16 Professional Synonyms for “Just So You Know”

Saying “Just So You Know” can be a fitting way to provide additional information in an email. However, it might come off as too informal and not appropriate for every situation.

In this article, we explore different ways to communicate extra information in professional settings. Each alternative phrase is examined for its level of formality and the context in which it’s best used, from emails to meetings.

Is It Professional to Say “Just So You Know”?

Using the phrase “just so you know” can be seen as informal and polite, depending on how and where it’s used. While it’s not exactly unprofessional, this phrase leans more towards casual conversation. It fits better in less formal or more laid-back professional settings.

It’s good for communicating additional, non-critical information that might be helpful or interesting to the recipient. You can use it in emails, instant messages, or even in verbal communication within the workplace, especially with peers or colleagues with whom you share a cordial relationship.

Email example:

Hi Mark,

I wanted to give you a heads-up about the meeting schedule next week. Just so you know, we might start 30 minutes earlier to accommodate our client from a different time zone.

Best,
Susan

Pros:

• It can make the information feel more casual and less demanding.
• Helps maintain a friendly tone in communication.
• Useful for adding additional context or information without being too direct.

Cons:

• Might be perceived as too casual in very formal settings.
• Could potentially undermine the importance of the information being shared.
• Some might find it redundant or unnecessary.

Choosing to use an alternative phrase might be a good idea in certain situations, especially in very formal communication or with someone you don’t know well. Alternatives might help ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone, making it easier for everyone to understand the level of importance of the message.

16 Other Ways to Say “Just So You Know”

Let’s explore different ways to convey a similar message, each suited to varying levels of formality and context.

1. For your information (FYI)

Compared to “just so you know,” “For your information (FYI)” is more formal and direct. It’s used to preface information that may not be immediately necessary but is deemed useful for the recipient to have. This alternative is professional and generally suitable for workplace communications.

This phrase works well in emails, memos, or written reports, especially when addressing colleagues, supervisors, or clients in a formal setting. It’s polite without being overly casual, making it ideal for professional contexts where maintaining a level of courtesy is important.

Email example:

Hello Lisa,

For your information, the quarterly financial report has been completed and is now available for review. 

Best regards,
Tom

2. Please note

“Please note” is slightly more formal and polite than the original phrase. It’s used to draw attention to a specific piece of information, highlighting it as important without demanding immediate action. This phrasing is best used in both professional and informative contexts.

It’s perfect for emails, notifications, or announcements where you need to highlight specific details. Whether you’re discussing policies with employees or sending out updates to clients, “Please note” effectively signals that the following information is significant.

Email example:

Hello Team,

Please note that our office will be closed next Friday for staff training. Plan your schedules accordingly.

Warm regards,
Samantha

3. For your attention

This synonym is more formal and emphasizes the importance of the information more than “just so you know.” It’s a call for the recipient to focus on the message because it contains valuable data or instructions. This phrase is primarily used in professional emails or documents where clarity is critical.

It’s well-suited for communication with higher-ups or external partners where the extra level of formality and politeness is appreciated. “For your attention” can be particularly effective in reports, presentations, and emails that require immediate action or acknowledgment.

Email example:

Dear Stakeholders,

For your attention, please find attached the latest project updates and milestones. We welcome your feedback.

Kindest regards,
Elena

4. To inform you

This phrase is more formal and straightforward than “just so you know.” It directly states the intent to provide new, relevant information to the recipient. “To inform you” is a professional way to introduce updates or news, especially in formal letters and emails.

This alternative is suitable for communicating with colleagues, clients, and other professionals, especially when the information is significant or impacts the recipient directly. This phrase is apt for emails, formal letters, and official announcements.

Email example:

Dear Mr. Robertson,

To inform you, your application has been successfully processed. We will contact you with further details shortly.

Sincerely,
Katie

5. Just to inform you

This phrase is quite similar to “to inform you” but adds a slight touch of informality. It’s like saying “I’m telling you this because I think you should know,” which is friendly yet polite. This alternative works well in a professional setting where you have a familiar relationship with the recipient.

It’s perfect for emails or direct messages when you’re updating a colleague or client about a minor change or addition that doesn’t require immediate action but is still noteworthy. Because of its slightly informal nature, it’s best used when you have an established relationship with the recipient.

Email sample:

Hi Kevin,

Just to inform you, I've updated the project timeline to reflect the new deadlines.

Cheers,
Emily

6. To bring to your attention

This phrase is more formal and is used when you want to highlight something important. It’s a way of saying, “This is something you really need to focus on.” This makes it suitable for professional environments, especially when the information is critical or requires action.

It’s a good fit for emails or formal letters when you’re addressing someone in a higher position or a client. This phrase is especially useful in situations where you need to be polite yet direct about the significance of the message.

Example:

Dear Mrs. Thompson,

To bring to your attention, there has been a significant change in the policy that may affect our upcoming project.

Best regards,
Daniel

7. Please be aware

“Please be aware” is a polite and formal way of drawing someone’s attention to specific information. It’s like a heads-up but with a more urgent tone, indicating that the recipient needs to take this information seriously. This makes it suitable for both internal and external professional communications.

