What Does “Please Note” Mean?
“Please note” is a polite expression used to draw someone’s attention to important information. It signals that the reader or listener should pay careful attention to what follows because it may affect a decision, action, deadline, rule, instruction, or understanding.
Quick Definition
Please note: A courteous phrase used to emphasize important information and ensure that the audience notices or remembers it.
Example:
Please note that the meeting has been moved to 3:00 PM.
In this sentence, the speaker wants the audience to pay special attention to the schedule change.
Because it is clear, professional, and concise, please note is commonly used in emails, business communication, customer service messages, announcements, academic writing, notices, and official documents.
Understanding the Meaning of “Please Note”
The phrase consists of two parts:
- Please = a polite request
- Note = to observe, remember, or pay attention to something
When combined, please note essentially means:
- Pay attention to this information.
- Keep this in mind.
- Be aware of this.
- Remember this important detail.
Unlike direct commands such as “Remember this” or “Pay attention,” please note sounds more professional and respectful.
Common Meanings in Different Contexts
| Context | Meaning |
| Business email | Important information follows |
| Customer service | Special instructions or conditions |
| Academic writing | Important clarification |
| Public announcement | Information requiring attention |
| Workplace communication | Reminder or update |
| Legal documents | Critical details or requirements |
When to Use “Please Note”
The phrase is useful whenever you need to highlight information that readers might otherwise overlook.
1. Announcing Changes
When informing people about updates or modifications.
Examples:
- Please note that our office will be closed on Friday.
- Please note that the deadline has been extended.
2. Giving Instructions
When providing important guidance.
Examples:
- Please note that all forms must be submitted electronically.
- Please note that identification is required upon entry.
3. Clarifying Rules
When emphasizing policies or procedures.
Examples:
- Please note that refunds are not available after purchase.
- Please note that late submissions may not be accepted.
4. Providing Reminders
When reminding someone of existing information.
Examples:
- Please note that your membership expires next month.
- Please note that parking is limited.
Is “Please Note” Formal or Informal?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether please note is formal.
The answer is yes. The phrase is generally considered formal to semi-formal and is frequently used in professional settings.
Formal Situations
Use please note in:
- Business emails
- Corporate announcements
- Workplace memos
- Academic communication
- Government notices
- Legal documents
- Professional reports
Informal Situations
In casual conversations, people often choose alternatives instead.
Instead of:
Please note that I’ll be late.
People usually say:
Just so you know, I’ll be late.
or
Keep in mind that I’ll be late.
How to Use “Please Note” Correctly in a Sentence
The phrase usually appears at the beginning of a sentence.
Structure 1
Please note that + clause
Examples:
- Please note that the event starts at 8:00 PM.
- Please note that registration closes tomorrow.
Structure 2
Please note: + information
Examples:
- Please note: Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Please note: Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Structure 3
Please note the + noun
Examples:
- Please note the revised schedule.
- Please note the updated guidelines.
Examples of “Please Note” in Real-Life Communication
Business Emails
Please note that your order has been shipped.
Please note that payment is due within 30 days.
Workplace Communication
Please note that the conference room is reserved from 2 PM to 5 PM.
Please note that all employees must complete the training program.
Customer Service Messages
Please note that delivery times may vary during holidays.
Please note that cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance.
Academic Writing
Please note that all references must follow APA guidelines.
Please note that additional reading materials are available online.
Event Announcements
Please note that doors open 30 minutes before the event begins.
Please note that tickets are non-refundable.
Alternatives to “Please Note”
Using the same phrase repeatedly can make writing sound repetitive. Fortunately, there are many alternatives depending on the tone and context.
Professional Alternatives
- Kindly note
- Be advised
- Please be aware
- It is important to note
- Take note of
- We would like to inform you
- Please keep in mind
- Kindly be informed
Casual Alternatives
- Just so you know
- Keep in mind
- Don’t forget
- Remember
- Be aware
- FYI
- Heads up
Examples
Instead of:
Please note that the office closes at 5 PM.
You could write:
Kindly note that the office closes at 5 PM.
Or:
Please be aware that the office closes at 5 PM.
Or:
Just so you know, the office closes at 5 PM.
“Please Note” vs Other Similar Expressions
Many learners confuse please note with other attention-getting phrases.
Comparison Table
| Expression | Formality | Purpose | Example |
| Please note | Formal | Highlight important information | Please note that registration ends today. |
| Kindly note | Formal | Polite reminder | Kindly note the revised schedule. |
| Please be aware | Formal | Raise awareness | Please be aware of upcoming maintenance. |
| Keep in mind | Neutral | Reminder | Keep in mind that traffic may be heavy. |
| Just so you know | Informal | Casual information | Just so you know, we’re leaving early. |
| Be advised | Very formal | Official notice | Be advised that access is restricted. |
| Remember | Informal | Recall information | Remember to bring your ID. |
The best choice depends on your audience, purpose, and communication style.
