It would be remiss not to mention

Using this phrase is straightforward. Just drop it before the important thing you want to say. It acts as a preamble. It primes your audience. It signals that what's next is essential. For instance, It would be remiss not to mention how critical Sarah's contribution was. You're highlighting Sarah's work. You're giving her deserved credit. You're acknowledging her impact. It’s perfect for professional settings. But it also works for personal advice. Suppose your friend is planning a trip. You might say, It would be remiss not to mention the amazing gelato place near the Colosseum. You're sharing a vital, delicious tip! The key is always to follow it with something genuinely noteworthy. Don't use it for trivial details. It loses its impact if overused. Save it for the real gems. It's like using your best emoji only for truly epic news.

This phrase lands squarely in formal to semi-formal territory. You wouldn't typically use it while texting your bestie about weekend plans. "BTW, it'd be remiss not to mention that Jen's coming" sounds a bit stiff. Right? It's much more at home in professional emails, reports, presentations, or serious discussions. Imagine a board meeting. Or a performance review. A university lecture. That’s its natural habitat. It signals respect for the information and the audience. It lends gravitas to your statement. Using it makes you sound thoughtful. It makes you sound considerate. You appear thorough and responsible. It’s a bit like wearing a crisp shirt instead of a t-shirt – different occasions call for different attire.

You'll encounter It would be remiss not to mention in various settings. In a business context, a manager might say, It would be remiss not to mention the outstanding efforts of the entire team on this project. Giving credit where credit is due. In a review of a new gadget, a tech blogger could write, It would be remiss not to mention the surprisingly long battery life. Highlighting a key feature. Even in a legal document, you might find something like, It would be remiss not to mention the precedents set by previous rulings. Ensuring legal thoroughness. On social media, a historian sharing facts might use it. It would be remiss not to mention the often-overlooked role of women in the space race. Educating followers. It's about bringing important details into focus. It’s about ensuring justice for facts.

Use this phrase when you have vital information to share. When omitting it would be a genuine oversight. When you need to add a crucial point. It’s perfect for giving credit. For highlighting an important fact. For offering a significant warning. For emphasizing a recommendation. For ensuring completeness in a discussion. Imagine you're giving a presentation. You cover all the main points. But then you remember a small, but impactful, detail. This phrase is your cue. Before I conclude, it would be remiss not to mention the crucial feedback we received from early users. It adds weight. It shows diligence. It shows you're on top of things. You wouldn't want to look like you forgot something important, would you?

Avoid using It would be remiss not to mention in casual conversations. It sounds overly formal. It can make you sound a bit pompous. Don't use it for trivial information. Saying It would be remiss not to mention that I'm out of milk sounds ridiculous. Your friend will probably just stare at you. Also, don't use it if the information isn't actually that important. If you force its usage, it loses its impact. People might start ignoring you. Or worse, they might think you're being sarcastic. It's like crying wolf. Save it for when you genuinely have a *wolf* (or a crucial detail) to present. If it's something you could easily just say, "Oh, and also..." then skip this phrase. Keep it in your formal toolbox.

The biggest mistake is misjudging the formality.

Another mistake is using it for minor details.

Also, make sure what you mention *actually* needs mentioning.

It’s about making a deliberate choice. Don't use it on autopilot. Think about your audience. Think about the impact. Is it truly *remiss* to omit it? If not, choose a simpler phrase.

While It would be remiss not to mention is fairly fixed, you might hear simpler, less formal alternatives.

• Slightly less formal: I'd be remiss if I didn't mention... (same meaning, slightly shorter).
• More direct/casual: I really should mention..., I must point out..., It's worth noting....
• Very casual: Just so you know..., BTW... (in texting).
• Emphasizing necessity: I feel it's important to mention..., I feel compelled to mention....

These variations offer flexibility. Choose the one that fits your context. If you're on TikTok, you might just use a quick text overlay. In a professional email, stick to the original. You wouldn't wear a tuxedo to the beach, would you?

Q: Is remiss a common word?

