In professional writing, even small phrases can significantly affect tone and perception. One commonly used expression—“as you know”—is often intended to reference shared knowledge. However, in formal contexts, it can unintentionally sound presumptive, patronizing, or overly casual. This makes it less suitable for business emails, academic writing, legal documents, and corporate communication.
Using formal synonyms for “as you know” allows writers to acknowledge prior information tactfully and professionally. These alternatives help maintain respect, clarity, and authority without assuming the reader’s awareness. Mastering these expressions is essential for anyone aiming to write polished, confident, and context-aware professional content.
⚡ Quick List: Other Ways to Say “As You Know”
- As previously mentioned
- As discussed
- As outlined above
- As noted earlier
- As indicated previously
- As referenced earlier
- As per our discussion
- As per our previous conversation
- As stated earlier
- As communicated earlier
- As detailed above
- As highlighted previously
- As you may be aware
- As already noted
- As established
- As previously communicated
- As explained earlier
- As outlined previously
- As per the information provided
- As documented
- As reported earlier
- As confirmed earlier
- As clarified previously
- As acknowledged earlier
- As indicated above
- As shared previously
- As described earlier
- As per prior correspondence
- As discussed previously
- As mentioned earlier
🏛️ Formal Alternatives for “As You Know”
1. As previously mentioned
- Meaning: Refers to information stated earlier
- Explanation: Neutral and respectful, avoids assumptions
- Example: As previously mentioned, the deadline is Friday.
- Best Use: Reports, professional emails
- Worst Use: Casual conversation
- Tone: Formal
2. As discussed
- Meaning: References a prior discussion
- Explanation: Concise and professional
- Example: As discussed, we will proceed with the revised plan.
- Best Use: Meeting follow-ups
- Worst Use: First-time contact
- Tone: Formal
3. As outlined above
- Meaning: Points to earlier written content
- Explanation: Structured and document-focused
- Example: As outlined above, the process includes three stages.
- Best Use: Reports, policies
- Worst Use: Spoken communication
- Tone: Formal
4. As noted earlier
- Meaning: Indicates prior mention
- Explanation: Soft and professional reminder
- Example: As noted earlier, approval is required.
- Best Use: Internal documentation
- Worst Use: Informal writing
- Tone: Formal
5. As indicated previously
- Meaning: Refers to previously indicated information
- Explanation: Precise and objective
- Example: As indicated previously, the budget has been finalized.
- Best Use: Business, academic writing
- Worst Use: Casual emails
- Tone: Formal
6. As referenced earlier
- Meaning: Cites earlier reference
- Explanation: Useful in structured texts
- Example: As referenced earlier, these findings support the hypothesis.
- Best Use: Research, reports
- Worst Use: Conversational settings
- Tone: Formal
7. As per our discussion
- Meaning: Based on a prior conversation
- Explanation: Polite and direct
- Example: As per our discussion, the timeline has been adjusted.
- Best Use: Client communication
- Worst Use: Public documents
- Tone: Formal
8. As communicated earlier
- Meaning: Indicates prior communication
- Explanation: Clear and professional
- Example: As communicated earlier, the policy takes effect Monday.
- Best Use: Corporate emails
- Worst Use: Informal chats
- Tone: Formal
9. As detailed above
- Meaning: Refers to detailed explanation earlier
- Explanation: Suitable for long documents
- Example: As detailed above, compliance is mandatory.
- Best Use: Manuals, legal texts
- Worst Use: Short emails
- Tone: Formal
10. As highlighted previously
- Meaning: Emphasizes earlier point
- Explanation: Professional emphasis
- Example: As highlighted previously, accuracy is essential.
- Best Use: Presentations
- Worst Use: Casual use
- Tone: Formal
11. As documented
- Meaning: References official records
- Explanation: Authoritative and factual
- Example: As documented, the procedure follows industry standards.
- Best Use: Legal, compliance
- Worst Use: Informal communication
- Tone: Formal
12. As established
- Meaning: Indicates accepted or confirmed information
- Explanation: Confident and authoritative
- Example: As established, all teams must comply.
- Best Use: Policy statements
- Worst Use: Friendly emails
- Tone: Formal
⚖️ Semi-Formal & Neutral Alternatives
1. As mentioned earlier
- Meaning: Refers to earlier mention
- Explanation: Neutral and polite
- Example: As mentioned earlier, the meeting is rescheduled.
- Best Use: Internal emails
- Worst Use: Legal documents
- Tone: Semi-formal
2. As discussed previously
- Meaning: References a prior discussion
- Explanation: Clear and collaborative
- Example: As discussed previously, we will move forward.
- Best Use: Team communication
- Worst Use: First outreach
- Tone: Semi-formal
3. As shared previously
- Meaning: Indicates shared information
- Explanation: Friendly yet professional
- Example: As shared previously, the files are attached.
