It is important to note
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use this phrase to professionally signal that the next detail is the most important part of your message.
In 15 Seconds
- A verbal highlighter used to emphasize a key piece of information.
- Best used in presentations, formal emails, or professional meetings.
- Usually followed by 'that' to introduce a crucial fact or detail.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite way to say, 'Hey, pay attention to this specific detail.' It acts like a highlighter for your words, signaling that the next piece of information is crucial.
Key Examples
3 of 6Presenting a quarterly report
It is important to note that our sales grew by 20% this month.
It is important to note that our sales grew by 20% this month.
Sending a formal office memo
It is important to note that the parking lot will be closed for repairs.
It is important to note that the parking lot will be closed for repairs.
Giving a friend serious advice
It is important to note that I'm only saying this because I care about you.
It is important to note that I'm only saying this because I care about you.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a staple of 'Signposting' in English-speaking academic and corporate worlds. It reflects a cultural preference for directness and structured logical flow. While it originated in formal writing, it became a standard tool for public speakers to maintain audience engagement during long speeches.
The 'That' Rule
Always follow the phrase with `that` if you are introducing a full sentence. It keeps your grammar smooth and professional.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this phrase three times in one minute, you'll sound like a robot. Save it for the truly big points!
In 15 Seconds
- A verbal highlighter used to emphasize a key piece of information.
- Best used in presentations, formal emails, or professional meetings.
- Usually followed by 'that' to introduce a crucial fact or detail.
What It Means
Think of It is important to note as a verbal highlighter. You are telling your listener that among all the words you've said, this next part is the 'gold.' It is a signpost that guides people toward the most significant facts. It doesn't just share info; it assigns value to it.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. Follow it immediately with the word that. For example: It is important to note that the office is closed on Fridays. It acts as a buffer. It prepares the listener's brain for a key takeaway. You can also use it in the middle of a paragraph to pivot. It helps transition from general talk to specific, vital details.
When To Use It
This is your best friend in professional settings. Use it during a slide presentation to emphasize a data point. Use it in a formal email to highlight a deadline. It works great when you want to sound authoritative but still polite. If you are explaining a complex plan, use it to keep people focused. It’s perfect for making sure nobody misses the 'fine print' of a conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this while hanging out at a loud bar with friends. It will make you sound like a walking textbook. Avoid it in very short, casual texts like It is important to note I am outside. Just say I'm here! instead. Also, don't over-use it in one speech. If everything is 'important to note,' then nothing actually feels important. You’ll end up sounding like a broken record.
Cultural Background
Western business culture deeply values 'signposting.' This means using specific phrases to organize your thoughts for the listener. English speakers use these phrases to show they are organized and professional. It stems from a desire for clarity and efficiency in communication. It’s a way of saying, 'I respect your time, so I’ll tell you exactly what matters.'
Common Variations
If you want to sound a bit softer, try It is worth noting. For more urgency, use It is crucial to note. In a more relaxed office, you might just say Keep in mind that. If you are writing a quick note, Please note is a shorter, punchier cousin. Each one changes the 'volume' of your emphasis slightly.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level transition phrase. Use it to maintain a formal register in professional writing or public speaking, but avoid it in casual, intimate conversations.
The 'That' Rule
Always follow the phrase with `that` if you are introducing a full sentence. It keeps your grammar smooth and professional.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this phrase three times in one minute, you'll sound like a robot. Save it for the truly big points!
The Softener
In English culture, saying 'Look at this!' is too aggressive. 'It is important to note' is the polite, professional way to demand attention.
Examples
6It is important to note that our sales grew by 20% this month.
It is important to note that our sales grew by 20% this month.
Highlights a specific achievement in a professional setting.
It is important to note that the parking lot will be closed for repairs.
It is important to note that the parking lot will be closed for repairs.
Ensures employees don't miss a logistical change.
It is important to note that I'm only saying this because I care about you.
It is important to note that I'm only saying this because I care about you.
Uses formal structure to add weight and sincerity to a personal moment.
It is important to note that the dishes do not actually wash themselves.
It is important to note that the dishes do not actually wash themselves.
Uses high formality to create a humorous, biting contrast with a mundane chore.
It's important to note that the train leaves exactly at noon.
It's important to note that the train leaves exactly at noon.
A neutral way to emphasize a strict deadline.
It is important to note the meeting link has changed.
It is important to note the meeting link has changed.
Brief but formal enough for a work-related text.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the formal emphasis.
It is important to ___ that the deadline is tomorrow.
In this specific idiom, `note` is the standard verb used to mean 'record' or 'observe' in a formal context.
Complete the phrase used to introduce a key detail.
___ is important to note that we are over budget.
The phrase always starts with the dummy subject `It` to maintain the passive, formal structure.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum
Just so you know...
Just so you know, I'm late.
Keep in mind that...
Keep in mind that it might rain.
It is important to note...
It is important to note the policy change.
One must observe that...
One must observe that the data is preliminary.
Where to use 'It is important to note'
Business Presentation
Highlighting a key statistic on a slide.
Academic Essay
Introducing a critical piece of evidence.
Legal/Contractual
Pointing out a specific clause.
Serious Discussion
Clarifying a misunderstanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. Notice implies seeing something with your eyes, while note implies recording or acknowledging a fact. Stick with note for this expression.
Only if it's a work-related text or if you're being intentionally formal/funny. For friends, Just a heads up is much more natural.
In this context, note means to mention or point out. Notice means to become aware of something through your senses, like I noticed you got a haircut.
In writing, It is is better. In speaking, using the contraction It's makes you sound slightly more approachable and less like a textbook.
No, it almost always comes at the beginning to introduce the information. You wouldn't say The sky is blue, it is important to note.
Not at all! It is a standard 'power phrase' in modern business and academic English. It never goes out of style.
No, that's a common mistake. Use It is important to note that... followed by a subject and a verb.
Actually, it sounds less bossy than saying 'Listen to me!' It uses an impersonal 'It' to make the importance seem like a fact rather than just your opinion.
You can simply say Please note that... or Of note is... though the latter is very formal.
Yes! It’s a great way to highlight a specific skill or achievement. For example: It is important to note that I managed a team of ten.
Related Phrases
It is worth mentioning
Please bear in mind
Of particular interest is
Crucially
Notably
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