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B1 verb/noun #17 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

notice

Top 17

At the A1 level, 'notice' is a simple word that helps you talk about things you see or hear. Think of it as a more specific way of saying 'see.' When you see something and you think about it for a second, you notice it. For example, if you see a cat on the street, you might say, 'I notice a cat.' It is also used for signs. If you see a sign that says 'Open' or 'Closed,' that is a notice. At this level, you should focus on using 'notice' as a verb in the past tense ('I noticed...') or the present tense ('Do you notice...?'). It is a very helpful word for describing your environment and sharing what you are looking at with your friends. You don't need to worry about the complicated meanings yet; just use it for simple things you can see with your eyes.

For A2 learners, 'notice' starts to become more useful in social situations. You can use it to talk about changes you see in people or places. For example, 'I noticed you have a new phone' or 'Did you notice the new restaurant?' It is also common to use 'notice' when you want to apologize for not seeing something, like 'Sorry, I didn't notice you.' As a noun, you might see 'notices' on a board at school or work. These are small papers with information. You should also learn the phrase 'take notice,' which means to pay attention. If a teacher says, 'Please take notice of the homework on the board,' they want you to look at it and remember it. At this level, you are moving beyond just 'seeing' and starting to use 'notice' to show that you are paying attention to the world around you.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'notice' in both its verb and noun forms across various contexts. As a verb, you use it to describe becoming aware of something, often something subtle. For example, 'I noticed a slight change in his voice.' This shows a higher level of observation. As a noun, 'notice' becomes very important for work and daily life. You need to know 'short notice' (when something happens quickly) and 'advance notice' (when you are told early). You also need to understand 'giving notice' at a job. If you want to quit your job, you must 'give notice' to your boss. This is a formal way of saying you will leave in a few weeks. You should also be able to use 'notice' with 'that' clauses, such as 'I noticed that the weather is getting colder.' This level requires you to understand the difference between just seeing something and actually processing that information.

By the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of 'notice' compared to similar words like 'observe,' 'realize,' and 'note.' You use 'notice' for sensory awareness, 'realize' for mental understanding, and 'observe' for more formal or careful watching. You should also be familiar with more idiomatic expressions like 'escape one's notice' (when you don't see something) or 'take no notice of' (to ignore someone). For example, 'The error escaped my notice' or 'He took no notice of my warning.' In professional writing, you might use 'notice' to refer to official documents or legal warnings. You should also be able to use the word in the passive voice, such as 'It was noticed that the sales were decreasing.' At this stage, your use of 'notice' should be precise and natural, reflecting an understanding of both its everyday and professional applications.

At the C1 level, 'notice' is used with high precision and often in more abstract or academic contexts. You might use it to discuss critical reviews, where 'notices' refers to published opinions about a play or book. You will also encounter it in legal and formal business English, such as 'notice of default' or 'constructive notice.' Your understanding of the word should include its use in complex sentence structures and its role in conveying subtle social cues. For instance, you might analyze how a character in a novel 'failed to notice' a crucial plot point. You should also be aware of the stylistic choice between 'notice' and its synonyms to change the tone of your writing. Using 'perceive' instead of 'notice' can make a sentence sound more philosophical or psychological. At this level, 'notice' is not just about seeing; it's about the sophisticated management of information and awareness in communication.

For C2 learners, 'notice' is a tool for nuanced expression. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to concepts of 'notoriety' and 'noting.' You can use it in highly formal settings, such as 'serving notice' in a legal dispute, or in literary contexts to describe the 'favorable notices' a masterpiece received. You are also aware of the psychological implications of 'noticing'—how it relates to selective attention and cognitive bias. You can use the word in complex idiomatic ways and understand its role in various registers, from the most casual slang to the most formal legal jargon. Your mastery of 'notice' allows you to use it effortlessly to describe the finest details of human experience and the most formal structures of society. You can discuss the 'noticeability' of a phenomenon or the 'unnoticed' contributions of individuals in a historical context with ease and sophistication.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

notice en 30 secondes

Notice is both a verb (to see/become aware) and a noun (a sign/warning).
As a verb, it describes the moment you recognize a detail or change.
As a noun, it often refers to formal information or job resignation.
Common phrases include 'short notice,' 'take notice,' and 'until further notice.'