This phrase is often used in written communication where there is essential information that affects the recipient’s work or responsibilities. It’s particularly effective in emails, memos, or notices where clarity and the urgency of the message are paramount.

Email example:

Hello Team,

Please be aware that the office will be undergoing renovations next week. Some areas may be inaccessible.

Regards,
Lucy

8. For your reference

When you say “For your reference,” it’s a formal and polite way of giving someone information that they might need later. It’s like saying, “Here’s something you might want to look back on.” This phrase is great for emails or documents where you’re giving someone extra details for their benefit.

This one’s good for when you’re sending info that isn’t urgent but is still important for the other person to have. It’s fitting for sharing resources or data with colleagues or clients in a way that they know they don’t need to act on it right away.

Here’s a quick example:

Hello Janet,

For your reference, I’ve included the project guidelines in the attachment.

Warm wishes,
Greg

9. Heads up

“Heads up” is definitely more on the informal side. It’s like saying, “Hey, pay attention to this!” but in a friendly way. This phrase is perfect for situations where you’re giving someone a quick alert about something that’s not too serious but still needs their attention.

It works best with people you’re comfortable with, like teammates you’re close to. “Heads up” is great for texts or emails about little changes or updates that aren’t super critical but still good to know.

Email example:

Hi Alex,

Just a heads up, our meeting tomorrow has been pushed back to 3 PM.

See you,
Jordan

10. A friendly reminder

This phrase is polite and has a bit of an informal feel. It’s like saying, “Hey, don’t forget about this!” It’s used when you want to remind someone about something in a nice, gentle way. It’s great for when you’ve already told someone something, but you want to make sure they remember.

Use it in emails or messages when you’re reminding a coworker about a deadline or meeting. It’s helpful because it’s gentle and doesn’t make the other person feel bad for possibly forgetting.

Here’s an email example:

Hello Sara,

Just a friendly reminder that we need your report by Friday.

Thanks,
Derek

11. Just for clarity

The phrase “Just for clarity” is a polite and somewhat formal way to make sure everyone understands what’s going on. It’s like saying, “I want to make sure we’re all on the same page.” This phrase is handy when you’re trying to prevent misunderstandings or want to summarize important points for emphasis.

It’s especially useful in emails or meetings where detailed projects or complex instructions are discussed. Whether you’re talking to a colleague or a client, “Just for clarity” can help ensure that your message is understood correctly.

Email example:

Hi Team,

Just for clarity, the deadline for the project submission is next Monday, not Friday.

Best,
Liam

12. To keep you informed

Saying “To keep you informed” is a formal and polite way to give updates on a situation or project. It’s like saying, “I want you to know the latest developments.” This phrase works well in professional contexts where regular updates are necessary, like project status reports or team updates.

This phrase is especially useful in communications that aim to keep a team or client up to date on the progress of work, changes in plans, or important decisions. It’s perfect for emails, newsletters, or meetings where ongoing communication is key.

Here’s an email example:

Dear Clients,

To keep you informed, we have made some adjustments to the project timeline due to the recent changes in requirements.

Regards,
Susan

13. For your awareness

Using “For your awareness” is a very formal way to bring attention to something important. It’s a bit like saying, “I think you should be aware of this.” It’s useful for sharing information that might not require action but is important for the recipient to know.

This phrase is suitable for emails or memos when you need to share information with superiors or clients, particularly information that has significant implications but does not necessarily call for immediate action.

Email example:

Dear Stakeholders,

For your awareness, our competitor has recently launched a product similar to ours.

Sincerely,
Jack

14. In case it’s relevant

“In case it’s relevant” is a polite and slightly informal way to offer additional information that could be helpful. It’s like saying, “This might not be directly related, but it could be useful.” This phrase is perfect for when you want to share supplementary information without assuming it’s necessarily important to the recipient.

It’s a good fit for casual emails or conversations where you’re offering information that the other person can use if they find it applicable to their situation, especially among colleagues or within less formal settings.

Email example:

Hey Mike,

In case it's relevant, there’s a conference next month on marketing strategies that could benefit our team.

Cheers,
Tara

15. Something to keep in mind

When you say “Something to keep in mind,” you’re offering a piece of information as a consideration. It’s a polite and informal way to suggest that while something may not be urgent, it’s worth remembering. This phrase is great for friendly advice or when suggesting a consideration that might affect a decision or future action.

This phrase fits well in conversations, emails, or meetings where you want to gently influence thinking or decision-making processes without imposing.

Email example:

Hi Paula,

Something to keep in mind is that the client prefers detailed reports over summaries.

Talk soon,
Greg

16. BTW (By the way)

“BTW (By the way)” is very informal and casual. It’s like saying, “Oh, I forgot to mention this little piece of information.” This is perfect for quick messages or in casual conversations with colleagues or friends you are comfortable with.

It’s particularly well-suited for text messages or casual emails where you’re adding information that’s not central to the main conversation, but you still think it could be interesting or useful to the other person.

Email example:

Hey Alex,

Finished the report. BTW, I’ll be out of the office tomorrow.

Later,
Jenn

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right way to say “just so you know” depends on who you’re talking to and the situation. Each alternative we’ve discussed offers a different tone, from formal to casual. This variety allows you to keep your communication professional and clear, while also being considerate of your relationship with the recipient.