Saying “please keep in mind” is a helpful way to offer a reminder or highlight important information—but using it too often can make your writing feel repetitive or overly formal. Depending on the context, you might say “just a reminder,” “be aware that,” or “it’s worth noting” to maintain a friendly yet professional tone.
Whether you’re writing an email, giving instructions, or clarifying expectations, the way you phrase reminders can affect how your message is received. This guide offers clear, respectful alternatives to “please keep in mind,” each tailored for different tones—formal, conversational, or instructional.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition and Purpose
- Structural Breakdown
- Categories of Alternative Phrases
- Examples of Alternative Phrases
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition and Purpose
The phrase “Please keep in mind” serves as a polite way to draw someone’s attention to a specific piece of information that is important for them to remember or consider. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the listener or reader is aware of a particular fact, condition, or guideline that is relevant to the current discussion or situation.
The phrase functions as a gentle reminder, often preceding crucial details that could impact decisions, actions, or understanding. Using varied alternatives can prevent monotony and allow for more precise communication.
The phrase falls under the category of adverbial phrases, specifically those that modify the verb by adding a condition or suggestion. Grammatically, it acts as an introductory element, setting the stage for the information that follows. Depending on the context, it can convey different shades of meaning, from a simple reminder to a strong recommendation.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of the phrase “Please keep in mind” consists of three key components:
- “Please”: This is a politeness marker, softening the imperative nature of the request. It indicates respect for the listener or reader.
- “Keep in mind”: This is the core of the phrase, meaning to remember or be aware of something. “Keep” is the verb, “in mind” is a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier.
- The information to be remembered: This follows the phrase and provides the specific detail that the speaker or writer wants the audience to consider.
When using alternative phrases, it’s important to maintain a similar structural flow to ensure clarity and politeness. Consider these variations:
- Imperative + Information: “Remember that…”
- Polite Suggestion + Information: “You might want to consider…”
- Statement of Fact + Explanation: “It’s important to note that…”
Categories of Alternative Phrases
There are many ways to rephrase “Please keep in mind,” each with slightly different connotations and suitable for various contexts. Here’s a breakdown of some common categories:
Emphasizing Importance
These phrases highlight the significance of the information being presented. They are useful when the information is crucial for understanding or decision-making.
Examples:
- It is important to remember…
- It’s crucial to note…
- It is essential to consider…
- Above all, remember…
- Most importantly…
Reminding Someone
These phrases gently remind the audience of something they may already know or should not forget.
Examples:
- Don’t forget that…
- Remember to…
- Bear in mind that…
- Let’s not forget…
- It’s worth remembering…
Providing Context
These phrases offer background information or set the stage for a more detailed explanation.
Examples:
- It’s worth noting that…
- For your information…
- In this context…
- To give you some background…
- By way of explanation…
Offering Advice or Suggestions
These phrases provide a gentle recommendation or suggestion for the audience to consider.
Examples:
- You might want to consider…
- It would be wise to…
- It’s advisable to…
- Consider the following…
- I suggest you…
Formal Settings
These phrases are suitable for professional reports, academic papers, and other formal communications.
Examples:
- It should be noted that…
- It is pertinent to observe that…
- Of particular relevance is…
- It is worth bearing in mind that…
- The following should be considered…
Informal Settings
These phrases are appropriate for casual conversations, emails to friends, and other informal communications.
Examples:
- Just so you know…
- Don’t forget…
- Just a reminder…
- Keep in mind…
- FYI… (For Your Information)
Examples of Alternative Phrases
The following tables provide extensive examples of alternative phrases for “Please keep in mind,” categorized for clarity and ease of use. Each table focuses on a specific nuance, allowing you to choose the most appropriate phrase for your context.