The word 'notice' is a versatile and essential component of the English language, functioning both as a verb and a noun. At its core, the verb form relates to the act of perception—specifically, the moment when something enters your conscious awareness. Unlike 'seeing,' which can be a passive and unintentional act, 'noticing' implies a level of cognitive recognition. You might see a thousand people in a crowd, but you only notice the one wearing a bright neon hat. This distinction is crucial in everyday communication because it highlights the transition from mere sensory input to active mental processing. People use 'notice' when they want to point out a discovery, a change, or a specific detail that might have been overlooked by others. It is deeply tied to our observational skills and our ability to interact with our environment. In social contexts, noticing something about another person—such as a new haircut or a change in mood—is often a sign of empathy and attentiveness.

As a Verb: To become aware of something through the senses, particularly sight or hearing. It often involves identifying a specific detail within a larger context.

I didn't notice that the sign had been changed until I walked right past it.

Transitioning to its noun form, 'notice' shifts from the internal process of awareness to the external manifestation of information. A 'notice' is a formal or informal announcement designed to inform a group of people about something important. This could be a physical piece of paper tacked to a bulletin board, a digital pop-up on a website, or a legal document served to an individual. In the professional world, 'notice' takes on a very specific meaning regarding the termination of employment. When an employee 'gives notice,' they are providing a formal warning that they intend to leave their position after a specified period. This usage underscores the word's connection to 'warning' and 'preparation.' Whether it is a 'notice of eviction' or a 'notice of a meeting,' the underlying theme is the dissemination of information to ensure that others are made aware of a situation before it occurs or changes.

As a Noun: A formal announcement, sign, or warning that provides information or instructions to the public or a specific individual.

The company posted a notice on the front door stating that the office would be closed for the holiday.

Furthermore, 'notice' can refer to the attention or consideration given to someone or something. If a performance 'attracts notice,' it means it has successfully captured the public's interest. This nuance is often used in the arts, politics, and business to describe the level of visibility a person or project has achieved. To 'take notice' of something is an idiomatic way of saying that one should pay close attention because the matter is significant. This range of meanings—from the biological act of seeing to the legal act of informing and the social act of paying attention—makes 'notice' one of the most functional words in the English lexicon. It bridges the gap between our private perceptions and our public interactions, ensuring that information is not just present, but recognized and acted upon.

Attention/Visibility: The state of being observed or the act of paying attention to something noteworthy.

Her hard work finally escaped the notice of her supervisors, leading to a well-deserved promotion.

Please take notice of the emergency exits located at the rear of the building.

The landlord gave the tenants thirty days' notice before beginning the renovations.

Using 'notice' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. As a verb, it is typically transitive, meaning it requires an object. You notice *something* or *someone*. It can also be followed by a 'that' clause or an -ing form. For example, 'I noticed that the door was open' or 'I noticed him walking down the street.' The verb does not usually take the progressive form (-ing) when describing a sudden realization; we rarely say 'I am noticing,' preferring the simple present or past tense to indicate the moment of awareness. However, in contemporary English, 'I'm noticing' is becoming more common when describing a gradual trend or a recurring observation, such as 'I'm noticing a lot more electric cars on the road lately.'

Verb Patterns: Subject + notice + object (noun/pronoun/clause). Example: 'Did you notice her new car?'

He noticed a small scratch on the side of the vase.

When 'notice' functions as a noun, it often appears in set phrases that dictate its meaning. 'Short notice' is a frequently used expression meaning with very little time for preparation. If someone asks you to complete a task on short notice, they are acknowledging that the request is inconvenient. Conversely, 'advance notice' refers to information given well ahead of time. Another important structure is 'until further notice,' which indicates that a current state of affairs will continue until a new announcement is made. This is common in public service announcements, such as 'The park is closed until further notice.' Understanding these collocations is key to using the noun form naturally in both spoken and written English.

Common Noun Phrases: 'Short notice', 'advance notice', 'at a moment's notice', 'until further notice'.

I apologize for the short notice, but we need to reschedule our meeting.

