Introduction
In professional and formal communication, phrases like “as you know” are often used to reference shared knowledge or previously discussed information. While common, the phrase can sometimes sound repetitive, informal, or even unintentionally patronizing especially in business emails, reports, or executive communication. Choosing more refined alternatives helps maintain professionalism, clarity, and respect for the reader’s awareness.
What Does “As You Know” Mean?
The phrase “as you know” is used to indicate that the information being shared is already familiar to the recipient. It often references prior discussions, shared context, or commonly understood facts.
When Should You Use Formal Alternatives?
Formal alternatives are appropriate when:
- Writing business or corporate emails
- Communicating with clients, executives, or stakeholders
- Drafting reports, proposals, or official documents
- Avoiding language that may sound presumptive or casual
Using refined phrasing shows respect and professionalism.
Is “As You Know” Professional?
While acceptable in casual workplace communication, “as you know” can sound assumptive in formal contexts. Polished alternatives help convey the same meaning without risking an unintended tone.
35+ Formal Synonyms for “As You Know”
1. As previously discussed
Meaning: Refers to earlier conversation
Tone: Formal
“As previously discussed, the deadline has been revised.”
Explanation: Ideal for meetings and follow-ups.
2. As mentioned earlier
Meaning: References prior mention
Tone: Formal
“As mentioned earlier, the report will be finalized today.”
Explanation: Clear and professional.
3. As noted previously
Meaning: Refers to written or verbal notes
Tone: Formal
“As noted previously, all approvals are required.”
Explanation: Suitable for documentation.
4. As outlined below
Meaning: Points to upcoming details
Tone: Formal
“As outlined below, the process has three stages.”
Explanation: Structured and precise.
5. As indicated earlier
Meaning: References earlier indication
Tone: Formal
“As indicated earlier, the budget has been approved.”
Explanation: Professional and neutral.
6. As communicated previously
Meaning: Refers to prior communication
Tone: Formal
“As communicated previously, the policy is now in effect.”
Explanation: Corporate-friendly phrasing.
7. As referenced above
Meaning: Points to earlier text
Tone: Formal
“As referenced above, all participants must comply.”
Explanation: Ideal for reports.
8. As discussed during our meeting
Meaning: Refers to meeting context
Tone: Formal
“As discussed during our meeting, we will proceed accordingly.”
Explanation: Clear and respectful.
9. As per our previous conversation
Meaning: Refers to earlier discussion
Tone: Formal
“As per our previous conversation, the timeline remains unchanged.”
Explanation: Common in emails.
10. As already communicated
Meaning: Indicates prior notice
Tone: Formal
“As already communicated, access will be restricted.”
Explanation: Direct and professional.
11. As highlighted earlier
Meaning: Emphasizes prior point
Tone: Formal
“As highlighted earlier, compliance is mandatory.”
Explanation: Strong but respectful.
12. As stated previously
Meaning: Refers to earlier statement
Tone: Formal
“As stated previously, this policy applies to all staff.”
Explanation: Ideal for formal writing.
13. As shared earlier
Meaning: Indicates prior sharing
Tone: Semi-formal
“As shared earlier, the proposal is attached.”
Explanation: Polite and approachable.
14. As previously indicated
Meaning: Formal reference
Tone: Formal
“As previously indicated, the meeting has been rescheduled.”
Explanation: Professional and precise.
15. As discussed above
Meaning: Refers to earlier content
Tone: Formal
“As discussed above, further review is required.”
Explanation: Suitable for documents.
16. As previously noted
Meaning: Refers to earlier note
Tone: Formal
“As previously noted, deadlines must be met.”
Explanation: Formal and neutral.
17. As outlined in our discussion
Meaning: Refers to shared dialogue
Tone: Formal
“As outlined in our discussion, next steps are confirmed.”
Explanation: Polished phrasing.
18. As clarified earlier
Meaning: Indicates prior clarification
Tone: Formal
“As clarified earlier, this does not apply to contractors.”
Explanation: Useful for explanations.
19. As established previously
Meaning: Indicates a confirmed point
Tone: Formal
“As established previously, the agreement remains valid.”
Explanation: Strong and authoritative.
20. As per earlier correspondence
Meaning: Refers to past emails or letters
Tone: Formal
“As per earlier correspondence, the terms are unchanged.”
Explanation: Very professional.
21. As mentioned in our last meeting
Meaning: Meeting reference
Tone: Formal
“As mentioned in our last meeting, priorities have shifted.”
Explanation: Clear and respectful.
22. As addressed previously
Meaning: Indicates prior handling
Tone: Formal
“As addressed previously, the issue has been resolved.”
Explanation: Confident and concise.
23. As outlined in prior communications
Meaning: References multiple messages
Tone: Formal
“As outlined in prior communications, timelines are firm.”
Explanation: Suitable for formal records.
24. As previously conveyed
Meaning: Formal communication reference
Tone: Formal
“As previously conveyed, approval is pending.”
Explanation: Polished and professional.
25. As discussed earlier today
Meaning: Recent discussion
Tone: Formal
“As discussed earlier today, we will proceed.”
Explanation: Time-specific clarity.
26. As noted in earlier correspondence
Meaning: Written reference
Tone: Formal
“As noted in earlier correspondence, documentation is required.”
Explanation: Ideal for audits or compliance.
27. As previously outlined in detail
Meaning: Detailed reference
Tone: Formal
“As previously outlined in detail, the process remains unchanged.”
Explanation: Strong formal tone.
28. As referenced in prior discussions
Meaning: Multiple discussions
Tone: Formal
“As referenced in prior discussions, this remains confidential.”
Explanation: Suitable for corporate settings.
29. As acknowledged earlier
Meaning: Prior acknowledgment
Tone: Formal
“As acknowledged earlier, your feedback is noted.”
Explanation: Respectful phrasing.
30. As communicated during our call
Meaning: Call reference
Tone: Formal
“As communicated during our call, timelines have shifted.”
Explanation: Clear and contextual.
31. As established in our discussion
Meaning: Confirmed agreement
Tone: Formal
“As established in our discussion, next steps are agreed.”
Explanation: Authoritative and clear.
32. As previously explained
Meaning: Refers to explanation
Tone: Formal
“As previously explained, this is outside our scope.”
Explanation: Firm but professional.
33. As summarized earlier
Meaning: Refers to summary
Tone: Formal
“As summarized earlier, the proposal is approved.”
Explanation: Ideal for recap emails.
34. As already discussed
Meaning: Shared understanding
Tone: Formal
“As already discussed, no further changes are expected.”
Explanation: Professional and neutral.
35. As reflected in earlier discussions
Meaning: Collective reference
Tone: Formal
“As reflected in earlier discussions, priorities remain unchanged.”
Explanation: Suitable for leadership communication.
36. As indicated in previous updates
Meaning: Refers to updates
Tone: Formal
“As indicated in previous updates, implementation has begun.”
Explanation: Clear and professional.
Conclusion
Replacing “as you know” with formal alternatives enhances clarity, professionalism, and tone in business communication. These refined expressions help avoid assumptions while maintaining shared context and respect for the reader. Whether you’re writing emails, reports, or official documents, using these alternatives ensures your message sounds polished, confident, and appropriate for professional settings.
