9 Formal Synonyms for “As You Know”

When providing information to someone, it may be the case that they already know it. Sometimes, it is worth highlighting that you’re aware of someone’s knowledge, even if you’d like to remind them.

Something like “as you know” might do the trick. However, is it really the most formal phrase to use in your emails?

This article has gathered some synonyms to show you how to say “as you know” politely.

Is It Polite to Say “As You Know”?

It is polite to say “as you know.” It works in a formal email, as it shows that you’re providing information to someone, even though they already know about it.

Generally, it means you understand someone already knows something, but you want to remind them or provide an update on what they already know.

This example will show you how to use “as you know” in a sentence:

As you know, we have made a few cutbacks lately, and I need your help selecting what we lose.

Pros

  • It shows you appreciate that someone already knows something.
  • It’s a polite way to start an email.

Cons

  • It’s fairly presumptuous (the recipient may not know what you share with them).
  • It’s quite generic and impersonal.

“As you know” is a great choice in most formal emails. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only one! We recommend having a few alternatives ready to keep things interesting.

Keep reading to find out how to say “as you know” in an email. There are plenty of useful formal synonyms to help you here.

What to Say Instead of “As You Know”

  • As you are aware
  • As I’m sure you know
  • You already know
  • You’re already aware
  • You may have already heard
  • You may already know
  •  I’m sure you’ve heard
  • Needless to say
  • You may realize

1. As You Are Aware

You can use “as you are aware” as another way to say “as you know.” Generally, “awareness” implies prior knowledge of a situation.

Therefore, it works best when the recipient already knows about the information provided. It shows you respect their information but want to update them about the status.

After all, someone might know a lot about a project. However, they might not know the current status, and it’s worth using “as you are aware” to provide brief updates.

Check out this example if you’re still unsure:

Dear Tony,

As you are aware, we are hiring someone new to fill this position. Please provide a list of names you think will be interested.

Yours,
Adam Peterson

2. As I’m Sure You Know

Feel free to write “as I’m sure you know” instead of “as you know.” Using “as I’m sure” sounds much more confident and sincere.

Generally, this phrase works best when you’re the boss of a company. It allows you to email your team to remind them of something you’ve already made clear.

For instance, you might have brought up relevant and important information during a meeting. You can send a follow-up email detailing that information by starting with “as I’m sure you know.”

Here’s a great email sample to help you with it:

Dear Team,

As I’m sure you know, we have gone a different direction with this. We appreciate each of you for your input, though.

All the best,
Kim Sue

3. You Already Know

“You already know” shows you what to say instead of “as you know.” It’s direct and confident, making it an excellent choice for professional emails.

Of course, you should use it when talking to someone about a collaborative effort.

For instance, it works well if emailing coworkers about a team project. It shows they already know about the project, but you might have to update them about a few things.

As long as you can provide an update (i.e., attaching a file or talking through the changes), use this phrase. It shows you’re in control of the situation and want to keep everyone in the loop.

This email example will also clear things up:

Dear Roger,

You already know about the project. Unfortunately, we have had to make a few adjustments, so we’ve attached the file.

Yours,
Fred Magner

4. You’re Already Aware

You can use “you’re already aware” as a professional way of saying “as you know.” It gets to the point and is very direct.

Of course, a phrase like this doesn’t work in every formal email. You need to know the best time and place to use it.

Generally, it’s better to write “you’re already aware” when emailing an interested employee. If they reached out to ask a question they already have a rough answer to, you can use this phrase.

Usually, someone might know the basics of a situation. You can start with “you’re already aware” to express this. Then, you can go on to explain more of the intricacies.

If you’re still unsure, review the following email sample:

Dear Hillary,

You’re already aware that we’re changing to a different client. However, we’re keen to hear your opinions about the old one.

Thank you so much,
Dan White

5. You May Have Already Heard

Including a word like “may” in your introductory statement is a little more unconfident. However, it’s still effective if you don’t know whether someone’s heard some information before you.

Therefore, “you may have already heard” is an excellent phrase to include in a formal email.

It shows you don’t want to assume someone’s knowledge. However, it still allows you to share information that might be applicable, especially if you think it’ll help the recipient.

We also recommend reviewing the following example:

Dear Staff,

You may have already heard about the changes. However, we are going back to the original plan starting Monday.

Regards,
Annabelle Walters

6. You May Already Know

We also recommend trying “you may already know” instead of “as you know.” It’s really useful in professional emails when sharing updates.

You may also find “you may already know” works when asking for the recipient’s opinion. After all, it recognizes their knowledge and requests whether they have anything to share.

We recommend using it when dealing with clients. It shows you’d like to consider their opinion based on information they might already know.

Here’s an example to help you understand more about it:

Dear Mr. King,

You may already know that we’re considering hiring someone to fill this role. Do you have any ideas?

Kind regards,
Jack Kerr

7. I’m Sure You’ve Heard

For a more professional way of saying “as you know,” try “I’m sure you’ve heard.” It assumes someone already knows something important.

Generally, this works at the start of an email. It suggests you’re about to share new information, but you also think the recipient may already know about the information.

It’s worth using when updating employees. That way, you can share information that might already have been passed around the workplace (even if you didn’t initiate the original sharing).

Check out this email example if you still need help:

Dear Ben,

I’m sure you’ve heard that we’ve switched providers. We had to make this call due to pressure from our shareholders.

Yours,
Melanie Button

8. Needless to Say

It might not be as obvious as some other synonyms, but “needless to say” is a great alternative.

It means you shouldn’t need to say something because the recipient already knows. It’s highly effective when sharing common knowledge at the start of an email.

We recommend using it when emailing an employee. It sounds a little bossy, so you can only use it when you are in a position of authority over the recipient.

Perhaps this email sample will also help you:

Dear Michaela,

Needless to say, we have had to make a few changes. Please review the attachment to learn more about them.

Kind regards,
Sam Smith

9. You May Realize

For a slightly less confident phrase, try “you may realize.” It’s great to include in professional emails when sharing information that someone might already know.

We recommend using it instead of “as you know” to highlight general or common information. It suggests that you’re updating the recipient by providing things they’ve already come across.

This sample email should clear things up:

Dear Paula,

You may realize that we are making some changes. I’m keen to hear your thoughts about this situation.

All the best,
William Pulse