In more formal or literary contexts, 'notice' can be used to describe the critical reception of a work. A book might receive 'favorable notices' in the press, meaning it got good reviews. This usage is somewhat specialized but important for understanding academic or journalistic writing. Additionally, the phrase 'take no notice of' is a polite or firm way to tell someone to ignore something. If a child is misbehaving to get attention, a parent might say, 'Take no notice of him.' This highlights the word's connection to focus and intent. By mastering these different structures, you can move from simple observations to complex professional and social interactions with ease.

Idiomatic Usage: 'Take no notice' means to deliberately ignore or pay no attention to someone or something.

Don't take any notice of what he says; he's just trying to upset you.

The play received glowing notices from the critics on opening night.

The library will be closed for repairs until further notice.

You will encounter the word 'notice' in a wide variety of real-world environments, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. In public spaces, 'notice' is the standard term for informational signs. When you are at a train station, an airport, or a government building, you will see 'Public Notices' regarding safety regulations, schedule changes, or legal requirements. These are designed to be highly visible and are often placed in frames or on dedicated boards. In these contexts, the word carries an air of authority and officialdom. If a sign says 'Notice: No Smoking,' it is not just a suggestion; it is a rule that has been formally communicated to the public. Hearing 'notice' in these settings usually precedes an important instruction or a change in routine.

Public Spaces: Used on signs to convey rules, warnings, or information to the general public.

The notice on the wall explained the new security procedures for the building.

In the corporate world, 'notice' is a high-frequency word related to HR and operations. It is most commonly heard in the context of resignation or termination. When a colleague says, 'I've put in my two weeks' notice,' everyone understands that they are leaving the company. This period of 'notice' is a standard part of employment contracts globally. Additionally, managers might use the word when discussing performance or project updates. A manager might say, 'I've noticed an improvement in your productivity,' which serves as a form of positive feedback. Conversely, a 'formal notice' might be issued if an employee is failing to meet expectations. In these scenarios, 'notice' is synonymous with 'official observation' or 'documented warning.'

Workplace Context: Refers to the period of time before leaving a job or a formal warning regarding performance.

She had to give three months' notice before she could start her new role.

In casual conversation, 'notice' is used to share observations about the world around us. It is a way to engage others in our personal experiences. You might ask a friend, 'Did you notice the way she looked at him?' or 'Have you noticed how expensive coffee has become?' In these instances, 'notice' acts as a conversational bridge, inviting the other person to confirm or deny a shared perception. It is also used in the negative to explain why something was missed: 'Sorry, I didn't notice you were standing there.' This social usage is less about formal information and more about the shared human experience of perceiving and interpreting the environment. Whether in a legal document or a quick text message, 'notice' remains a vital tool for highlighting what is important.

Social Interaction: Used to share observations or apologize for not being aware of someone's presence or a specific detail.

I noticed you were a bit quiet during the meeting; is everything okay?

The tenant received a formal notice regarding the unpaid rent.

The pilot's announcement was so quiet that it escaped the notice of most passengers.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'notice' with 'note.' While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'To notice' is to become aware of something spontaneously through your senses. 'To note' is a more deliberate action, often involving writing something down or making a conscious mental record of a fact. For example, you notice a beautiful sunset (it happens to you), but you note the time of the sunset (you take a specific action). Using 'note' when you mean 'notice' can make your English sound overly formal or slightly unnatural. For instance, saying 'I noted you were wearing a blue shirt' sounds like you are a detective making a report, whereas 'I noticed you were wearing a blue shirt' is a standard social observation.

Notice vs. Note: 'Notice' is spontaneous awareness; 'Note' is deliberate recording or mentioning.

Incorrect: I noted that she looked tired. (Unless you are writing a medical report). Correct: I noticed that she looked tired.

Another common error involves the use of 'notice' with the progressive tense. As mentioned previously, 'notice' is a stative or achievement verb in many contexts, meaning it describes a state or a sudden event rather than a continuous process. You don't usually 'be noticing' something in the moment of discovery. You either notice it or you don't. Saying 'I am noticing the rain' is technically possible but usually sounds awkward compared to 'I've noticed the rain' or 'I just noticed the rain.' However, as a noun, the mistake often lies in the preposition. We give notice *to* someone, or we give *two weeks' notice*. Forgetting the possessive ('two weeks notice' instead of 'two weeks' notice') is a common written error even among native speakers.