A: Remiss itself is not an everyday word, which is why the phrase It would be remiss not to mention feels formal. It means "lacking in care or attention to duty; negligent." So, you're saying you'd be negligent if you didn't mention something important. It's a powerful word in this context.

Q: Can I use this phrase in an academic essay?

A: Absolutely! This phrase is perfectly suited for academic writing. It allows you to introduce an important point, acknowledgment, or counter-argument with appropriate formality and intellectual rigor, signaling its significance to your readers. For example, It would be remiss not to mention the limitations of this study.

Q: Does it always have to be positive?

A: Not necessarily. While often used for praise or important positive facts, you can also use it to bring up a significant concern or a challenging point that requires attention. The core is *importance*, not strictly positivity. For instance, It would be remiss not to mention the potential risks involved.

Q: Is there a simpler, less formal way to say the same thing?

A: Yes, many! For informal situations, you might say I really should mention..., I have to tell you..., or Just a quick note about.... In slightly more formal but not stiff contexts, It's important to mention... or I must point out... work well. Choose based on who you're talking to and the setting.

Q: Is I would be remiss not to mention also correct?

A: Yes, I would be remiss not to mention is also grammatically correct and very common. It shifts the emphasis slightly to your personal responsibility as the speaker. Both It would be remiss... and I would be remiss... are interchangeable in most contexts, conveying the same core message.

Q: How does this phrase relate to "lest I forget"?

A: While both convey a sense of avoiding an oversight, lest I forget implies a personal fear of forgetting and is more archaic or poetic. It would be remiss not to mention carries a more professional and duty-bound tone, focusing on the negligence of omission rather than memory failure. Lest I forget often feels like a mental reminder, while It would be remiss is a direct communicative statement to others.

Q: Can I use it in an email to my boss?

A: Definitely! It's a great phrase for professional emails. It shows you are being thorough and considerate of important details, which your boss will likely appreciate. It conveys professionalism and attention to detail. For example, It would be remiss not to mention the strong performance metrics from last quarter.

Q: Does it imply a criticism if not mentioned?

A: Yes, indirectly. By stating it would be remiss not to mention, you're implying that if you *didn't* mention it, it would be a failure of duty or a significant oversight. This can add a subtle persuasive element, urging the listener to consider the information carefully, as its omission would be a clear fault.

Q: Is remiss related to remedy?

A: No, remiss is not related to remedy. Remiss comes from Latin remissus, meaning "slack, negligent." Remedy comes from Latin remedium, meaning "cure, restorative." They sound similar but have distinct etymological roots and meanings, so don't confuse them!

Q: Can it be used in a negative context, like mentioning a problem?

A: Absolutely. While often used for positive acknowledgments, it's very effective for bringing up a significant problem or concern that absolutely needs to be addressed. For example, It would be remiss not to mention the critical bug discovered in the latest update. The phrase ensures the problem isn't swept under the rug.

Q: Is it often followed by a comma?

A: When used as an introductory clause, it is almost always followed by a comma, as in It would be remiss not to mention, that.... This creates a natural pause before the crucial information is presented, enhancing clarity and emphasizing the importance of what follows. This makes it easier for the listener to process the information.

Q: Is remiss a word I should add to my daily vocabulary?

A: While remiss is not an everyday word, understanding its meaning and its usage in this phrase is very beneficial for advanced English speakers. It allows you to grasp the nuance in formal contexts and use the phrase appropriately when aiming for a sophisticated and impactful communication style.

Q: Does it work well in formal presentations?

A: Yes, it's excellent for formal presentations. It helps you transition smoothly to a key point, summarize a critical aspect, or acknowledge important contributions. It shows you've been thorough and are making sure all essential information is conveyed to your audience with due diligence.

Q: What if I forget to mention something important without using this phrase?

A: If you forget without using the phrase, it might simply be seen as an oversight. However, using the phrase explicitly frames the omission as a failure of duty or care, making it a stronger rhetorical tool. Without it, you might just be forgiven; with it, you proactively prevent appearing negligent.