Introduction
In professional communication, every phrase you choose shapes how your message is received. The commonly used expression “as you know” can sometimes sound repetitive, casual, or even slightly presumptive—especially in formal emails, reports, and business correspondence. Replacing it with a more refined alternative can instantly elevate your tone, convey respect, and demonstrate strong writing skills.
This comprehensive guide presents 20 formal synonyms for “as you know”, each carefully explained with real-world examples and practical usage notes. Whether you’re writing to clients, managers, colleagues, or stakeholders, these alternatives will help you communicate with precision, confidence, and professionalism.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Choosing the right phrase depends on context, relationship, and formality level.
Formal Situations
Use highly polished expressions when communicating with:
- Clients
- Senior management
- External partners
- Academic or official contacts
Semi-Formal Situations
Use balanced alternatives for:
- Colleagues
- Cross-functional teams
- New professional contacts
Casual or Light Professional Situations
Use softer phrasing for:
- Friendly coworkers
- Internal chats
- Informal updates
Situational Examples
- Project update email → “As previously discussed, the timeline has shifted.”
- Client proposal → “As outlined earlier, the scope includes three phases.”
- Team reminder → “As mentioned above, the deadline is Friday.”
- Policy memo → “As per company guidelines, all reports must be submitted weekly.”
20 Formal Synonyms for “As You Know”
Each option below includes meaning, examples, and why it works.
1. As Previously Mentioned
Meaning: Refers back to information already shared.
Examples
- As previously mentioned, the budget has been approved.
- As previously mentioned, the meeting was rescheduled.
- As previously mentioned, we will proceed with phase two.
- As previously mentioned, your feedback is essential.
- As previously mentioned, the system will undergo maintenance.
Why it works: Direct, professional, and non-assumptive.
2. As Discussed
Meaning: References a prior conversation or meeting.
Examples
- As discussed, the project will launch next month.
- As discussed, please review the attached file.
- As discussed, we will revise the proposal.
- As discussed, the scope remains unchanged.
- As discussed, the next step is testing.
Why it works: Clear and meeting-focused.
3. As Noted Earlier
Meaning: Points to earlier written or verbal information.
Examples
- As noted earlier, costs may vary.
- As noted earlier, approvals are required.
- As noted earlier, training begins Monday.
- As noted earlier, timelines are flexible.
- As noted earlier, compliance is mandatory.
Why it works: Neutral and precise.
4. As Indicated Previously
Meaning: Signals that the information was already indicated.
Examples
- As indicated previously, delivery may be delayed.
- As indicated previously, resources are limited.
- As indicated previously, the contract expires soon.
- As indicated previously, changes are expected.
- As indicated previously, documentation is attached.
Why it works: Formal and authoritative.
5. As Outlined Below
Meaning: Introduces details that follow.
Examples
- As outlined below, three options are available.
- As outlined below, each phase has milestones.
- As outlined below, pricing is tiered.
- As outlined below, responsibilities are assigned.
- As outlined below, timelines are tentative.
Why it works: Excellent for structured documents.
6. As Per Our Discussion
Meaning: Refers to a specific conversation.
Examples
- As per our discussion, we will proceed.
- As per our discussion, revisions are required.
- As per our discussion, the budget is final.
- As per our discussion, training is optional.
- As per our discussion, delivery is scheduled.
Why it works: Polite and collaborative.
7. As Referenced Above
Meaning: Directs reader to earlier content.
Examples
- As referenced above, compliance is mandatory.
- As referenced above, deadlines are strict.
- As referenced above, all users must register.
- As referenced above, approvals are pending.
- As referenced above, data is confidential.
Why it works: Clear navigational cue.
8. As Stated Earlier
Meaning: Reiterates a previous statement.
Examples
- As stated earlier, updates will follow.
- As stated earlier, costs are estimated.
- As stated earlier, the policy applies.
- As stated earlier, training is required.
- As stated earlier, feedback is welcome.
Why it works: Simple and formal.
9. As Communicated Previously
Meaning: Highlights prior official communication.
Examples
- As communicated previously, the office is closed.
- As communicated previously, changes are effective.
- As communicated previously, deadlines apply.
- As communicated previously, accounts are active.
- As communicated previously, access is restricted.
Why it works: Strong and authoritative.
10. As Explained Earlier
Meaning: Refers to a prior explanation.
Examples
- As explained earlier, this is a temporary measure.
- As explained earlier, access is limited.
- As explained earlier, testing is required.
- As explained earlier, changes are minor.
- As explained earlier, results may vary.
Why it works: Helpful and informative.
11. As Highlighted Previously
Meaning: Emphasizes prior key point.