Grammar Pitfall: Avoid using the continuous form (-ing) for sudden realizations. Use the simple past or present perfect instead.

Incorrect: I am noticing a bird on the fence right now. Correct: I notice a bird on the fence.

Finally, learners often confuse 'notice' with 'realize.' While both involve awareness, 'realize' is purely internal and involves understanding or becoming aware of a fact through thought. 'Notice' almost always involves the senses. You notice a smell; you realize you left the oven on. You notice a person's expression; you realize they are angry because of something you said. If you say 'I noticed I was wrong,' it implies you saw physical evidence of your error. If you say 'I realized I was wrong,' it implies a mental shift. Distinguishing between these two will greatly improve the precision of your English. Using 'notice' for purely abstract thoughts can lead to confusion about how you arrived at your conclusion.

Notice vs. Realize: 'Notice' is sensory-based; 'Realize' is thought-based or intellectual awareness.

I noticed the car was gone, and then I realized it had been stolen.

Incorrect: I noticed that 2+2=4. Correct: I realized that 2+2=4.

She gave her notice (noun) after she noticed (verb) a better job opening.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to explore synonyms for 'notice' that carry slightly different shades of meaning. 'Observe' is a more formal and scientific alternative. While 'notice' can be a fleeting moment of awareness, 'observe' implies a more sustained and careful looking. A scientist observes a reaction; a neighbor notices a new car. 'Perceive' is another sophisticated alternative, often used when the awareness is subtle or involves the senses in a more complex way, such as perceiving a change in someone's tone of voice. 'Detect' is used when something is hidden or difficult to find, like detecting a faint smell of smoke or a small error in a spreadsheet. Each of these words adds a specific layer of intent and intensity to the act of noticing.

Observe: More formal; implies watching carefully or following a custom/rule.
Perceive: To become aware of through the senses or the mind; often used for subtle things.
Detect: To discover something that is not easily seen or heard.

The security cameras detected movement in the hallway at midnight.

In informal settings, 'spot' is a very common synonym for 'notice.' It suggests finding something, often something that was hard to see or that you were looking for. 'I spotted you in the crowd!' is more energetic and visual than 'I noticed you.' Another informal term is 'catch,' as in 'Did you catch what he said?' which refers specifically to hearing or seeing something quickly. On the noun side, alternatives for 'notice' include 'announcement,' 'warning,' or 'bulletin.' An 'announcement' is usually more neutral and informative, while a 'warning' implies potential danger or negative consequences. A 'bulletin' is often a short, official update. Choosing the right alternative depends on the level of formality and the specific context of the awareness or the information being shared.

Spot: Informal; to see or find something suddenly or with effort.
Announcement: A formal public statement about a fact or occurrence.

Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?

Finally, consider the word 'heed.' This is a very formal and somewhat old-fashioned synonym for 'take notice of.' It means not just to notice something, but to pay attention to it and follow its advice. 'Heed the warning' is a classic phrase found in literature and formal speeches. In contrast, 'disregard' is the opposite of 'take notice of.' If you are told to 'disregard the previous notice,' it means you should ignore the information you were given earlier. Understanding these synonyms and antonyms allows you to navigate different registers of English, from the casual 'spot' to the formal 'observe' and the archaic 'heed,' giving you the precision needed for any communicative situation.

Heed: Formal; to pay attention to advice or a warning.

They failed to heed the warnings about the incoming storm.

Please disregard my last email; it was sent by mistake.

The scientist observed the cells under the microscope for several hours.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'notice' is a distant cousin of the word 'know.' Both share a root that relates to the mind and awareness. In the 14th century, 'notice' was often used to mean 'fame' or 'reputation.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈnəʊ.tɪs/

US /ˈnoʊ.t̬ɪs/

The stress is on the first syllable: NO-tice.

Rime avec

Lotus Potus Focus (near rhyme) Hocus Crocus Quotas Voters Promotes

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'i' in the second syllable like 'ice' (it should be short like 'is').
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
Confusing the 'o' sound with 'not' (it should be a long 'o').

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowledge of specific collocations like 'short notice'.

