“As you know” reminds the reader of information they already have, but it can sometimes sound presumptive. Depending on context, you can use “as you’re aware,” “as we’ve discussed,” “as mentioned previously,” or simply recap the point directly.
Choose Whether to Assume, Remind, or Recap
- As you’re aware
- As you may know
- As you may be aware
- As we’ve discussed
- As we discussed earlier
- As mentioned previously
- As noted earlier
- As you might recall
- Given your familiarity with
- Given your experience with
- With that background in mind
- To recap
As you’re aware
A close professional alternative when you are confident the reader already knows the information.
Example: As you’re aware, the current contract ends in December.
As you may know
This softens the assumption and is useful when you are not certain everyone has the same background knowledge.
Example: As you may know, the service moved to a new provider last month.
As you may be aware
A slightly more formal version of “as you may know” that works well in letters and announcements.
Example: As you may be aware, new reporting requirements take effect in April.
As we’ve discussed
Use this when the information came up in a previous conversation involving both you and the reader.
Example: As we’ve discussed, the priority is to reduce the number of manual steps.
As we discussed earlier
This is useful when referring back to a specific recent conversation or meeting.
Example: As we discussed earlier, I’ve moved the deadline to Friday.
As mentioned previously
A formal way to point back to information already stated in an earlier message or document.
Example: As mentioned previously, applications received after the deadline cannot be considered.
As noted earlier
A concise written alternative when the point has already appeared earlier in the same text or exchange.
Example: As noted earlier, these figures exclude temporary staff.
As you might recall
Use this when gently reminding someone of information from an earlier event or discussion.
Example: As you might recall, we tested a similar approach last year.
Given your familiarity with
This is useful when the reader already knows a subject well and you want to build on that knowledge.
Example: Given your familiarity with the system, I’d value your view on the proposed change.
Given your experience with
Use this when the relevant prior knowledge comes from the person’s practical experience.
Example: Given your experience with these cases, do you think the timetable is realistic?
With that background in mind
This refers to context already provided without directly telling the reader what they know.
Example: With that background in mind, the next section sets out three possible options.
To recap
A clear choice when you actually need to repeat information rather than merely signal that it is known.
Example: To recap, the first phase covers recruitment, training, and initial testing.
Sometimes the Best Replacement Is No Introductory Phrase
If the fact matters, state it directly. Instead of “As you know, the deadline is Friday,” you can simply write “The deadline is Friday.” This avoids assumptions and is often clearer.