Examples
- As highlighted previously, security is critical.
- As highlighted previously, deadlines are firm.
- As highlighted previously, quality matters.
- As highlighted previously, training is ongoing.
- As highlighted previously, updates will follow.
Why it works: Draws attention to importance.
12. As Detailed Above
Meaning: Refers to detailed explanation earlier.
Examples
- As detailed above, requirements are listed.
- As detailed above, costs are included.
- As detailed above, timelines are estimates.
- As detailed above, roles are assigned.
- As detailed above, testing is mandatory.
Why it works: Formal and precise.
13. As Noted Previously
Meaning: References prior note or mention.
Examples
- As noted previously, revisions are required.
- As noted previously, approval is pending.
- As noted previously, delivery is delayed.
- As noted previously, access is limited.
- As noted previously, changes apply.
Why it works: Professional and neutral.
14. As Per Our Previous Correspondence
Meaning: References earlier emails or letters.
Examples
- As per our previous correspondence, details are attached.
- As per our previous correspondence, pricing remains.
- As per our previous correspondence, deadlines apply.
- As per our previous correspondence, approval is required.
- As per our previous correspondence, next steps follow.
Why it works: Highly formal.
15. As Previously Communicated
Meaning: Emphasizes earlier communication.
Examples
- As previously communicated, the policy applies.
- As previously communicated, updates will follow.
- As previously communicated, access is restricted.
- As previously communicated, timelines may change.
- As previously communicated, approvals are required.
Why it works: Clear and professional.
16. As Shared Earlier
Meaning: Slightly softer professional tone.
Examples
- As shared earlier, feedback is welcome.
- As shared earlier, timelines are tentative.
- As shared earlier, documents are attached.
- As shared earlier, revisions are minor.
- As shared earlier, next steps follow.
Why it works: Warm yet professional.
17. As Previously Explained
Meaning: Refers back to an explanation.
Examples
- As previously explained, this is temporary.
- As previously explained, access is limited.
- As previously explained, changes are minor.
- As previously explained, approval is required.
- As previously explained, timelines may shift.
Why it works: Polished and clear.
18. As Clarified Earlier
Meaning: Indicates clarification already provided.
Examples
- As clarified earlier, deadlines apply.
- As clarified earlier, pricing is fixed.
- As clarified earlier, access is restricted.
- As clarified earlier, testing is required.
- As clarified earlier, changes are minimal.
Why it works: Confident and direct.
19. As Previously Indicated
Meaning: Formal reference to earlier indication.
Examples
- As previously indicated, delivery may be delayed.
- As previously indicated, costs may change.
- As previously indicated, approvals are required.
- As previously indicated, updates will follow.
- As previously indicated, timelines are flexible.
Why it works: Corporate-friendly.
20. As Mentioned Above
Meaning: Direct reference to earlier text.
Examples
- As mentioned above, next steps are outlined.
- As mentioned above, requirements apply.
- As mentioned above, costs are estimated.
- As mentioned above, approval is required.
- As mentioned above, timelines are tentative.
Why it works: Simple and effective.
Consideration: How to Choose the Right Phrase
- Determine the level of formality
- Identify your audience
- Consider urgency
- Match tone to context
- Choose clarity over complexity
Mini Examples
- Client email → “As per our previous correspondence…”
- Team update → “As discussed…”
- Report → “As outlined below…”
Quick One-Line Templates
- As discussed, please review the attached file.
- As previously mentioned, timelines may change.
- As per our discussion, we will proceed.
- As communicated previously, updates will follow.
- As noted earlier, approval is required.
- As outlined below, three options are available.
- As previously explained, access is limited.
- As referenced above, deadlines apply.
- As shared earlier, feedback is welcome.
- As clarified earlier, pricing is fixed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “as you know” repeatedly
- Sounding accusatory or patronizing
- Overusing formal phrases in casual chats
- Mixing tones in one message
- Being vague without context
FAQ
1. Is “as you know” unprofessional?
Not always, but it can sound informal or presumptive.
2. Which alternative is best for emails?
“As discussed” or “as previously mentioned.”
3. What’s best for reports?
“As outlined below” or “as detailed above.”
4. Can I use these in presentations?
Yes, especially “as noted earlier” and “as indicated previously.”
5. Are these phrases interchangeable?
Mostly, but context matters.
6. Should I avoid repetition?
Yes—vary your phrasing.
Conclusion
Using refined alternatives to “as you know” instantly strengthens your professional writing. With the right phrase, you communicate clarity, respect, and authority—without sounding repetitive or presumptive. Bookmark this guide and apply these expressions to elevate every email, report, and message you write.
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