Guide 63 / 200 6 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “remember”
Five verbs for memory and recall in business writing.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
Memos and minutes use a family of verbs that move beyond "remember." Pick one that matches the situation — recall for bringing to mind, note for recording, bear in mind for ongoing awareness.
ii · The swaps6 ways
- 01Recall neutral
bring to mind
I recall that the issue was raised in Q2.
- 02Note formal
record for reference
Note this for the next review.
- 03Bear in mind neutral
hold at front of consideration
Bear in mind the budget constraints.
- 04Retain formal
hold on to — typically records
Retain for audit purposes.
- 05Commit to memory formal
memorise
Commit the policy to memory.
- 06Keep in view formal
continue to consider
Keep in view the wider strategy.