The phrase “is it correct to say please note” is a common question among English learners, professionals, and writers who want to make sure their communication sounds natural and polite. The short answer is yes: “Please note” is grammatically correct and widely used in modern English.
However, whether it is the best choice depends on the situation, audience, and tone you want to create.
“Please note” is often used to draw attention to important information, instructions, changes, or reminders. It is especially common in professional emails, workplace communication, notices, policies, and formal writing.
While it is correct, it can sometimes sound slightly formal, direct, or impersonal in casual conversations.
This article explains what “please note” means, why it is correct, how native speakers interpret it, when to use it, when to avoid it, and what alternatives may sound warmer or more natural in different situations.
Is It Correct to Say “Please Note”?
Yes, “Please note” is correct and natural English. It is a polite expression used to ask someone to pay attention to important information. The phrase is common in professional writing, emails, announcements, instructions, and formal communication. However, it can sound more formal or authoritative than alternatives like “please be aware” or “just a reminder,” depending on the context.
What Does “Please Note” Mean in English?
“Please note” means “please pay attention to this information” or “please be aware of this important detail.” It signals that the following information deserves the reader’s attention.
The word “please” makes the request more polite, while “note” means to observe, remember, or take notice of something.
For example:
- “Please note that the office will close at 3 p.m. on Friday.”
- “Please note the updated payment instructions below.”
In both examples, the writer is not asking the reader to physically write something down. Instead, the phrase means that the reader should recognize and remember the information.
Native speakers generally understand “please note” as a neutral-to-formal attention marker. It is not rude, but the tone can feel slightly official because it is often used in announcements, policies, and business communication.
The meaning can change slightly depending on the situation:
- In a workplace email, it may introduce an important instruction.
- In a customer notice, it may highlight a rule or change.
- In personal communication, it may sound more serious than necessary.
For example:
Professional:
Please note that your appointment has been rescheduled to Monday.
Personal:
Please note that I will not be available tonight.
The second sentence is grammatically correct, but “just letting you know” would usually sound more natural between friends.
Why Is “Please Note” Grammatically Correct?
The phrase “please note” follows a common English structure: please + base verb.
Examples:
- Please wait.
- Please remember.
- Please check.
- Please note.
After “please,” English normally uses the base form of the verb, not the -ing form or past tense.
Correct:
Please note the following changes.
Incorrect:
Please noted the following changes.
Incorrect:
Please noting the following changes.
The verb “note” works correctly because it functions as an imperative verb. An imperative gives a request or instruction.
Although imperative sentences often do not include a subject, the understood subject is usually “you.”
So:
Please note the updated schedule.
means:
Please (you) note the updated schedule.
The phrase is therefore grammatically complete and follows standard English sentence patterns.
How Natural Does “Please Note” Sound to Native English Speakers?
Native English speakers consider “please note” a normal expression, especially in formal and professional settings. It does not sound incorrect or strange.
However, naturalness depends heavily on context.
In these situations, “please note” sounds very natural:
- Business emails
- Workplace announcements
- Academic instructions
- Customer service messages
- Official notices
- Written guidelines
Example:
Please note that all employees must complete the training by Friday.
This sounds professional and appropriate.
In casual conversation, it may sound overly formal:
Please note that I bought milk on the way home.
A native speaker would probably say:
Just letting you know, I bought milk on the way home.
or:
I wanted to let you know that I bought milk.
The phrase itself is not unnatural; it is simply associated with situations where important information needs attention.
Is “Please Note” Polite or Too Direct?
“Please note” is polite because it includes the word “please,” but politeness is also influenced by context and relationship.
In many professional situations, it is perfectly acceptable:
Please note that the deadline has been extended.
However, some readers may perceive it as slightly formal or commanding because it tells them what to pay attention to.
The tone can sometimes feel less friendly when used repeatedly.
For example:
Please note that your invoice is overdue.
Please note that late fees apply.
Please note that further delays may occur.
A series of “please note” statements can feel strict or impersonal.
A warmer approach might be:
We wanted to let you know that your invoice is overdue.
or:
We would like to remind you that late fees apply.
The difference is not grammar but tone. “Please note” emphasizes the information, while alternatives may emphasize the relationship with the reader.
Is “Please Note” Appropriate for Professional Emails?
Yes, “please note” is very common in professional emails. It is useful when you need to highlight important information without sounding aggressive.
Good professional examples include:
Please note that the meeting location has changed from Room A to Room B.
Please note that your application is currently under review.
Please note that attachments must be submitted before the deadline.
It works especially well when:
- The information is important
- The reader may overlook the detail
- The message is formal
- Accuracy matters
However, avoid using it for every small piece of information. Overuse can make emails sound stiff.
Less natural:
Please note that I have attached the file.
Please note that I will arrive at 10 a.m.
Please note that I have received your message.
Better:
I have attached the file for your review.
I will arrive at 10 a.m.
Thank you for your message. I have received it.
Choose “please note” when the reader genuinely needs to pay attention.
How to Use “Please Note” in Emails and Written Communication
In emails, “please note” is usually followed by that + a sentence or a noun phrase.
Structure 1: Please note that + information
Example:
Please note that the delivery date has changed.
This is the most common structure.
Structure 2: Please note + noun phrase
Example:
Please note the updated terms and conditions.
This is shorter and often used in notices or instructions.
Structure 3: Please note the following + details
Example:
Please note the following changes to our company policy.
This introduces a list of information.
Professional email example:
Dear Team,
Please note that the deadline for submitting reports has been moved to Thursday. Kindly ensure that all documents are uploaded before the new deadline.
Thank you.
This use is clear, polite, and appropriate.
When Should You Avoid Saying “Please Note”?