Table 1: Emphasizing Importance
This table provides various ways to highlight the significance of the information you are presenting. These phrases are useful when the information is crucial for understanding or decision-making.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| It is important to remember that… | It is important to remember that the deadline is next Friday. |
| It’s crucial to note that… | It’s crucial to note that all data must be backed up before the system update. |
| It is essential to consider that… | It is essential to consider that the project’s success depends on teamwork. |
| Above all, remember that… | Above all, remember that safety is our top priority. |
| Most importantly… | Most importantly, ensure all equipment is properly maintained. |
| Bear in mind that… | Bear in mind that changes to the schedule may occur. |
| Don’t overlook the fact that… | Don’t overlook the fact that customer feedback is invaluable. |
| It’s vital to recognize that… | It’s vital to recognize that communication is key to resolving conflicts. |
| Pay close attention to… | Pay close attention to the details in the contract. |
| Take note of… | Take note of the revised procedures for submitting expenses. |
| It’s paramount to understand… | It’s paramount to understand the consequences of non-compliance. |
| It’s critical to acknowledge… | It’s critical to acknowledge the contributions of each team member. |
| It’s of utmost importance to… | It’s of utmost importance to follow the guidelines. |
| Keep in the forefront of your mind… | Keep in the forefront of your mind the project’s objectives. |
| Never forget that… | Never forget that our customers are our priority. |
| Remember above everything else… | Remember above everything else the importance of clear documentation. |
| It’s imperative that you… | It’s imperative that you report any security breaches immediately. |
| You must not forget that… | You must not forget that consistency is essential for brand recognition. |
| It is worth emphasizing that… | It is worth emphasizing that the new policy is designed to improve efficiency. |
| One must consider that… | One must consider that external factors may affect the project’s timeline. |
| It’s significant to realize that… | It’s significant to realize that small changes can have a big impact. |
| It’s essential that you are aware that… | It’s essential that you are aware that the conference room is double-booked on Tuesday. |
| It’s crucial for you to understand that… | It’s crucial for you to understand that the success of this initiative depends on everyone’s participation. |
| It’s vital that you keep in mind that… | It’s vital that you keep in mind that the system will be down for maintenance tonight. |
Table 2: Reminding Someone
This table provides phrases that gently remind the audience of something they may already know or should not forget. These are useful for reinforcing information or preventing oversights.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Don’t forget that… | Don’t forget that the meeting starts at 10 AM. |
| Remember to… | Remember to submit your expense reports by the end of the month. |
| Bear in mind that… | Bear in mind that the office will be closed on Monday for the holiday. |
| Let’s not forget… | Let’s not forget the importance of customer satisfaction. |
| It’s worth remembering that… | It’s worth remembering that small gestures can make a big difference. |
| As a reminder… | As a reminder, please complete the survey by Friday. |
| Just a reminder that… | Just a reminder that the dress code is business casual. |
| Keep in view that… | Keep in view that the primary goal is to increase sales. |
| Reiterating that… | Reiterating that punctuality is expected from all employees. |
| As you may recall… | As you may recall, we discussed this issue at the last meeting. |
| It may be helpful to remember… | It may be helpful to remember the steps we outlined for troubleshooting. |
| It is important to reiterate… | It is important to reiterate the company’s commitment to sustainability. |
| It is worth reiterating that… | It is worth reiterating that your feedback is valuable. |
| Do not lose sight of… | Do not lose sight of the end goal despite the challenges. |
| As previously mentioned… | As previously mentioned, the budget has been revised. |
| To refresh your memory… | To refresh your memory, the login credentials have been updated. |
| As you are aware… | As you are aware, the system will be undergoing maintenance this weekend. |
| Recall that… | Recall that the training session is mandatory for all new hires. |
| It’s useful to bring to your attention that… | It’s useful to bring to your attention that the client will be visiting next week. |
| It’s good to remind everyone that… | It’s good to remind everyone that the deadline for project proposals is approaching. |
| Let me remind you that… | Let me remind you that the policy on overtime has been updated. |
| Just to make sure you know… | Just to make sure you know, the conference has been moved to a different location. |
| As a gentle reminder… | As a gentle reminder, please remember to lock the doors when you leave. |
| For future reference… | For future reference, here is the link to the company’s style guide. |
Table 3: Providing Context
