10 Polite Synonyms for “As You Know”

In the workplace, how we say things is just as important as what we say. Using the phrase “As you know” can sometimes sound too assuming or even rude.

This article offers ten different, polite ways to convey the same message without risking any misunderstandings. Each alternative is explained in detail to help you choose the best option for your professional emails.

Is It Polite to Say “As You Know”?

Using the phrase “as you know” can be seen as professional, formal or informal, and polite depending on how it’s used. This phrase can help the speaker refer to shared information without repeating it in detail. However, it’s best used in situations where you’re reasonably confident that the listener or reader is indeed aware of the information you’re hinting at. Overusing it or using it when the other person might not actually know can come across as presumptuous or condescending.

This phrase works well in both professional and personal conversations, as well as in written communications like emails or reports when you’re addressing someone familiar with the topic at hand. It’s especially suitable for reminders or when referring to common knowledge within a specific group or organization.

Email example:

Dear Team,

I hope this message finds you well. As you know, we have a quarterly meeting scheduled for next week to discuss our project's progress. Please make sure to prepare your updates beforehand.

Thank you,
Alice

Pros:

• Recognizes shared knowledge, fostering a sense of community or common purpose.
• Helps to avoid unnecessary repetition of information, making communication more efficient.
• Can soften the introduction of a reminder or a critique by acknowledging the recipient’s potential awareness.

Cons:

• May appear presumptuous or condescending if the recipient is not aware of the information.
• Overuse can diminish the phrase’s effectiveness and can be irritating to some people.
• Could potentially spread misinformation if the speaker assumes incorrectly that the recipient knows.

While “as you know” is a helpful phrase in many contexts, someone might want to use an alternative to avoid sounding repetitive or presumptive.

10 Other Ways to Say “As You Know”

Finding the right words can make communication smoother in the workplace. Here are ten alternatives to “As You Know” that keep the conversation polite and professional:

1. As you’re aware

This alternative is a polite and professional way to acknowledge that the recipient has previously been informed about the subject. It’s useful in emails or meetings when summarizing points that have been discussed or mentioned in the past. Choosing “As you’re aware” instead of “As you know” can make the message sound less assuming, especially if you’re not 100% sure that the recipient remembers the information.

This phrase works best in formal and professional communication with colleagues or stakeholders who have previously received the information. It’s suited for emails, reports, and formal meetings.

Example:

Dear Carla,

As you're aware, we need to finalize the project timeline by the end of this week. Please send over your feedback.

Best regards,
Mark

2. You might recall

“You might recall” is a polite and slightly informal synonym that gently prompts the recipient to remember a previous discussion or event. It’s softer than “As you know,” implying that it’s okay if the recipient doesn’t immediately remember the information. This alternative is perfect for less formal emails or messages where you want to bring up past discussions without sounding too authoritative.

It’s particularly effective in communication with team members or clients with whom you have an established, but respectful relationship. Ideal for emails and casual meetings.

Email sample:

Hi Derek,

You might recall we discussed changing the marketing strategy last month. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it now.

Cheers,
Emily

3. You may remember

Similar to the previous alternative, “You may remember” is both polite and a tad informal. It suggests that while the recipient has been informed before, there’s an understanding that people might forget details over time. This choice conveys flexibility and empathy in recalling past communications. It’s best used when you’re following up on details or actions discussed in earlier conversations.

Suitable for communications with both colleagues and clients, especially in email correspondences or during meetings where you are revisiting previously discussed topics.

Here’s an example:

Hello Team,

You may remember, our goal this quarter is to increase client retention. Let's brainstorm strategies in our next meeting.

Regards,
Sophia

4. As we’ve discussed before

“As we’ve discussed before” is a more formal alternative which directly references previous discussions. It’s polite and professional, making it clear that what follows is a continuation or reminder of earlier conversations. This phrase is particularly useful in professional emails or during meetings where you need to remind your team of decisions or strategies that have already been agreed upon.

