negligent of me if I didn’t say. | This lacks the correct grammatical structure. |
| I want appreciate your help. | I want to appreciate your help. | “Want” requires “to” before the verb in this context. |
| I feel important say thank you. | I feel it’s important to say thank you. | Missing the “it’s” for correct grammar. |
| I better remember. | I’d better remember. | Missing the contracted form of “would”. |
| I obligated thanking you. | I feel obligated to thank you. | Incorrect verb and preposition. |
| It incumbent me to say. | It is incumbent upon me to say. | Missing the verb “is” and the preposition “upon.” |
| I have remind. | I have to remind. | Missing the “to” before the verb. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of the alternatives to “I would be remiss” with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Choose the most appropriate alternative.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| In a formal presentation, you want to acknowledge the contributions of your team. Which alternative is most appropriate? | It would be negligent of me if I didn’t acknowledge the contributions of my team. |
| You’re talking to a friend and want to remind them to pick up milk. Which alternative is most appropriate? | I can’t forget to pick up milk. |
| You’re writing an email to your boss and want to thank them for their guidance. Which alternative is most appropriate? | I ought to thank you for your guidance. |
| You’re at a party and want to offer your host a drink. Which alternative is most appropriate? | Please allow me to offer you a drink. |
| You need to remind your colleague about an upcoming deadline. Which alternative is most appropriate for a casual setting? | It’s my job to remind you about the deadline. |
| You are giving a formal speech and want to emphasize the importance of safety. Which alternative is most suitable? | It is incumbent upon me to emphasize the importance of safety. |
| You are casually talking to a friend and want to express that you need to call your mom today. What would you say? | I’d better call my mom today. |
| During a business meeting, you want to acknowledge your team’s hard work. Which alternative is most appropriate? | I feel it’s important to acknowledge the hard work everyone put in. |
| You want to thank someone for a gift in a casual conversation. What do you say? | I gotta say thank you for the gift. |
| You are writing a formal letter and need to apologize for a mistake. Which alternative is best? | I feel obligated to convey my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using an alternative to “I would be remiss.”
- I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you for your help. (Informal)
- I would be remiss to not acknowledge your hard work. (Formal)
- I would be remiss if I forgot to call my sister. (Casual)
- I would be remiss to not inform you of the changes. (Semi-formal)
- I would be remiss if I didn’t congratulate you on your new job. (Contextual)
- I would be remiss if I did not mention the company’s financial issues. (Formal)
- I would be remiss if I didn’t ask how your family is doing. (Informal)
- I would be remiss to not offer my assistance with the project. (Semi-formal)
- I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about the concert. (Casual)
- I would be remiss to not express my gratitude for your support. (Formal)
Answers to Exercise 2:
- Thank you for your help.
- It would be negligent of me if I didn’t acknowledge your hard work.
- I can’t forget to call my sister.
- I need to inform you of the changes.
- Congratulations on your new job!
- It would be derelict in my duty if I did not mention the company’s financial issues.
- How is your family doing?
- I should offer my assistance with the project.
- I have to tell you about the concert.
- I feel obligated to express my gratitude for your support.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects:
- Subtleties of Tone: Explore how word choice can subtly alter the tone of your message. For example, “I feel obligated to” can sound more sincere than “It is incumbent upon me to,” even though both are formal.
- Cultural Considerations: Different cultures have different communication styles. What is considered formal in one culture might be informal in another. Be mindful of cultural norms when choosing an alternative.
- Combining Alternatives: You can combine alternatives to create more nuanced expressions. For example, “I feel it’s important, and I should, thank you for your time.”
- Figurative Language: Explore using metaphors or similes to express the same sentiment in a more creative way. For example, instead of saying “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention…”, you could say “It would be like forgetting the punchline to a joke if I didn’t mention…”
FAQ
Is “I would be remiss” always formal?
Yes, “I would be remiss” is generally considered a formal phrase. While it’s grammatically correct and conveys a clear meaning, it can sound overly stiff or pretentious in casual settings. It is best reserved for professional or official contexts where a high level of formality is appropriate.
Can I use “I will be remiss” instead of “I would be remiss”?
While grammatically correct, “I will be remiss” implies a definite future action of negligence, which is rarely the intended meaning. “I would be remiss” expresses a hypothetical situation where failing to do something would be a dereliction of duty. Therefore, “I would be remiss” is almost always the preferred option.
Which alternative is the most versatile?
“I should” is a highly versatile alternative that can be used in many situations, both formal and semi-formal. While it might not carry the same weight as “I would be failing in my duty,” it is a clear and concise way of expressing obligation or responsibility without sounding overly formal.
How can I make an informal alternative sound more polite?
You can soften informal alternatives by adding phrases like “Please,” “If you don’t mind,” or “I appreciate it.” For example, instead of just saying “I have to tell you,” you could say “Please, I have to tell you something.”
Are there any alternatives that are considered outdated or archaic?
While technically correct, some very formal alternatives, such as “It behooves me to,” might sound outdated or overly formal to modern ears. It’s best to stick to more contemporary options like “It is incumbent upon me to” or “I feel obligated to” in formal settings.
How do I choose the best alternative for a specific situation?
Consider the context, your audience, and the level of formality required. If you’re unsure, err on the side of being slightly more formal than informal. It’s always better to be perceived as polite and respectful than as too casual or flippant.
What if I want to emphasize the importance of something without using “I would be remiss?”
You can use phrases like “It is crucial that…”, “It is essential that…”, or “It is vital that…” to highlight the significance of a particular action or piece of information. These phrases directly convey the importance without relying on the more formal expression.
How can I avoid sounding repetitive when using alternatives to “I would be remiss” frequently in my writing?
Vary your sentence structure and use different alternatives depending on the specific context. You can also rephrase your sentences to focus on the action itself rather than your obligation to perform it. For example, instead of saying “I feel obligated to mention the budget constraints,” you could say “The budget constraints must be taken into consideration.”
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “I would be remiss” is a valuable skill for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.