This table provides phrases to offer background information or set the stage for a more detailed explanation. These are helpful for ensuring that the audience has the necessary information to understand the subsequent points.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| It’s worth noting that… | It’s worth noting that the data was collected over a period of five years. |
| For your information… | For your information, the CEO will be visiting the office next week. |
| In this context… | In this context, it’s important to consider the external market factors. |
| To give you some background… | To give you some background, the project was initiated to address customer complaints. |
| By way of explanation… | By way of explanation, the delay was due to unforeseen circumstances. |
| To provide some perspective… | To provide some perspective, the company’s growth rate has been steadily increasing. |
| In order to understand this… | In order to understand this, it’s crucial to grasp the underlying principles. |
| To clarify… | To clarify, this policy applies to all employees, regardless of their position. |
| For the purpose of clarity… | For the purpose of clarity, let’s define the key terms we’ll be using. |
| To put things into perspective… | To put things into perspective, our competitors are facing similar challenges. |
| As background information… | As background information, the company was founded in 1995. |
| Before we proceed… | Before we proceed, let me give you a brief overview of the project goals. |
| In preparation for… | In preparation for the meeting, please review the attached documents. |
| To help you understand… | To help you understand, let’s break down the complex process into smaller steps. |
| As a point of reference… | As a point of reference, here’s a link to the relevant documentation. |
| For clarification purposes… | For clarification purposes, let’s go over the key requirements again. |
| To set the scene… | To set the scene, imagine a world where technology solves all problems. |
| To frame the discussion… | To frame the discussion, let’s start by identifying the core issues. |
| To give you a sense of… | To give you a sense of the scale of the project, here are some key statistics. |
| By way of introduction… | By way of introduction, let me introduce our guest speaker. |
| To provide a framework… | To provide a framework, let’s outline the main topics we’ll be covering. |
| To lay the groundwork… | To lay the groundwork, it’s important to understand the historical context. |
| To get you up to speed… | To get you up to speed, here’s a summary of what’s been accomplished so far. |
| In order to appreciate… | In order to appreciate the significance of this discovery, you need to understand the previous research. |
Table 4: Offering Advice or Suggestions
This table provides phrases that offer a gentle recommendation or suggestion for the audience to consider. These are useful for guiding decision-making or promoting best practices.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| You might want to consider… | You might want to consider backing up your files before updating the software. |
| It would be wise to… | It would be wise to consult with a lawyer before signing the contract. |
| It’s advisable to… | It’s advisable to arrive early for the appointment. |
| Consider the following… | Consider the following options before making a decision. |
| I suggest you… | I suggest you review the documentation before starting the project. |
| You should think about… | You should think about the long-term implications of your actions. |
| It may be helpful to… | It may be helpful to create a detailed plan before starting the project. |
| It’s a good idea to… | It’s a good idea to get a second opinion. |
| I would recommend… | I would recommend using a password manager to keep your accounts secure. |
| Perhaps you could… | Perhaps you could try a different approach. |
| It might be worth… | It might be worth exploring alternative solutions. |
| Have you considered… | Have you considered outsourcing some of the tasks? |
| It’s worth thinking about… | It’s worth thinking about the potential risks involved. |
| I encourage you to… | I encourage you to participate in the training program. |
| You could also try… | You could also try contacting customer support for assistance. |
| It’s often beneficial to… | It’s often beneficial to seek feedback from your peers. |
| I’d like to propose that… | I’d like to propose that we schedule a follow-up meeting. |
| I suggest taking into account… | I suggest taking into account the current market trends. |
| You may find it useful to… | You may find it useful to create a checklist to stay organized. |
| It is recommended that you… | It is recommended that you update your software regularly. |
| A good practice would be to… | A good practice would be to document all changes to the system. |
| It would be advantageous to… | It would be advantageous to learn a new skill. |
| Consider implementing… | Consider implementing a new security protocol. |
| For best results, try… | For best results, try using the recommended settings. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
While there are many alternatives to “Please keep in mind,” it’s crucial to use them appropriately. Consider the following guidelines:
- Audience: Tailor your language to your audience. Formal settings require more formal language, while informal settings allow for more casual phrases.
