We wish to remind you
Formal business communication expression
Use this phrase for professional, polite reminders about deadlines or policies in formal business writing.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite, professional way to say 'don't forget' in business.
- Best used in formal emails, letters, and official company notices.
- Uses 'we' to sound official and avoid sounding personally aggressive.
Meaning
A very polite and professional way to tell someone they have forgotten something or need to take action soon. It acts as a gentle nudge that keeps the conversation respectful and business-like.
Key Examples
3 of 6A formal business email about a deadline
We wish to remind you that the project proposal is due this Friday.
We wish to remind you that the project proposal is due this Friday.
A hotel notice for guests
We wish to remind you that check-out time is strictly 11:00 AM.
We wish to remind you that check-out time is strictly 11:00 AM.
Texting a friend (ironic/humorous)
We wish to remind you that you still owe me for that taco.
We wish to remind you that you still owe me for that taco.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the Western business value of 'indirectness' to maintain professional harmony. By using the plural 'we,' the speaker shifts the responsibility to the organization, making the reminder feel less like a personal attack and more like a standard procedure.
The 'We' Power
Even if you are the only person writing the email, using 'we' makes you sound like the voice of the company. It takes the pressure off you personally!
Avoid Overuse
If you use this phrase in every single email, you might sound a bit robotic. Save it for the important stuff like deadlines or rules.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite, professional way to say 'don't forget' in business.
- Best used in formal emails, letters, and official company notices.
- Uses 'we' to sound official and avoid sounding personally aggressive.
What It Means
We wish to remind you is a professional "nudge." It is a polite way to say "Don't forget this." In business, being too direct can sometimes seem rude or aggressive. This phrase adds a layer of professional politeness. It suggests that you probably already know the information. You just need a small prompt to take action. It is like a gentle tap on the shoulder rather than a loud shout.
How To Use It
You usually see this at the very start of a sentence. It works best in formal writing. You can follow it with that and a full thought. For example, We wish to remind you that the meeting starts at ten. You can also use of followed by a noun. For example, We wish to remind you of our new policy. Think of it as a formal wrapper for your message. It covers the core information in a layer of professional silk. It makes the "medicine" of a deadline go down much easier. You are not being a drill sergeant. You are being a helpful assistant.
When To Use It
Use this when you are representing a company or a group. It is perfect for emails to customers or clients. Use it for official announcements at your workplace. It works well for bank notices or school updates. If you are a manager, use it for team deadlines. It keeps things professional and clear. It is great for situations where you need to be firm but stay friendly.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your close friends or family. If you tell a friend, We wish to remind you to buy pizza, they will think you are joking or being weird. It sounds like you are a robot in a casual setting. Avoid it in quick, informal text messages. It is too heavy for a simple chat. Also, avoid it if you are actually very angry. It might sound passive-aggressive in a heated personal argument.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a culture of "polite distance" in the English-speaking business world. We often avoid being too bossy or direct. Using we instead of I makes the reminder less personal. It feels like the whole company is speaking, not just one person. This protects the relationship between the sender and the receiver. It is about "saving face." If I say "You forgot the bill," it sounds like an accusation. If I say We wish to remind you, it implies the mistake was just a small oversight. It preserves the dignity of the client while still getting the point across.
Common Variations
You might see We would like to remind you. This is even softer and very common. Please be reminded is another common one, though it feels a bit more old-fashioned. In modern offices, people often say Just a friendly reminder. That version is much more casual and warm. However, We wish to remind you remains the standard for formal letters and official documents.
Usage Notes
This phrase is high-formality and primarily used in written business communication. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless you are being intentionally ironic or humorous.
The 'We' Power
Even if you are the only person writing the email, using 'we' makes you sound like the voice of the company. It takes the pressure off you personally!
Avoid Overuse
If you use this phrase in every single email, you might sound a bit robotic. Save it for the important stuff like deadlines or rules.
The Politeness Secret
In English business culture, 'wish' is often used as a more polite version of 'want'. It sounds less demanding and more like a request.
Examples
6We wish to remind you that the project proposal is due this Friday.
We wish to remind you that the project proposal is due this Friday.
This is the standard professional use for deadlines.
We wish to remind you that check-out time is strictly 11:00 AM.
We wish to remind you that check-out time is strictly 11:00 AM.
Used to communicate rules politely to customers.
We wish to remind you that you still owe me for that taco.
We wish to remind you that you still owe me for that taco.
Using formal language for a small debt makes it funny and less awkward.
We wish to remind you of the upcoming expiration of your membership.
We wish to remind you of the upcoming expiration of your membership.
Uses 'of' followed by a noun phrase.
We wish to remind you that our counselors are available 24/7.
We wish to remind you that our counselors are available 24/7.
Shows care while maintaining a professional boundary.
We wish to remind you to keep your personal belongings with you at all times.
We wish to remind you to keep your personal belongings with you at all times.
A standard safety announcement.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the formal reminder.
We wish to remind you ___ the scheduled maintenance tonight.
We use 'of' when followed by a noun phrase like 'the scheduled maintenance'. We use 'that' before a full clause.
Complete the sentence to sound professional.
We wish to remind you ___ the office will be closed on Monday.
We use 'that' because it is followed by a subject and a verb ('the office will be closed').
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Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of Reminders
Used with friends
Don't forget!
Used with colleagues
Just a reminder...
Used with clients/officially
We wish to remind you...
Where to use 'We wish to remind you'
Bank Email
About a late payment
Hotel Lobby
About check-out times
Corporate Memo
About a new policy
University Notice
About exam dates
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is a formal way of saying 'Please don't forget.' It is used to bring something to someone's attention politely.
Generally, no. It is too formal for texting unless you are being funny with a friend. Stick to 'Just a reminder' for texts.
You can, but it sounds much more personal and sometimes a bit more aggressive. 'We' is the standard for business because it represents the organization.
Use remind you that before a full sentence (e.g., that the meeting is at 5). Use remind you of before a noun (e.g., of the meeting).
Not quite! In this context, wish is just a very formal substitute for want or would like.
Yes, it is very common in formal American and British business correspondence, especially in legal or financial contexts.
It can if used in a casual setting or if sent multiple times for the same issue. Use it once for a professional tone.
You can say We'd like to remind you or simply Just a reminder that... for a friendlier office vibe.
It is better to use I wanted to remind you or Just a quick reminder with a boss. We wish to remind you sounds like you are an official department speaking to them.
Only in very formal speeches or official announcements, like at an airport or a large conference.
Please remember is fine, but We wish to remind you sounds more official and established in corporate settings.
Yes, it is a very common way to open an email after a brief greeting like Dear Mr. Smith.
Related Phrases
Please be advised
A very formal way to say 'I am telling you this important information.'
Kindly note
A polite way to ask someone to pay attention to a specific detail.
Just a friendly reminder
A much more casual and warm way to remind someone of something.
We would like to bring to your attention
A formal way to introduce a topic or a problem.
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