You should always try to take notes of things in formal emails. It shows that you’re paying attention and following along.
However, is “well noted” the most polite phrase available? This article will explore how to confirm receipt of an email in different ways.
Is It Polite to Say “Well Noted”?
It is polite to say “well noted.” Generally, it’s considered professional, showing that you have noted what someone has emailed you.
It’s not rude to use this phrase. We highly recommend it when emailing your boss to let them know that you’ve understood an assignment set for you.
Here is an example to show you how to use it:
Your email is well noted. Thank you so much for sharing with me.
Pros
- It’s polite and acceptable in emails.
- It works well in most formal contexts.
Cons
- It’s fairly bland to confirm receipt of an email.
- It is rushed and does not highlight the specifics of what you’ve “noted.”
“Well noted” is certainly one of the best phrases you can use in this context. However, it’s good to have a few alternatives ready to allow you to spice things up in your emails.
Keep reading to find out more about what to say instead of “well noted.” You can also review the examples for each to see how to use them.
What to Say Instead of “Well Noted”
- Duly noted
- Understood
- I understand
- I have taken note of this
- I see what you’re saying
- Noted
- Your email is appreciated
- I will remember
- I will bear that in mind
1. Duly Noted
You can’t go wrong with “duly noted” in a formal email. It’s a fantastic way to show that you’ve taken note of the previous email and will act accordingly.
For instance, you may use it when sending an email to your boss. It shows that you’ve noted and accepted all the information.
Maybe they’ve sent you a new project to complete. Or maybe they’ve asked you to attend a business meeting. Either way, “duly noted” shows that you understand and accept the contents of the email you reply to.
Check out this email example to see how it works:
Dear Ms. Berker,
Duly noted. I certainly appreciate you reaching out at this hour to talk me through the new assignments.
All the best,
Joseph Kyte
2. Understood
“Understood” is a great way to say “well noted” professionally. It’s also a much simpler alternative because it’s a one-word option.
We highly recommend using it when emailing your boss. It shows that you have understood everything they sent to you. Generally, it works when replying to an email about new responsibilities set by your boss.
It’s very respectful and shows that you’re happy to move forward. However, since it’s a one-word alternative, it may come across as a bit blunt if you’re not careful!
Here’s a great sample email to help you understand it:
Dear Bradley,
Understood. I will let the team know that you have changed your mind about the project as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Freddie Bincroft
3. I Understand
So, “understood” is a great one-word alternative to “well noted.” But “I understand” is a great way to come across in a more personal manner after receiving an email.
It still works well in formal emails, but it allows you to remove the bluntness of the one-word option “understood.”
Therefore, you can use it when emailing clients. It’s a more friendly alternative showing that you understand and accept what your client has emailed you.
Perhaps this email sample will also help you with it:
Dear Lara,
I understand what you have asked of me. Thank you so much for taking the time to write that email.
Yours,
Ben Walker
4. I Have Taken Note of This
It might be worth writing “I have taken note of this” to clarify with the recipient. It’s a clear and direct way to let them know that you have noted down something from their email.
We highly recommend using this when emailing employees. It shows that you appreciate them reaching out via email and have noted down some of the things they’ve shared with you.
You should also refer to this email example:
Dear Christian,
I have taken note of this for future reference. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help you.
Best wishes,
Jonathan Tilly
5. I See What You’re Saying
“I see what you’re saying” is a great informal alternative to “well noted.”
You can use it when emailing coworkers, as it comes with a slightly more friendly tone that works well when you have a good working relationship with someone.
Using “see” here is what makes it so friendly. It allows you to empathize with the recipient by understanding the message they sent you previously. Of course, it tends to work best when the previous email relates to a problem someone might be having at work.
Here’s a great example to help you understand it if you’re still unsure:
Dear Melissa,
I see what you’re saying. Is there anything else you want me to do regarding your previous email?
Kind regards,
Sean Woodacre
6. Noted
You can remove “well” from “well noted” and the meaning is still clear.
“Noted” in itself is already a good professional synonym. You don’t have to overcomplicate things by using more words than necessary.
Ideally, this alternative works best when emailing your boss. It’s quite impersonal, meaning that you won’t have a particularly good relationship with the recipient (i.e., you’re not friendly with them).
However, just because it’s impersonal doesn’t mean it’s ineffective. It’s a great way to let the recipient know you have understood the information from their previous email.
You should refer to this email sample as well:
Dear Siri,
Noted. Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I’ll be in touch as soon as I have more information to help with the investigation.
Kind regards,
Amy Langley
7. Your Email Is Appreciated
Going back to a more professional alternative, you can write “your email is appreciated” instead of “well noted.”
It works well because it shares gratitude toward the recipient for emailing you.
Of course, it works best when their email contains important and relevant information. It shows that you appreciate the contents of the previous email because it helped you to understand something.
Check out the following sample email if you still need help:
Dear Hughie,
Your email is appreciated. Thank you so much for providing this information, and I’ll be sure to let the team know.
All the best,
Kingsley Woeful
8. I Will Remember
“I will remember” is a clear and direct way to tell a recipient that you have noted the information they’ve shared with you.
It generally means that you’ve added the information to your calendar as a reminder to yourself.
You may not know when you’ll need the information again. However, the phrase is a great one to include in a formal email to show the recipient that they can have faith in you and your organizational skills.
Typically, this one works when contacting clients. It shows that you value the information provided and will keep a note of it for future reference.
Here’s a great example if you’re still unsure:
Dear Mr. Scott,
I will remember what you have shared with me today. I certainly appreciate this information coming when it did.
All the best,
Charlotte Tate
9. I Will Bear That in Mind
You may also say “I will bear that in mind” as a slightly more informal phrase.
It’s still polite, but it works best when emailing coworkers or people you get along with well within a business setting.
If you bear something in mind, it means you’ll save it for a later date. So, you might remember the information shared or might have noted something in your calendar.
Either way, this phrase is great to include in a business email when you know you’ll need to revisit information.
Perhaps this example will help you with it:
Dear Kristoff,
I will bear that in mind moving forward. Thank you so much for emailing me at this time.
Kind regards,
George O’Brien