- Context: The context of the communication will dictate the most suitable phrase. If you’re emphasizing importance, use phrases like “It’s crucial to note…” If you’re simply reminding someone, use phrases like “Don’t forget…”
- Tone: Be mindful of your tone. Some phrases can sound demanding or condescending if not used carefully. Always aim for a polite and respectful tone.
- Clarity: Ensure that your chosen phrase clearly conveys your intended meaning. Avoid ambiguity or jargon that your audience may not understand.
- Variety: Mix up your language to avoid repetition. Using a variety of phrases will keep your communication engaging and prevent it from sounding monotonous.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternative phrases for “Please keep in mind”:
- Using overly formal language in informal settings: This can sound stilted or pretentious.
- Using overly casual language in formal settings: This can sound unprofessional or disrespectful.
- Choosing a phrase that doesn’t accurately reflect the intended meaning: This can lead to confusion or miscommunication.
- Using the same phrase repeatedly: This can make your communication sound monotonous and uninspired.
- Using phrases that are too demanding or condescending: This can damage your relationship with your audience.
Table 5: Correct vs. Incorrect Examples
This table illustrates common mistakes and their corrected versions to help you avoid errors in your writing and speech.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| It is to be kept in mind that… (Formal in Informal) | Just remember that… | Avoid overly formal language in casual settings. |
| Yo, keep in mind… (Informal in Formal) | It should be noted that… | Use professional language in formal contexts. |
| Keep in mind the thing. (Unclear) | Keep in mind that the report is due tomorrow. | Be specific about what needs to be remembered. |
| Please keep in mind, please keep in mind, please keep in mind… (Repetitive) | Please keep in mind that the deadline is approaching. Also, remember to submit your forms on time. | Vary your language to avoid sounding repetitive. |
| You must keep in mind! (Demanding) | You might want to consider… | Softening the tone makes the message more receptive. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of alternative phrases with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with an appropriate alternative to “Please keep in mind.”
- ________ the deadline for submitting the report is Friday.
- ________ to back up your data before installing the new software.
- ________ the office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
- ________ customer satisfaction is our top priority.
- ________ the budget has been revised for the next quarter.
- ________ the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals.
- ________ consulting with a financial advisor before making any major investments.
- ________ the potential risks involved in this project.
- ________ the company was founded in 1995.
- ________ let me give you a brief overview of the project goals.
Answer Key:
- Remember that
- Remember
- Bear in mind that
- Let’s not forget
- As previously mentioned
- It is important to reiterate
- Consider
- It’s worth thinking about
- As background information
- Before we proceed
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using a different alternative to “Please keep in mind.”
- Please keep in mind that the meeting starts at 2 PM.
- Please keep in mind to review the agenda before the meeting.
- Please keep in mind that the dress code is business casual.
- Please keep in mind the importance of clear communication.
- Please keep in mind that the system will be down for maintenance this weekend.
- Please keep in mind the need for accuracy in our reports.
- Please keep in mind consulting the manual before operating the equipment.
- Please keep in mind the potential consequences of our actions.
- Please keep in mind the historical context of this issue.
- Please keep in mind the need for collaboration on this project.
Sample Answer Key:
- Don’t forget that the meeting starts at 2 PM.
- Remember to review the agenda before the meeting.
- Just a reminder that the dress code is business casual.
- Let’s not forget the importance of clear communication.
- As you are aware, the system will be down for maintenance this weekend.
- It is important to reiterate the need for accuracy in our reports.
- It would be wise to consult the manual before operating the equipment.
- You should think about the potential consequences of our actions.
