When you write “I would like to inform you that” in every email or message, it starts to sound mechanical — like a form letter rather than something written by a real person. Swapping it out for phrases that fit the moment better can make your communication feel warmer, clearer, or more appropriately formal depending on who you’re writing to.
What Makes a Good Replacement
Before jumping into the list, it helps to know what you’re actually choosing between. Some alternatives are just as formal but sound less stiff. Others are softer or more direct. The right one depends on three things: your relationship with the reader, the nature of the news you’re sharing, and whether the setting is formal or casual.
The 22 “I Would Like to Inform You That” Alternatives
1. I wanted to let you know
This is probably the most natural replacement in everyday professional writing. It carries the same informing intent but sounds like something a person would genuinely say.
“I wanted to let you know that your application has been received.”
Works well in: emails to colleagues, clients you know, follow-up messages.
2. Please be advised that
Formal and impersonal — suitable when you need authority behind the message, such as policy notices or official announcements.
“Please be advised that the building will be closed on Friday.”
Use this in official communications, HR notices, or legal correspondence. It sounds distant in personal writing.
3. This is to inform you that
A slight simplification of the original, still formal. Common in notices, administrative emails, and institutional communication.
“This is to inform you that your account has been updated.”
4. I am writing to let you know
Works when the message needs a formal opening but you still want it to sound human. Often used in business letters and formal emails.
“I am writing to let you know that we have reviewed your proposal.”
5. I’m reaching out to share
Warmer and more conversational. Good for networking, partnership communication, or when you want the message to feel like an outreach rather than a notification.
“I’m reaching out to share some exciting updates about the project.”
6. Just a quick heads-up
Very casual. Use this in internal team chats, Slack messages, or messages to colleagues you work closely with. Not appropriate for formal or external communication.
“Just a quick heads-up — the meeting has moved to 3 PM.”
7. I’d like to bring to your attention
Useful when the information requires the reader to take notice or act. Slightly more assertive than the original phrase.
“I’d like to bring to your attention that there is an error in the attached report.”
8. I wanted to make you aware
Similar to “I wanted to let you know” but carries a slightly more serious weight. Works when the information matters and you want the reader to register it clearly.
“I wanted to make you aware that the deadline has been moved up by two days.”
9. I thought you should know
Has a direct, sometimes urgent quality. Can sound either concerned or candid, depending on context.
“I thought you should know that there have been some complaints from the client.”
Be careful with tone here — in the wrong situation, it can sound like a warning.
10. We would like to notify you that
A formal alternative useful in institutional, automated, or multi-author contexts where “we” is appropriate. Common in bank notices, subscription services, and corporate communications.
“We would like to notify you that your payment has been processed.”
11. I am happy to share that
Best used when the news is positive. It signals to the reader right away that what follows is good, which is a small but meaningful courtesy.
“I am happy to share that your request has been approved.”
Avoid using this before neutral or negative news — it creates a false expectation.
12. I wanted to update you on
Specifically useful for ongoing situations, projects, or conversations where the reader already has some context.
“I wanted to update you on the progress of the renovation.”
13. For your information
Very direct. Can come across as abrupt or slightly passive-aggressive in some contexts, so use it carefully. Works well in factual, no-action-needed situations.
“For your information, the new policy takes effect next Monday.”
Shortened to “FYI,” this is widely used in informal workplace communication.
14. I am pleased to announce
Formal and positive. Best suited for official announcements — new hires, promotions, company news, event announcements.
“I am pleased to announce that we have signed a partnership agreement with Northfield Industries.”
15. I wish to inform you that
A more formal variation of the original. Feels slightly old-fashioned but remains appropriate in very formal correspondence, such as legal or official letters.
“I wish to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.”
16. You may be interested to know
Softer and less direct. Useful when the information is relevant but not urgent, and you want to give the reader the sense that they can take it or leave it.
“You may be interested to know that we now offer extended payment terms.”
17. I’d like to flag that
Common in workplace emails, especially in project management or team settings. Suggests something needs attention without being alarmist.
“I’d like to flag that the current timeline may not be realistic given the new requirements.”
18. Just so you know
Casual and direct. Works in informal emails, texts, and verbal messages. Not appropriate in formal settings.
“Just so you know, I won’t be in the office tomorrow.”
19. I wanted to give you a heads-up
Similar to “just a quick heads-up” but slightly more complete as an opening phrase. Still casual, still best kept for internal or friendly communication.
“I wanted to give you a heads-up before the meeting.”
20. We are writing to advise you
Corporate and formal. Used most often in legal, financial, insurance, or compliance communications.
“We are writing to advise you of changes to your terms of service.”
21. I thought it would be helpful to mention
A gentle, low-pressure way to offer information. Works well when you’re not sure the reader needs this but believe it’s worth including.
“I thought it would be helpful to mention that parking is limited at the venue.”
22. I’d like to bring you up to speed
Used specifically when you’re summarizing context or catching someone up on a developing situation. Not suitable for a one-line notice.
“I’d like to bring you up to speed on where things stand with the contract.”
Choosing the Right One
The phrases above fall into three broad tones:
Formal / official: Please be advised that, We would like to notify you that, I wish to inform you that, We are writing to advise you, I am pleased to announce, This is to inform you that
Professional but natural: I wanted to let you know, I am writing to let you know, I wanted to make you aware, I’d like to bring to your attention, I wanted to update you on
Casual / internal: Just a quick heads-up, Just so you know, I’d like to flag that, I thought you should know, FYI
When the news is good, lean toward phrases like “I am happy to share” or “I am pleased to announce.” When the message is neutral or informational, “I wanted to let you know” handles most situations cleanly. When you’re writing to a large audience in an official capacity, “please be advised” or “this is to inform you” maintain the appropriate distance.
A Note on Tone Mismatch
One common mistake is using highly formal phrases in friendly professional relationships. If you’ve worked with someone for two years and you open with “Please be advised that,” it can feel cold or even confrontational. The formality of your opening phrase sets the tone for the entire message — so match it to the relationship, not just the content.
The reverse is also worth watching. “Just a quick heads-up” in a message to a senior executive or a new client can seem too casual and undermine your professional credibility.
FAQs
Is “I would like to inform you that” grammatically correct?
Yes, it is perfectly correct. The issue isn’t grammar — it’s that repetitive use can make writing feel robotic.
Can I use these phrases in spoken English too?
Most of them translate naturally to spoken communication. Phrases like “I wanted to let you know” and “I thought you should know” are common in conversation. Phrases like “please be advised” sound unnatural when spoken aloud.
What’s the simplest replacement for most professional emails?
“I wanted to let you know” works in the widest range of professional situations without sounding overly formal or too casual.
Read more about these:
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I write clear, practical English lessons for everyday use. On Lingotexting, I break down grammar, vocabulary, and word types into simple ideas you can apply quickly. My focus is accuracy, real examples, and helpful visuals, so learners build confidence, improve writing, and communicate naturally in school, work, and daily life.