Expression orale 2/5

Commonly used in daily conversation.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though 't' can be soft in US English.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

See Look Sign Know Tell

Apprends ensuite

Observe Realize Notify Announcement Warning

Avancé

Perceive Discern Jurisdiction Service of process Constructive notice

Grammaire à connaître

Stative Verbs

We usually use 'notice' in simple tenses, not continuous.

Possessive with Time

Two weeks' notice (use the apostrophe).

Bare Infinitive

I noticed him *leave* (not 'to leave').

Gerund vs Infinitive

I noticed him *running* (focus on the action) vs I noticed him *run* (focus on the whole event).

That-clauses

I noticed that the door was locked.

Exemples par niveau

I notice a big red bus.

I see a big red bus and think about it.

Simple present tense verb.

Did you notice the cat?

Did you see the cat?

Question form with 'did'.

There is a notice on the door.

There is a sign on the door.

Noun usage.

I noticed your new shoes.

I saw your new shoes.

Past tense verb.

She didn't notice me.

She did not see me.

Negative past tense.

Please read the notice.

Please read the sign.

Imperative sentence.

I notice the sun is hot.

I feel the sun is hot.

Sensory awareness.

Do you notice the music?

Can you hear the music?

Question form.

I noticed that the shop is closed.

I saw the shop was not open.

Notice + that clause.

Did you notice any changes?

Did you see anything different?

Question about change.

He took no notice of the rain.

He ignored the rain.

Idiom: take no notice of.

There are many notices in the hall.

There are many signs in the hallway.

Plural noun.

I noticed you were late today.

I saw you arrived late.

Observation of behavior.

The notice says 'No Parking'.

The sign says you cannot park here.

Noun as subject.

She noticed a bird in the tree.

She saw a bird in the tree.

Simple past.

I didn't notice the time.

I didn't see what time it was.

Common expression.

I apologize for the short notice.

Sorry for telling you so late.

Noun phrase: short notice.

She gave her notice at work yesterday.

She said she is quitting her job.

Idiom: give notice.

I noticed him walking the dog every morning.

I have seen him do this many times.

Notice + object + -ing.

The park is closed until further notice.

The park is closed until they say it is open.

Phrase: until further notice.

Did you notice the subtle smell of jasmine?

Did you smell the jasmine?

Sensory detail.

I noticed that she seemed a bit upset.

I saw she was unhappy.

Notice + that clause.

He gave us advance notice of the meeting.

He told us about the meeting early.

Noun phrase: advance notice.

The mistake escaped my notice.

I did not see the mistake.

Idiom: escape one's notice.

The change in policy was barely noticeable.

The change was very small and hard to see.

Adjective: noticeable.

He handed in his resignation notice this morning.

He officially said he is leaving his job.

Formal noun usage.

I've noticed a significant improvement in your work.

I see your work is much better now.

Present perfect for trend.

They took no notice of the warnings.

They ignored the warnings.

Idiom: take no notice of.

The notice period for the apartment is thirty days.

You must tell them 30 days before you move.

Compound noun: notice period.

I noticed her flinch when he mentioned the accident.

I saw her move slightly because of the topic.

Notice + object + bare infinitive.

Public notices are posted in the local newspaper.

Official info is in the paper.

Formal plural noun.

It was noticed that the budget had been exceeded.

Someone saw that they spent too much money.

Passive voice.

The play received favorable notices from the critics.

The play got good reviews.

Noun: reviews/critiques.

He was served with a notice of eviction.

He was officially told he must leave his home.

Legal terminology.

The nuances of the performance escaped the notice of the casual observer.

Regular people didn't see the small details.

Abstract noun usage.

The company failed to provide adequate notice of the layoffs.

The company didn't tell people early enough.

Formal noun usage.

I noticed a certain reticence in her response.

I saw she was hesitant to speak.

Observation of abstract quality.

The legal doctrine of constructive notice applies here.

The law assumes you should have known.

Specialized legal term.

Her contributions did not go unnoticed by the board.

The board saw and appreciated her work.

Double negative for emphasis.

The landlord must give reasonable notice before entering.

The landlord must tell you before they come in.

Legal requirement.

The subtle interplay of light and shadow was meticulously noticed by the painter.

The painter saw every small detail of light.

Passive voice with adverb.

