What Does “Please Keep In Mind” Mean?
“Please keep in mind” is a polite expression used to ask someone to remember, consider, or take a particular piece of information into account when making a decision, taking action, or understanding a situation.
Quick Definition
Please keep in mind means:
“Please remember this important information and consider it while thinking, deciding, or acting.”
It is commonly used in professional emails, workplace communication, customer service, academic writing, business correspondence, and everyday conversations.
Example
- Please keep in mind that the deadline has been moved to Friday.
- Please keep in mind that traffic may cause delays.
The phrase is courteous, respectful, and effective for drawing attention to important information without sounding demanding.
Understanding the Meaning of “Please Keep In Mind”
At its core, the phrase combines three ideas:
- Please = a polite request
- Keep = retain or hold
- In mind = in your thoughts or memory
Together, the phrase asks someone to retain information and use it when making judgments or decisions.
Unlike simply saying “remember,” the phrase often implies that the information should actively influence future actions.
For example:
- Remember the meeting at 3 PM focuses on memory.
- Please keep in mind that the meeting may run longer than expected encourages consideration and planning.
Because of this nuance, the expression is widely used in business communication and professional settings.
When to Use “Please Keep In Mind”
The phrase is appropriate whenever you want someone to consider important information.
1. Professional Emails
Managers, colleagues, and clients frequently use the phrase to emphasize critical details.
Example:
Please keep in mind that project approvals require two business days.
2. Customer Service Communication
Businesses use it to set expectations.
Example:
Please keep in mind that shipping times may vary during holidays.
3. Academic Settings
Teachers and professors use it when giving instructions.
Example:
Please keep in mind that all sources must be cited properly.
4. Everyday Conversations
Friends and family may use it casually.
Example:
Please keep in mind that Grandma gets tired easily.
5. Decision-Making Situations
The phrase is useful when highlighting factors that could affect outcomes.
Example:
Please keep in mind the long-term costs before making your purchase.
Is “Please Keep In Mind” Formal or Informal?
One reason the phrase remains popular is its flexibility.
| Context | Appropriate? | Tone |
| Business email | Yes | Professional |
| Workplace communication | Yes | Polite |
| Customer service | Yes | Respectful |
| Academic writing | Yes | Formal |
| Casual conversation | Yes | Friendly |
| Legal documents | Sometimes | Neutral |
| Text messages | Yes | Informal |
The expression sits comfortably between formal and informal language.
It sounds more polite than:
- Remember
- Don’t forget
But less formal than:
- Kindly take into consideration
- It should be noted that
This balance makes it suitable for most communication situations.
Why People Use “Please Keep In Mind”
The phrase serves several communication purposes.
Encourages Consideration
It helps listeners think about relevant information.
Example:
Please keep in mind that weather conditions may affect travel plans.
Softens Instructions
Instead of sounding commanding, it sounds cooperative.
Compare:
❌ Remember to submit the report.
✅ Please keep in mind that reports must be submitted by noon.
Maintains Professionalism
Professional communication often benefits from polite wording.
Example:
Please keep in mind that budget limitations may affect project scope.
Reduces Misunderstandings
Important details become more noticeable.
Example:
Please keep in mind that support is available only during business hours.
Common Situations Where “Please Keep In Mind” Is Used
Workplace Communication
Employees and managers use it daily.
Examples:
- Please keep in mind that attendance is mandatory.
- Please keep in mind the client’s requirements.
- Please keep in mind our quarterly objectives.
Customer Support
Examples:
- Please keep in mind that refunds may take up to seven days.
- Please keep in mind that service availability varies by location.
Education
Examples:
- Please keep in mind the grading rubric.
- Please keep in mind the submission deadline.
Event Planning
Examples:
- Please keep in mind that seating is limited.
- Please keep in mind that registration closes tomorrow.
Travel
Examples:
- Please keep in mind local customs.
- Please keep in mind passport validity requirements.
Alternative Ways to Say “Please Keep In Mind”
Repeating the same phrase can make writing sound repetitive. Fortunately, several alternatives convey a similar meaning.
Professional Alternatives
- Please note
- Kindly note
- Please be aware
- It is important to remember
- Take into consideration
- Bear in mind
- Consider the following
- Please remember
- Be mindful of
- It should be noted
Casual Alternatives
- Don’t forget
- Just remember
- Keep this in mind
- Remember that
- Be aware that
Examples
Instead of:
Please keep in mind that office hours change next week.
You could write:
Please note that office hours change next week.
Or:
Kindly be aware that office hours change next week.
Or:
Bear in mind that office hours change next week.
