10 Polite Ways to Say “If You Are Not Aware”

Do you want to tell someone information but are unsure whether they know about it already? “If you are not aware” is usually a good way to do this.

However, is it the most polite way to phrase it? This article has gathered alternatives to show you how to say “if you are not aware” politely. For instance:

  • In case you have not heard
  • Have you heard that
  • I’m not sure if you’re aware
  • Forgive me if you already know
  • If you have not been told
  • Are you aware that
  • Sorry if you already know
  • I’m just letting you know
  • Just in case you did not know
  • Just to say

Keep reading to learn what to write in an email when someone might not be aware of the information. There are plenty of alternatives to help you mix things up.

1. In Case You Have Not Heard

It’s worth using a phrase like “in case you have not heard” to sound polite. You can replace “if you are not aware” with it because it does not assume that someone already has some information.

Instead, it lets them know that you’d like to update them. It’s a respectful way to share new information, even though they may already have that information at hand.

Also, this example should show you more about how it works:

Dear Thomas,

In case you have not heard, we have decided to change providers. We hope this doesn’t inconvenience you.

All the best,
Sharon Tanner

2. Have You Heard That

A simple way to ask whether someone has already learned about something is with “have you heard that.” It’s a great question choice that suggests you have new information, but someone may already know about it.

It’s worth checking in first with “have you heard that.” Then, you can confirm whether someone needs further information or if they already have everything they need to know.

You may need to refer to this example to help you with it:

Dear Mike,

Have you heard that they are looking for a new partner? You should find out what qualifications you need.

Kind regards,
Michelle

3. I’m Not Sure if You’re Aware

“I’m not sure if you’re aware” is a decent option if you’re messaging a superior. For instance, you might use it to email your boss.

Using “I’m not sure” at the start shows that you’re talking to an authoritative figure. It’s a respectful way to share some information, though you might not know if your boss already has it.

Here is a quick example to show you how it works:

Dear Alice,

I’m not sure if you’re aware, but they are hiring at Benny’s. I think they are trying to poach some of your employees.

Yours,
Darryl

4. Forgive Me if You Already Know

If you want to sound really polite and professional, try “forgive me if you already know.” It’s great to use instead of “if you are not aware.” After all, it sounds very respectful when you include it in a business email.

You can use it when emailing your boss. It suggests that you do not want to waste their time but must pass on some information.

Perhaps this email sample will help you understand it:

Dear Albert,

Forgive me if you already know, but they decided to cut the project short. I’m afraid it is no longer under our control.

Kind regards,
Greta

5. If You Have Not Been Told

Generally, “if you have not been told” works well as a polite alternative to “if you are not aware.” You can use it to show that you have some information to share, even though someone might have already received it.

“Been told” suggests that someone else is going around sharing the same information as you. For instance, it could apply if your boss has told you and another employee to share the same piece of information around to clients.

If you’re still struggling, check out the following:

Dear Jacob,

If you have not been told, then I’m happy to inform you that this product is back in stock.

All the best,
Sanderson

6. Are You Aware That

You can ask a question such as “are you aware that” instead of “if you are not aware.” It’s a great way to confirm via email whether someone has already heard about the information provided.

Generally, “are you aware that” does not expect a response unless someone was not told about the information previously. You can use it at the start of a business email to show that you have something to share.

Here is a sample email to demonstrate how to use it:

Dear Paul,

Are you aware that we have new rules in place for problems like this? Please refer to the attached manual to learn more.

Kind regards,
Jessica

7. Sorry if You Already Know

“Sorry if you already know” is an apologetic way to replace “if you are not aware.” You can use it when emailing your boss.

Using “sorry” here shows that you respect the email recipient. It’s a good way to ask for forgiveness while potentially sharing something they “already know.”

You may also check out the following example to see how it works:

Dear Alan,

Sorry if you already know, but Dan asked me to email you. They have canceled the project, so we cannot continue working on it.

All the best,
Harriet

8. I’m Just Letting You Know

Sometimes, it helps to be more casual in an email. Something like “I’m just letting you know” politely conveys a more casual note.

It’s worth using when emailing employees in a more conversational sense. It shows that you want to be perceived as more friendly when you are providing new information (even if they’ve already heard about it from someone else).

Also, you can refer to the following example to shed some light:

Dear Daniel,

I’m just letting you know that we have changed some of our protocols. I’m not sure if you’ve already heard about this.

Yours,
Duncan

9. Just in Case You Did Not Know

Another great casual alternative to “if you are not aware” is “just in case you did not know.” It’s a great one to include if you want to sound friendly toward the email recipient.

It’s still a polite phrase. However, it works best when emailing coworkers you are on the same level with. You shouldn’t use something like this when emailing your boss, as it’s a bit too conversational.

Here is a quick example email to show you how it works:

Dear Sara,

Just in case you did not know, they’ve hired a new employee to cover the gap in the team.

My best,
Jonas

10. Just to Say

Finally, “just to say” is another great polite alternative. However, it’s also conversational. You should only include it when mentioning information that might be relevant to the recipient (as long as they are a colleague).

Generally, “just to say” doesn’t always imply that someone has already been made aware of something. However, you can use it to do so when sharing minor information, as the chances are high that someone else might have also shared the information with the recipient.

This email sample should help you understand more about it:

Dear Alvin,

Just to say that we’re looking for someone new. Perhaps they’ve already told you, but I also wanted to email you.

Kind regards,
Russell