The statutory notice requirements are quite stringent in this jurisdiction.

The laws about giving notice are very strict here.

Highly formal/legal.

He had the uncanny ability to notice the most minute discrepancies.

He could see even the tiniest mistakes.

Sophisticated vocabulary.

The publication of the notice in the gazette constitutes formal service.

Putting it in the official paper counts as telling them.

Legal/Administrative.

One cannot help but notice the underlying tension in the room.

It is impossible not to see that everyone is stressed.

Formal rhetorical structure.

The actor's performance was beneath notice, according to the harsher critics.

The acting was so bad it wasn't even worth talking about.

Idiom: beneath notice.

The discrepancy escaped the notice of even the most diligent auditors.

Even the best workers didn't see the mistake.

Advanced idiom usage.

They were given scant notice before the project was terminated.

They were told almost nothing before it ended.

Advanced adjective 'scant'.

Collocations courantes

Short notice

Advance notice

Take notice

Public notice

Until further notice

Escape notice

Give notice

Noticeable difference

Serve notice

Without notice

Phrases Courantes

At a moment's notice

Take no notice of

Hand in your notice

Worth noticing

Come to someone's notice

Bring something to someone's notice

Beneath notice

Proper notice

Notice of meeting

Constructive notice

Souvent confondu avec

notice vs Note

Note is a deliberate action of writing or recording; notice is spontaneous awareness.

notice vs Realize

Realize is mental understanding; notice is sensory perception.

notice vs Remark

Remark is to say something about what you noticed.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Sit up and take notice"

To suddenly start paying a lot of attention to something.

The company's new product made the industry sit up and take notice.

Informal

"Put someone on notice"

To warn someone that something is about to happen or that they must change.

The manager put the team on notice regarding their punctuality.

Formal

"Escape notice"

To not be seen or recognized.

He tried to leave the party early to escape notice.

Neutral

"Take notice of"

To pay attention to.

You should take notice of what the experts say.

Neutral

"Serve notice on"

To formally warn someone that you are going to do something.

The union served notice on the company that they would strike.

Formal

"Without so much as a by-your-leave"

Doing something without asking for permission or giving notice.

He took my car without so much as a by-your-leave.

Informal/Old-fashioned

"Catch someone's eye"

To be noticed by someone.

The bright red dress caught my eye immediately.

Informal

"Fly under the radar"

To go unnoticed or avoid attention.

He tried to fly under the radar during the meeting.

Informal

"Keep an eye out for"

To watch for something so you can notice it.

Keep an eye out for the delivery truck.

Informal

"Make a note of"

To consciously notice and record something.

Make a note of the address before we leave.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

notice vs Note

Both involve awareness.

Notice is seeing/hearing; Note is writing/marking.

I noticed the date and noted it in my diary.

notice vs Observe

Both mean to see.

Observe is more formal and sustained; notice is often quick.

I noticed a bird, so I stopped to observe it.

notice vs Realize

Both involve becoming aware.

Realize is internal/thought-based; notice is external/sensory.

I noticed the sky was dark and realized it was going to rain.

notice vs Watch

Both involve using eyes.

Watch is intentional and over time; notice is the moment of awareness.

I was watching the game when I noticed a player fall.

notice vs See

Basic sensory verbs.

See is the ability; notice is the recognition of a specific thing.

I see the crowd, but I notice my friend.

Structures de phrases

I notice + noun

I notice the tree.

Did you notice + noun?

Did you notice the car?

I noticed that + clause

I noticed that he was tired.

On + adjective + notice

On short notice.

Notice + object + -ing

I noticed them dancing.

Until further notice

The shop is closed until further notice.

Escape + possessive + notice

It escaped my notice.

Beneath notice

The comment was beneath notice.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

I am noticing a bird. → I notice a bird.
For immediate sensory perception, use the simple present.
I gave two week notice. → I gave two weeks' notice.
The time period should be plural and possessive.
I noted he was angry. → I noticed he was angry.
'Noted' sounds like you are writing it down; 'noticed' is for feeling/seeing.
He didn't notice to me. → He didn't notice me.
'Notice' is a transitive verb and does not need the preposition 'to'.
I realized the sign on the wall. → I noticed the sign on the wall.
Use 'notice' for physical objects you see.