- To give you some background, here is the historical context of this issue.
- I encourage you to keep in mind the need for collaboration on this project.
Exercise 3: Choose the Best Alternative
Select the most appropriate alternative to “Please keep in mind” for each scenario.
- Scenario: You are sending a reminder email to your team about an upcoming deadline.Options: a) It is paramount to understand that… b) Just a reminder that… c) By way of explanation…
- Scenario: You are presenting a formal report to the board of directors.Options: a) You might want to consider… b) It is pertinent to observe that… c) Don’t forget…
- Scenario: You are giving advice to a colleague about how to improve their performance.Options: a) I suggest you… b) It’s crucial to note that… c) As you may recall…
- Scenario: You are providing background information for a new project.Options: a) Remember to… b) For your information… c) It’s vital to recognize that…
- Scenario: You are emphasizing the importance of safety in the workplace.Options: a) Above all, remember that… b) Just so you know… c) It may be helpful to…
Answer Key:
- b) Just a reminder that…
- b) It is pertinent to observe that…
- a) I suggest you…
- b) For your information…
- a) Above all, remember that…
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more nuanced aspects of using alternative phrases:
- Subtlety and Implication: Some phrases can imply more than they explicitly state. For example, “You might want to consider…” can imply that the speaker believes the suggestion is highly beneficial, even if they don’t say so directly.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Different cultures may have different norms for politeness and directness. Be aware of these differences when communicating with people from different backgrounds.
- Rhetorical Effect: Skilled speakers and writers can use alternative phrases to create a specific rhetorical effect. For example, using a more formal phrase can lend authority to a statement, while using a more casual phrase can create a sense of rapport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using alternatives to “Please keep in mind”:
- Q: Is it always necessary to use an alternative to “Please keep in mind”?
A: No, not always. “Please keep in mind” is a perfectly acceptable phrase. However, using alternatives can add variety and nuance to your communication, making it more engaging and effective. - Q: How do I choose the best alternative phrase for a given situation?
A: Consider your audience, the context of the communication, and the tone you want to convey. Choose a phrase that accurately reflects your intended meaning and is appropriate for the situation. - Q: Are there any phrases I should avoid using?
A: Avoid phrases that are overly formal in informal settings or overly casual in formal settings. Also, avoid phrases that are demanding, condescending, or ambiguous. - Q: Can I combine alternative phrases to create even more variety?
A: Yes, you can. For example, you could say “It’s worth noting, for your information, that…” However, be careful not to create overly complex or convoluted sentences. - Q: How can I improve my ability to use alternative phrases effectively?
A: Practice using different phrases in various contexts. Pay attention to how others use these phrases and ask for feedback on your own communication. - Q: What’s the difference between “keep in mind” and “bear in mind”?
A: “Keep in mind” and “bear in mind” are largely interchangeable and have very similar meanings. “Bear in mind” is slightly more formal and often used in British English. - Q: Are there any regional differences in how these phrases are used?
A: Yes, there can be regional differences. For example, some phrases may be more common in British English than in American English, or vice versa. - Q: How can I ensure that I’m using these phrases politely?
A: Always use a polite tone and avoid phrases that are demanding or condescending. Adding “please” at the beginning of a sentence can also help to soften the tone.
Conclusion
Mastering alternative ways to say “Please keep in mind” is a valuable skill for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively. By understanding the nuances of different phrases and using them appropriately, you can add variety, emphasis, and clarity to your writing and speech.
Remember to consider your audience, the context, and your desired tone when choosing an alternative phrase. With practice and attention to detail, you can elevate your communication skills and make a lasting impression.
By incorporating a variety of phrases, you not only avoid repetition but also demonstrate a greater command of the English language. This skill is particularly useful in professional settings, where clear and effective communication is essential.
So, take the time to explore these alternatives and incorporate them into your everyday communication. The effort will undoubtedly enhance your ability to connect with others and convey your message with precision and impact.