Common Mistakes When Using “Please Note”
Even though the phrase is simple, many writers misuse it.
1. Overusing It
Bad:
Please note that the meeting starts at 9 AM. Please note that lunch is provided. Please note that parking is available.
Better:
The meeting starts at 9 AM. Lunch is provided, and parking is available.
Use please note only when information genuinely requires emphasis.
2. Using It for Unimportant Information
Bad:
Please note that I like coffee.
Unless the information is important, the phrase sounds unnecessary.
3. Sounding Too Direct
In some situations, repeated use may sound authoritative or bureaucratic.
Instead of:
Please note that you failed to submit the report.
Consider:
Please be aware that the report has not yet been received.
4. Adding Too Many Details
Bad:
Please note that because of the weather conditions and various transportation issues that have recently occurred, there may potentially be delays.
Better:
Please note that weather conditions may cause delays.
Why “Please Note” Is Common in Professional Writing
Professional communication values clarity, accuracy, and efficiency. The phrase helps achieve all three.
Benefits
Improves Clarity
Readers immediately recognize important information.
Prevents Misunderstandings
Critical details are less likely to be overlooked.
Creates Professional Tone
The wording sounds respectful and businesslike.
Enhances Readability
The phrase acts as a signal that important information follows.
Common Professional Documents Using “Please Note”
- Emails
- Contracts
- Policies
- Employee handbooks
- Training materials
- Reports
- User guides
- Customer notifications
- Legal notices
- Company announcements
How “Please Note” Affects Tone
Tone plays an important role in communication.
Positive Tone
Please note that complimentary refreshments will be available.
Neutral Tone
Please note that the office opens at 9 AM.
Cautious Tone
Please note that processing times may vary.
Authoritative Tone
Please note that unauthorized access is prohibited.
The phrase itself is neutral, but the information that follows influences the overall tone.
Best Practices for Using “Please Note”
To sound professional and natural, follow these guidelines.
Use It Sparingly
Reserve it for genuinely important information.
Be Specific
Clearly state what readers need to know.
Keep Sentences Short
Concise messages are easier to understand.
Match the Audience
Formal audiences appreciate the phrase more than casual audiences.
Avoid Repetition
Use alternatives when appropriate.
Focus on Relevance
Only highlight information that affects the reader.
Examples of “Please Note” in Different Situations
Please note that your appointment has been rescheduled for Tuesday.
School
Please note that assignments must be submitted by midnight.
Workplace
Please note that all visitors must sign in at reception.
Customer Support
Please note that response times may increase during peak periods.
Travel
Please note that passports must remain valid for at least six months.
Online Shopping
Please note that shipping fees are calculated at checkout.
Healthcare
Please note that fasting is required before the test.
Event Registration
Please note that tickets cannot be transferred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “please note” mean?
“Please note” is a polite expression used to direct attention to important information, instructions, updates, or reminders.
Is “please note” polite?
Yes. It is generally considered polite, professional, and respectful in written and spoken communication.
Is “please note” formal?
Yes. The phrase is primarily used in formal and professional settings, although it can also appear in neutral communication.
Can I use “please note” in emails?
Absolutely. It is one of the most common phrases used in professional emails to emphasize important information.
What is another way to say “please note”?
Alternatives include:
- Kindly note
- Please be aware
- Keep in mind
- Be advised
- Just so you know
- It is important to note
Is “please note that” grammatically correct?
Yes. The structure “please note that + clause” is grammatically correct and widely accepted.
Can “please note” sound rude?
Usually no. However, excessive use or use in corrective messages can sometimes sound overly authoritative or impersonal.
Should I use a comma after “please note”?
Typically, no comma is needed when using “please note that.” However, when introducing a statement with a colon, punctuation may vary.
Example:
Please note: Registration closes tomorrow.
Is “kindly note” better than “please note”?
Neither is universally better. “Kindly note” may sound slightly more formal, while “please note” is more common in modern business English.
Can I use “please note” in casual conversations?
Yes, but it may sound overly formal. Casual alternatives like “just so you know” or “keep in mind” are usually more natural.
Conclusion
Please note is a versatile and professional phrase used to highlight important information, instructions, reminders, and updates. It appears frequently in business emails, workplace communication, academic writing, customer service messages, and official notices because it directs attention without sounding aggressive or demanding.
Understanding the meaning, tone, and proper usage of please note helps improve communication clarity and professionalism. Whether you’re writing an email, creating a policy document, sending a customer notification, or making an announcement, using the phrase thoughtfully can ensure that essential information is noticed and remembered. By avoiding overuse, choosing appropriate alternatives, and matching the tone to your audience, you can communicate more effectively and confidently in both professional and everyday situations.