Astuces

Apostrophe Use

Always use an apostrophe when writing 'two weeks' notice' or 'one month' notice'. It shows the notice belongs to that time period.

Notice vs. See

Use 'notice' when you want to emphasize that you recognized a specific detail, not just that your eyes were open.

Politeness

Noticing a positive change in someone (like a new outfit) is a great way to give a compliment.

Resigning

When you 'give notice' at work, it's best to do it in writing with a formal letter.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'notice' as a verb, try using 'announcement' or 'sign' for the noun to avoid sounding repetitive.

Public Places

In airports, listen for 'Notice to passengers' to hear important updates about your flight.

Conversational Fillers

Using 'I've noticed that...' is a softer way to bring up a difficult topic than saying 'You always...'

Official Documents

A 'notice of default' is a very serious document in finance; it means a payment was missed.

Root Meaning

Remember that 'notice' comes from 'know'. If you notice it, you know it.

Visual Sign

Picture a bright 'NOTICE' sign whenever you need to remember the noun form.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'NO-TICE'. If you say 'NO' to 'ICE', you have noticed that the ground is slippery. Notice the 'NO' at the start to remember it's about knowing something.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant yellow 'NOTICE' sign on a door. You see the sign (verb) and read the information on it (noun).

Word Web

See Hear Sign Warning Job Attention Aware Perceive

Défi

Try to use 'notice' as a verb and a noun in the same sentence. For example: 'I noticed the notice on the wall.'

Origine du mot

The word 'notice' comes from the Old French word 'notice,' which means 'knowledge, familiarity, or a formal document.' This, in turn, stems from the Latin 'notitia,' meaning 'being known' or 'knowledge.'

Sens originel : The original meaning in Latin was simply 'knowledge' or 'fame.' It was related to 'notus,' the past participle of 'noscere,' which means 'to come to know.'

Indo-European (Latinate branch).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when 'noticing' physical attributes of others, as it can sometimes be perceived as intrusive depending on the culture.

The 'two weeks' notice' is the standard in the US, while the UK often requires one to three months.

The movie 'Two Weeks Notice' starring Sandra Bullock. The phrase 'Until further notice' is common in dystopian literature. Sherlock Holmes often says, 'You see, but you do not observe,' which is a play on noticing.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Workplace

Give notice
Hand in notice
Notice period
Two weeks' notice

Public Safety

Public notice
Notice: No Smoking
Safety notice
Emergency notice

Socializing

Did you notice...
I noticed that...
Take no notice
Escape notice

Legal/Rental

Eviction notice
Notice to quit
Serve notice
Legal notice

Travel

Until further notice
Short notice
Change of schedule notice
Boarding notice

Amorces de conversation

"Have you noticed any changes in the neighborhood lately?"

"What's the shortest notice you've ever been given for a big project?"

"Did you notice anything interesting on your way here today?"

"Do you think it's important to give a long notice before leaving a job?"

"Have you ever noticed a small detail that no one else saw?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you noticed something that changed your mind about a person.

Describe a public notice you saw recently and what it was about.

Reflect on a situation where you had to do something on very short notice.

What are some things you notice about people when you first meet them?

Write about a time a mistake escaped your notice and what happened next.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is often considered stative because it describes a state of awareness rather than an action. However, it can be used in the continuous form to describe a developing trend, like 'I'm noticing more people using bikes.'

It is the standard amount of time an employee gives an employer before they quit their job. It allows the employer to start looking for a replacement.

Yes, you can notice a smell, a sound, a taste, or a physical feeling, though it is most commonly used for sight.

It means that the current situation will stay the same until someone makes a new announcement to change it.

A 'notice' is often a general sign or a period of time; a 'notification' is usually a specific message sent to a person, like a phone alert.

You can say 'It was noticed that...' or 'The change was noticed by everyone.' It makes the sentence sound more formal.

It is usually used in an apology because giving short notice is often seen as inconvenient for the other person.

It means to ignore someone or something. It's a common way to tell someone not to be bothered by a rude person.

Yes, 'notices' refers to multiple signs or multiple reviews of a play or book.

It is a legal term meaning that a person is legally presumed to know something because it is in the public record, even if they haven't actually seen it.