“I would be remiss” means you would be neglecting something important if you failed to mention, acknowledge, or do it. Natural alternatives include I should mention, I would be neglecting an important point, and it would be wrong not to acknowledge.
Best Choices by Level of Formality
- I should mention
- I ought to mention
- I should not overlook
- I would be neglecting an important point
- It would be wrong not to mention
- I should acknowledge
- I cannot leave out
- I should also point out
- It is important to mention
- I would be overlooking something important
- I cannot fail to mention
- I would be doing a disservice if I did not mention
I should mention
The simplest and most natural alternative in ordinary professional writing.
Example: I should mention that the timeline remains provisional.
I ought to mention
Slightly more formal than “I should mention,” with the same basic meaning.
Example: I ought to mention one further limitation.
I should not overlook
Useful when emphasizing that a point deserves attention.
Example: I should not overlook the contribution made by the support team.
I would be neglecting an important point
A formal option that closely matches the sense of “remiss.”
Example: I would be neglecting an important point if I failed to discuss cost.
It would be wrong not to mention
Directly expresses a moral or practical obligation to acknowledge something.
Example: It would be wrong not to mention the volunteers who made the event possible.
I should acknowledge
Best when giving credit, recognizing help, or noting a limitation.
Example: I should acknowledge that the sample was relatively small.
I cannot leave out
More conversational and emphatic.
Example: I cannot leave out the role that timing played in the result.
I should also point out
Useful for adding an important qualification or detail.
Example: I should also point out that these figures are estimates.
It is important to mention
Neutral and formal without centering the writer.
Example: It is important to mention that participation was voluntary.
I would be overlooking something important
A natural explanatory alternative that preserves the original nuance.
Example: I would be overlooking something important if I ignored the regional differences.
I cannot fail to mention
Formal and emphatic, suitable for speeches or polished prose.
Example: I cannot fail to mention the dedication of the organizing team.
I would be doing a disservice if I did not mention
Strong and wordier; use when omission would seriously misrepresent the situation.
Example: I would be doing a disservice if I did not mention the staff who kept the service running.
When the Original Phrase Still Works
I would be remiss if I did not… is correct and formal, especially in speeches, acknowledgments, and polished professional writing. In everyday emails, however, I should mention or I should acknowledge is usually clearer and less ceremonious.