May we remind you that
Formal business communication expression
Use this phrase for professional reminders when you need to be firm yet polite.
في 15 ثانية
- A formal, polite way to remind someone of a rule.
- Used by businesses to sound professional and firm.
- Best for emails, public announcements, or official notices.
المعنى
It is a very polite and professional way to tell someone they forgot something or need to follow a rule. It is like a gentle nudge that says 'don't forget' without being rude.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 7A bank sending a notice
May we remind you that your account balance is low?
Your balance is low.
At the gym
May we remind you that all weights must be returned to the racks?
Put your weights back.
Texting a client about a deadline
May we remind you that the final files are due by 5 PM?
Don't forget the 5 PM deadline.
خلفية ثقافية
This phrase reflects the Western corporate value of 'polite distance.' It uses the 'institutional we' to make the speaker sound like an official entity rather than a single person. This helps avoid personal conflict while still enforcing rules effectively.
The 'Institutional We'
Even if you are the only person writing the email, use `we` to sound like you are representing a company. it feels less personal and more official.
Avoid with Superiors
Don't use this with your boss unless you are very senior. It can sound like you are lecturing them, which might be risky!
في 15 ثانية
- A formal, polite way to remind someone of a rule.
- Used by businesses to sound professional and firm.
- Best for emails, public announcements, or official notices.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a polite nudge. It is the verbal equivalent of a well-pressed suit. You aren't shouting at anyone. You are simply pointing out a fact. It says, 'I am being professional, but you have forgotten something.' It acts like a velvet glove over a steel fist. You are being nice, but you mean business. It is a way to be firm without being rude. It is like a gentle tap on the shoulder. You are not pushing them. You are just pointing the way.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very start. It acts as a formal introduction to a rule. Follow it with the word that and a full sentence. For example, May we remind you that smoking is prohibited. It sounds much smoother than just saying 'No smoking.' You are asking for permission to remind them. This makes the listener feel less attacked. It creates a sense of shared professional respect. It is a very polite way to start a difficult conversation. It sets a respectful tone from the very first word.
When To Use It
This is perfect for the business world. Use it in emails about late payments. Use it for upcoming project deadlines. It is great for public announcements too. You will hear it at airports or train stations. It works well when you represent a group. Using we makes you sound like an official institution. It takes the pressure off you as an individual. It is the standard for professional reminders.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friends. It will make you sound like a robot. Avoid it during a casual dinner date. If you say it to your spouse, expect trouble. May we remind you that it is your turn to cook is too cold. It sounds like you are about to fire them. Only use it when there is a professional distance. If the situation is 'chill,' stay away from this phrase.
Cultural Background
English speakers often avoid direct confrontation. We love using 'softeners' to deliver bad news. This phrase comes from a tradition of high-level service. It implies that the speaker is serving the listener. By saying May we, you are being humble. However, the 'remind' part shows you are still in control. It is a classic example of corporate politeness. It balances authority with a gentle touch. It is very common in British and American business culture.
Common Variations
You might hear We would like to remind you. This is slightly softer and very common. Please be reminded that is a bit more direct. Some people use We wish to remind you for extra formality. In very stiff legal letters, you might see It should be noted that. If you want to be less formal, try Just a heads-up that. Each version changes the 'temperature' of the conversation.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is a B2-level expression primarily used in corporate or official settings. It uses the 'institutional we' to provide a sense of authority and professional distance.
The 'Institutional We'
Even if you are the only person writing the email, use `we` to sound like you are representing a company. it feels less personal and more official.
Avoid with Superiors
Don't use this with your boss unless you are very senior. It can sound like you are lecturing them, which might be risky!
The Velvet Glove
In English culture, being direct is often seen as rude. This phrase is a 'softener' that allows you to be strict while appearing very polite.
أمثلة
7May we remind you that your account balance is low?
Your balance is low.
Standard banking terminology for a polite warning.
May we remind you that all weights must be returned to the racks?
Put your weights back.
Polite way to enforce gym rules for all members.
May we remind you that the final files are due by 5 PM?
Don't forget the 5 PM deadline.
Keeps the relationship professional even over text.
May we remind you that you just ate ten minutes ago?
You already ate!
Using high-formality with pets is a common English joke.
May we remind you that today is actually our anniversary?
You forgot our special day.
The 'we' here adds a layer of icy, formal sarcasm.
May we remind you that the use of cameras is strictly prohibited?
No cameras allowed.
Common announcement before a show starts.
May we remind you that your book is now three days overdue?
Your book is late.
A standard, non-aggressive way to ask for a return.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the formal reminder for a hotel guest.
___ we remind you that check-out time is 11:00 AM?
`May` is the standard polite modal verb used to start this formal expression.
Complete the sentence to connect the reminder to the fact.
May we remind you ___ all visitors must sign in at the front desk?
The word `that` is used to introduce the specific information or rule being reminded.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of Reminders
Used with friends
Don't forget!
Standard polite request
Please remember that...
Professional/Institutional
May we remind you that...
Where to use 'May we remind you that'
Late Payment Email
...the invoice is overdue.
Airport Announcement
...boarding ends in 5 minutes.
Gym Policy Sign
...towels are required.
Library Fine Notice
...your book is late.
الأسئلة الشائعة
11 أسئلةNo, it is actually very polite. It is considered a formal way to avoid being aggressive while still being clear about a rule.
Yes, you can. May I is used if you are speaking only for yourself, whereas May we is used when representing a company or group.
Don't forget is casual and used with friends. May we remind you is formal and used in professional settings.
Using May turns the reminder into a polite request for permission to speak. It makes the statement sound less like an order.
Yes, it is grammatically required to connect the introductory phrase to the fact you are stating. For example: May we remind you that [fact].
Only if you are texting a client or someone in a professional context. In a casual text, it will sound very sarcastic.
It is used globally in professional English. It is equally common in both British and American business communications.
It is rare. Usually, it is used for duties, rules, or deadlines. For good news, people usually say We are pleased to inform you.
Yes, absolutely. If you say it to a friend about something small, like a dirty dish, you are definitely being funny or 'passive-aggressive.'
You can use A friendly reminder that... It is slightly less formal but still very professional for emails.
A simple Thank you for the reminder is perfect. If you made a mistake, you can add I apologize for the oversight.
عبارات ذات صلة
Please be advised that
A very formal way to give important information.
We would like to bring to your attention
A polite way to highlight a specific fact or issue.
Just a friendly reminder that
A less formal, warmer professional reminder.
It has come to our attention that
A formal way to say 'we noticed that something is wrong.'
Kindly note that
A short, polite way to point out a rule or detail.
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