Although “please note” is correct, there are situations where another phrase may communicate your meaning better.
1. Casual conversations
With friends or family, it may sound unnecessarily formal.
Less natural:
Please note that I will be late tonight.
More natural:
Just letting you know, I’ll be late tonight.
2. Emotional conversations
“Please note” can sound distant when expressing personal feelings.
Less natural:
Please note that I appreciate your support.
Better:
I really appreciate your support.
3. When you want to sound friendly
Customer communication or team messages may benefit from warmer wording.
Less personal:
Please note that your request has been received.
Warmer:
We’re happy to confirm that we’ve received your request.
The issue is not correctness. The phrase simply creates a more formal distance between the writer and reader.
Correct and Incorrect Examples of “Please Note”
Understanding examples helps show when “please note” works well.
Correct and natural
- Please note that the store will be closed on Sunday.
- Please note the updated schedule attached to this email.
- Please note that all visitors must sign in at reception.
- Please note that your password will expire in seven days.
- Please note the following changes to our meeting agenda.
Grammatically correct but less natural
- Please note that I watched a movie last night.
This is grammatically fine, but it sounds too formal for casual information.
Better:
I watched a movie last night.
- Please note that I love this restaurant.
Correct, but unnatural in everyday conversation.
Better:
I really love this restaurant.
Incorrect usage
- Please noted that the meeting is canceled.
Incorrect because “noted” is the wrong verb form.
Correct:
Please note that the meeting is canceled.
- Please noting the changes below.
Incorrect because “noting” does not follow the imperative structure.
Correct:
Please note the changes below.
Better Alternatives to “Please Note” and When to Use Them
Although “please note” is correct, different situations may call for different expressions.
| Alternative | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Please be aware that | Formal and neutral | Policies, warnings, important information |
| Please keep in mind that | Polite and conversational | Advice or reminders |
| Just a reminder that | Friendly and professional | Follow-ups and emails |
| Please remember that | Direct but polite | Instructions and responsibilities |
| We would like to inform you that | Very formal | Official announcements |
| I wanted to let you know that | Warm and personal | Emails and conversations |
Examples:
Formal:
Please be aware that additional charges may apply.
Friendly workplace reminder:
Just a reminder that the meeting starts at 9 a.m.
Personal communication:
I wanted to let you know that I will be visiting next week.
Each alternative has a slightly different emotional effect. “Please note” focuses attention on information, while “I wanted to let you know” focuses more on communication between people.
Common Mistakes People Make With “Please Note”
Several mistakes appear when English learners use this phrase.
Mistake 1: Using the wrong verb form
Incorrect:
Please noted the changes.
Correct:
Please note the changes.
Mistake 2: Adding unnecessary words
Incorrect:
Please kindly note that please the meeting has changed.
Correct:
Please note that the meeting has changed.
Using multiple politeness markers can make writing awkward.
Mistake 3: Using it for every announcement
Repeating “please note” too often can make writing sound mechanical.
Instead, vary your language:
- Please note that…
- We would like to inform you that…
- Just a reminder that…
- Please be aware that…
Mistake 4: Confusing “note” with “notice”
“Note” means to pay attention to or remember information.
“Notice” means to see or become aware of something.
Example:
Please note the new instructions.
means:
Please pay attention to the new instructions.
I noticed the new instructions.
means:
I saw the new instructions.
Does “Please Note” Differ in American and British English?
“Please note” is used in both American and British English. There is no major regional difference in meaning or correctness.
Speakers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia commonly understand the phrase in professional and formal contexts.
The main difference is not regional but stylistic. Different organizations and individuals may prefer different levels of formality.
For example, a government notice may frequently use:
Please note that applications must be submitted by Friday.
A friendly company email may prefer:
Just a quick reminder that applications are due Friday.
Both are correct. The choice depends on the relationship with the reader and the desired tone.
FAQs
Is “Please note” grammatically correct?
Yes, “please note” is grammatically correct. It uses the standard imperative structure “please + base verb.” The phrase asks someone to pay attention to important information and is widely accepted in formal and professional English.
What does “please note” mean?
“Please note” means “please pay attention to this information” or “please be aware of this detail.” It is used when a speaker or writer wants to highlight something important that the reader should remember.
Is “please note” polite?
Yes, “please note” is polite because it includes “please.” However, it can sound formal or slightly official. In casual situations, phrases like “just letting you know” may sound warmer and more natural.
Is “please note” professional in emails?
Yes, “please note” is appropriate for professional emails, especially when sharing instructions, deadlines, updates, or important details. It should be used selectively because repeating it too often can make communication sound impersonal.
Can I say “please note that”?
Yes, “please note that” is one of the most common forms of the expression. It introduces a complete statement, such as “Please note that the office will close early today.”
What are better alternatives to “please note”?
Better alternatives depend on the situation. “Please be aware that” works for formal information, “just a reminder that” sounds friendlier, and “I wanted to let you know that” works well for personal or conversational messages.
Final Thoughts
The answer to “is it correct to say please note” is yes. “Please note” is grammatically correct, widely understood, and commonly used in modern English, especially in professional, formal, and written communication.
The phrase means “pay attention to this information” and is useful when you need to highlight an important detail.
However, correctness does not always mean it is the best choice for every situation. In casual conversations or warm personal messages, it may sound more formal than necessary.
Use “please note” for announcements, instructions, policies, and workplace communication. For friendlier communication, consider alternatives such as “just a reminder,” “please be aware,” or “I wanted to let you know.”
Choosing the right phrase is not only about grammar. It is also about matching your words to your audience, purpose, and desired tone.
I am Sayan Roy, an English language enthusiast dedicated to helping readers understand word meanings, vocabulary, grammar, and useful English expressions through clear, simple, and informative content.