“Please Keep In Mind” vs Similar Expressions
Many learners wonder how this phrase differs from other common expressions.
| Expression | Meaning | Tone |
| Please keep in mind | Consider important information | Polite |
| Remember | Recall information | Direct |
| Don’t forget | Ensure memory retention | Informal |
| Please note | Draw attention to information | Professional |
| Bear in mind | Consider carefully | Formal |
| Be aware | Know about something | Neutral |
| Take into consideration | Evaluate as a factor | Formal |
| Be mindful of | Stay conscious of something | Thoughtful |
Example Comparison
Please keep in mind that weather conditions may change.
This suggests considering weather during planning.
Remember that weather conditions may change.
This mainly focuses on memory.
Take weather conditions into consideration.
This focuses on decision-making.
Grammar and Sentence Structure
The phrase typically follows predictable grammatical patterns.
Pattern 1
Please keep in mind + that clause
Examples:
- Please keep in mind that prices may change.
- Please keep in mind that delays are possible.
Pattern 2
Please keep in mind + noun phrase
Examples:
- Please keep in mind our company policies.
- Please keep in mind the budget constraints.
Pattern 3
Please keep in mind + question word
Examples:
- Please keep in mind how this decision affects others.
- Please keep in mind why the policy exists.
These structures are common in both spoken and written English.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even native speakers occasionally misuse the phrase.
Mistake 1: Overusing It
Repeating it multiple times in one email sounds unnatural.
❌ Please keep in mind the deadline. Please keep in mind the budget. Please keep in mind the policy.
✅ Please keep in mind the deadline, budget, and company policy.
Mistake 2: Using It Without Important Information
The phrase should highlight something meaningful.
❌ Please keep in mind that today is today.
✅ Please keep in mind that today’s schedule differs from usual.
Mistake 3: Mixing Formal and Informal Tone
❌ Please keep in mind, guys, that corporate compliance regulations apply.
✅ Please keep in mind that corporate compliance regulations apply.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Punctuation
When followed by a complete clause, use that when appropriate.
Correct:
✅ Please keep in mind that deadlines are strict.
Also acceptable:
✅ Please keep in mind deadlines are strict.
The first version is usually clearer.
Real-Life Examples of “Please Keep In Mind”
Business Email
Please keep in mind that all invoices must be submitted before month-end.
Manager to Employee
Please keep in mind the client’s expectations when preparing the proposal.
Teacher to Students
Please keep in mind that late assignments may receive reduced credit.
Customer Service Message
Please keep in mind that processing times may increase during peak seasons.
Event Organizer
Please keep in mind that parking spaces are limited.
Healthcare Setting
Please keep in mind that appointment times are approximate.
Travel Advisory
Please keep in mind local regulations before traveling internationally.
Family Conversation
Please keep in mind that your sister is studying for exams.
These examples demonstrate how versatile the expression can be across different contexts.
How to Use “Please Keep In Mind” Professionally
Professional communication requires clarity, courtesy, and effectiveness.
In Emails
Example:
Please keep in mind that final approval may require additional documentation.
During Meetings
Example:
Please keep in mind our strategic objectives as we discuss solutions.
In Reports
Example:
Please keep in mind that the data reflects only the first quarter.
In Customer Communication
Example:
Please keep in mind that service interruptions may occur during maintenance.
Best Practices
- Use it sparingly.
- Highlight genuinely important information.
- Keep the sentence concise.
- Pair it with clear instructions.
- Maintain consistent tone.
Following these principles improves readability and professionalism.
People Also Ask
Is “please keep in mind” polite?
Yes. It is considered a polite and respectful expression that encourages consideration without sounding demanding.
Is “please keep in mind” professional?
Yes. It is widely used in workplaces, business emails, reports, presentations, and customer communications.
What is another way to say “please keep in mind”?
Alternatives include:
- Please note
- Bear in mind
- Be aware
- Kindly note
- Take into consideration
- Be mindful of
Is “keep in mind” formal English?
Yes. It is acceptable in both formal and informal English, making it highly versatile.
Can I use “please keep in mind” in an email?
Absolutely. It is one of the most common phrases used in professional email communication.
Is “please note” the same as “please keep in mind”?
Not exactly. “Please note” mainly draws attention to information, while “please keep in mind” asks the reader to remember and consider that information when making decisions.
What is the difference between “remember” and “keep in mind”?
“Remember” focuses on recalling information. “Keep in mind” focuses on actively considering information.
Is “bear in mind” more formal?
Generally, yes. “Bear in mind” often sounds slightly more formal and traditional than “keep in mind.”
Final Thoughts
“Please keep in mind” is a versatile English expression used to politely ask someone to remember and consider important information. It works effectively in business communication, customer service, education, professional emails, and everyday conversations. Because it balances politeness, clarity, and professionalism, it remains one of the most useful phrases in modern English.
Whether you’re writing an email, giving instructions, preparing a report, or speaking with colleagues, using “please keep in mind” can help communicate key information respectfully and effectively. By understanding its meaning, tone, alternatives, grammar, and common usage patterns, you can use the phrase naturally and confidently in both professional and casual situations.