This phrase is best used with colleagues or stakeholders in a professional setting, such as in emails, meetings, or in official documents.

Email example:

Dear Alex,

As we've discussed before, the deadlines for the project phases are approaching. Please ensure your team is on track.

Best,
Jordan

5. Per our previous conversation

“Per our previous conversation” is a formal and professional synonym that effectively reintroduces topics or tasks that were discussed in past conversations. It’s particularly useful in email communication to establish continuity and remind the recipient of agreed-upon actions or important points. This phrase can help clarify expectations and responsibilities without sounding too informal.

Perfect for official emails or documents, especially when you need to reference specific instructions or decisions made in past discussions with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders.

Email sample:

Dear Julia,

Per our previous conversation, I'll need your report by Wednesday to include it in the monthly analysis.

Kindly,
Ethan

6. As previously mentioned

This synonym is professional and leans towards the formal side, providing a clear, direct way to remind the recipient of information that has already been communicated. It’s especially useful in written formats like emails or reports where you’re summarizing discussed points or conclusions. “As previously mentioned” is ideal when referring back to critical points that need reinforcement without implying any judgment on the recipient’s memory.

Great for use in professional emails, formal reports, and during presentations to reiterate previously covered topics with colleagues or stakeholders.

Example:

Dear Committee Members,

As previously mentioned, we require further volunteers for the upcoming charity event. Your assistance is highly valued.

Sincerely,
Linda

7. Considering what we’ve talked about

“Considering what we’ve talked about” is a polite, somewhat informal alternative that smoothly transitions back to previously discussed topics. It indicates a more casual reminder of past conversations, useful in both written and spoken communication. This phrase suggests a mutual reflection on prior discussions and decisions, making it suitable for collaborative environments.

This is best used with team members or clients in a slightly informal setting, such as in team meetings, emails, or when planning next steps.

Here’s an example:

Hello everyone,

Considering what we've talked about, let's focus on improving our customer service approach this quarter.

Warm regards,
Isaac

8. Reflecting on our last meeting

“Reflecting on our last meeting” is a formal and professional way to draw attention back to discussions and resolutions from previous meetings. This phrase is inherently polite and helps to reinforce the continuity between past and present discussions, ensuring that everyone remains on the same page. It’s particularly effective in follow-up emails after meetings to summarize agreed actions or to provide additional clarification.

Especially suitable for communication with team members or colleagues after a meeting to recap discussions or to set tasks and expectations via emails or internal memos.

Email example:

Team,

Reflecting on our last meeting, we agreed to increase marketing efforts on social channels. Let's ensure we implement this plan effectively.

Thanks,
Rebecca

9. Given our discussion

“Given our discussion” is a professional and polite choice that gently references previous conversations. It serves as a soft reminder of outcomes or agreements from those discussions. This phrase is versatile and fits well in both written and verbal communication, making it a valuable tool for project updates or when outlining next steps.

Ideal for emails or during follow-up meetings with colleagues or clients, particularly when you’re emphasizing specific points or actions that were agreed upon in those discussions.

Email sample:

Dear Partner,

Given our discussion, I'm looking forward to your team's input on the project proposal by Friday.

Best,
Olivia

10. Based on what you know

“Based on what you know” is a polite, yet professional way to acknowledge the recipient’s understanding or expertise on a subject matter. This alternative is ideal for engaging the recipient’s knowledge base while discussing topics or decisions. It can make the communication sound more collaborative and respectful of the recipient’s input or viewpoint.

This phrase is well-suited for professional emails or discussions where you want to leverage or acknowledge the recipient’s expertise or previous contributions to the topic.

Here’s an example:

Hi Patrick,

Based on what you know about our client's preferences, could you suggest a few design adjustments?

Thanks,
Sarah

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words in your work emails shows respect and understanding towards your colleagues. Each alternative provided here allows for clear, polite communication that acknowledges shared knowledge without assuming too much. By carefully selecting how we phrase our messages, we foster better understanding and teamwork.