- Best Use: Internal updates
- Worst Use: Formal reports
- Tone: Semi-formal
4. As you may be aware
- Meaning: Politely acknowledges possible awareness
- Explanation: Less assumptive than “as you know”
- Example: As you may be aware, changes are underway.
- Best Use: External emails
- Worst Use: Legal writing
- Tone: Semi-formal
5. As explained earlier
- Meaning: Refers to earlier explanation
- Explanation: Clarifying and respectful
- Example: As explained earlier, approval is pending.
- Best Use: Clarifications
- Worst Use: Casual chats
- Tone: Semi-formal
6. As noted above
- Meaning: Points to earlier text
- Explanation: Neutral and clear
- Example: As noted above, deadlines remain unchanged.
- Best Use: Emails, documents
- Worst Use: Verbal use
- Tone: Semi-formal
7. As per earlier communication
- Meaning: References prior contact
- Explanation: Professional and concise
- Example: As per earlier communication, delivery is scheduled.
- Best Use: Vendor emails
- Worst Use: Casual tone
- Tone: Semi-formal
8. As indicated earlier
- Meaning: Mentions previous indication
- Explanation: Neutral phrasing
- Example: As indicated earlier, the process remains the same.
- Best Use: Internal updates
- Worst Use: Informal messages
- Tone: Semi-formal
9. As previously shared
- Meaning: Refers to shared materials
- Explanation: Common in team settings
- Example: As previously shared, please review the file.
- Best Use: Collaboration
- Worst Use: Legal writing
- Tone: Semi-formal
10. As outlined earlier
- Meaning: Points to earlier outline
- Explanation: Structured and neutral
- Example: As outlined earlier, steps must be followed.
- Best Use: Instructions
- Worst Use: Casual use
- Tone: Semi-formal
11. As previously discussed
- Meaning: Refers to earlier discussion
- Explanation: Polite and professional
- Example: As previously discussed, timelines are flexible.
- Best Use: Follow-ups
- Worst Use: First contact
- Tone: Semi-formal
12. As referenced above
- Meaning: Refers to earlier reference
- Explanation: Neutral and clear
- Example: As referenced above, documentation is required.
- Best Use: Emails, reports
- Worst Use: Casual speech
- Tone: Semi-formal
😊 Informal or Casual Alternatives
- Like we talked about
- As I mentioned
- You remember
- From earlier
- As we said
- Like before
- As noted
🏢 Industry-Specific Variations
💼 Business
- As previously discussed
🏙️ Corporate
- As communicated earlier
🎓 Academic
- As outlined above
🤝 Customer Service
- As noted in our earlier message
⚖️ Legal
- As documented
✉️ Email Communication
- As mentioned earlier
📧 Email Examples
✉️ Email Sample 1
Subject: Project Update
Body:
Dear Mr. Smith,
As you are aware, the deadline for the Q4 report is approaching. Please ensure all team inputs are submitted by Friday.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
✉️ Email Sample 2
Subject: Meeting Reminder
Body:
Hi Emily,
As previously discussed, we will hold the client review meeting tomorrow at 2 PM. Kindly confirm your availability.
Thanks,
Mark
✉️ Email Sample 3
Subject: Budget Approval
Body:
Dear Team,
As noted earlier, the marketing budget has been approved. Please proceed with the planned campaigns.
Regards,
Samantha Lee
✉️ Email Sample 4
Subject: Contract Review
Body:
Hello John,
As mentioned before, the contract clauses require your review. Please provide feedback by end of day.
Best,
Alex
✉️ Email Sample 5
Subject: Training Session
Body:
Hi Team,
As indicated previously, the mandatory training session will take place on Monday at 10 AM. Attendance is required.
Thank you,
Rachel
💬 Short Dialogue Examples
- “As discussed, we’ll proceed tomorrow.”
- “As previously mentioned, approval is required.”
- “As noted earlier, the deadline remains.”
- “As you may be aware, changes are coming.”
- “As outlined above, steps must be followed.”
📊 Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| As previously mentioned | Formal | Reports | As previously mentioned, the date is set. |
| As discussed | Formal | Meetings | As discussed, we agreed to proceed. |
| As you may be aware | Semi-formal | External emails | As you may be aware, updates are pending. |
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sounding patronizing
- Assuming reader awareness
- Overusing one phrase
- Mixing formal and casual tones
- Using informal phrases in legal contexts
- Being vague or unclear
⛔ When NOT to Use This Phrase
- Sensitive communications
- Apology emails
- Legal disputes
- Crisis messaging
- First introductions
❓ FAQs
Is “as you know” unprofessional?
It can sound presumptive in formal contexts.
What’s the most formal alternative?
“As previously mentioned” or “as documented.”
Can I use these in emails?
Yes, especially professional emails.
Are these suitable for academic writing?
Yes—especially structured alternatives.
Should I avoid repetition?
Yes. Rotate phrases for clarity.
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