Quick Answer: If you’re looking for other ways to say I would be remiss, try: I would be negligent not to, I would fail to mention, it would be an oversight not to, I would be mistaken not to, I would be wrong not to.
These alternatives help you sound more natural, professional, and confident in formal and semi-formal English.
The phrase “I would be remiss” is commonly used to politely acknowledge an important point that should not be overlooked.
It often appears in formal writing, speeches, presentations, and professional emails where the speaker wants to show responsibility and awareness.
Learning alternatives to I would be remiss improves fluency, reduces repetition, and helps you express excitement in English or seriousness without sounding stiff or outdated.
“Strong English avoids sounding dramatic when a simpler phrase works better.”
Quick Categories
Formal alternatives to “I would be remiss”
- I would be negligent not to
- It would be an oversight not to
- I would fail to mention
- I would be mistaken not to
Pro Tips Box:
Formal alternatives work best in speeches, reports, and academic or corporate writing.
Casual alternatives
- I shouldn’t forget to
- I can’t forget to mention
- I shouldn’t leave out
- I’d be wrong not to
Pro Tips Box:
Casual alternatives soften the tone and sound more natural in spoken English.
Professional alternatives
- It’s important to acknowledge
- I want to take a moment to recognize
- It’s worth noting
- I should point out
Pro Tips Box:
Professional phrasing sounds confident and respectful without being dramatic.
Informal expressions
- I can’t skip mentioning
- I shouldn’t ignore
- I’d hate to leave out
- I don’t want to miss
Pro Tips Box:
Informal expressions are best for speech, presentations, or relaxed writing.
“Professional English values clarity more than formality.”
Common Mistakes Using “I Would Be Remiss”
- Using it in casual conversation
Example: I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you for lunch. - Overusing it in speeches
Example: I would be remiss not to mention… (repeated multiple times) - Using it incorrectly without ‘if’
Example: I would be remiss to mention our team. - Sounding overly dramatic
Example: I would be remiss not to mention the coffee break. - Using it when a simpler phrase works better
Example: I would be remiss not to remind you of the meeting.
What Does “I Would Be Remiss” Mean?
“I would be remiss” means “I would be negligent or careless if I did not do or mention something.”
Grammatically, it is often followed by if I did not or not to.
Example:
I would be remiss if I did not thank the entire team.
When to Use “I Would Be Remiss”
- Formal speeches
- Professional presentations
- Business or academic writing
- Public acknowledgments
Spoken vs Written: More common in writing
Formal vs Informal: Formal
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “I Would Be Remiss”?
The phrase is polite and professional, but slightly old-fashioned.
Business-style example:
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge our partners.
Polite? ✔️ Yes
Professional? ✔️ Yes (but formal)
“Modern professional English favors simpler, direct phrasing.”
Pros and Cons of Using “I Would Be Remiss”
Pros
- Polite and respectful
- Shows responsibility
- Common in formal English
- Clear intent
Cons
- Sounds outdated
- Too formal for conversation
- Overused in speeches
- Can feel overly dramatic
Other Ways to Say “I Would Be Remiss” (With Examples)
These alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations.
Use them according to tone, context, and audience to express excitement in English, recognition, or responsibility.
1. Phrase: I would be negligent not to
Meaning: Failing to mention would be careless
Explanation: Strong formal alternative
Example Sentence: I would be negligent not to thank our sponsors.
Best Use: Formal writing
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal, serious
Context Variability: professional
2. Phrase: It would be an oversight not to
Meaning: Missing something important
Explanation: Polite and professional
Example Sentence: It would be an oversight not to recognize her efforts.
Best Use: Business communication
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
3. Phrase: I would fail to mention
Meaning: Indicates omission
Explanation: Formal phrasing
Example Sentence: I would fail to mention the team’s contribution.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Spoken English
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
4. Phrase: I would be mistaken not to
Meaning: Acknowledges importance
Explanation: Slightly softer tone
Example Sentence: I would be mistaken not to highlight this achievement.
Best Use: Presentations
Worst Use: Casual use
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
5. Phrase: I would be wrong not to
Meaning: Informal acknowledgement
Explanation: More conversational
Example Sentence: I would be wrong not to thank everyone here.
Best Use: Speeches
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: spoken / professional
6. Phrase: I shouldn’t forget to
Meaning: Casual responsibility
Explanation: Simple phrasing
Example Sentence: I shouldn’t forget to mention our volunteers.
Best Use: Spoken English
Worst Use: Formal documents
Tone: Casual
Context Variability: spoken
7. Phrase: I can’t forget to mention
Meaning: Emphasizes importance
Explanation: Friendly tone
Example Sentence: I can’t forget to mention the amazing support.
Best Use: Presentations
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Friendly
Context Variability: spoken
8. Phrase: It’s important to acknowledge
Meaning: Highlights recognition
Explanation: Professional phrasing
Example Sentence: It’s important to acknowledge our partners.
Best Use: Business writing
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
9. Phrase: I want to take a moment to recognize
Meaning: Formal appreciation
Explanation: Common in speeches
Example Sentence: I want to take a moment to recognize our team.
Best Use: Public speaking
Worst Use: Informal texts
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: spoken / professional
10. Phrase: It’s worth noting
Meaning: Points out importance
Explanation: Neutral and modern
Example Sentence: It’s worth noting that sales increased.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
11. Phrase: I should point out
Meaning: Direct acknowledgment
Explanation: Clear and neutral
Example Sentence: I should point out the recent changes.
Best Use: Explanations
Worst Use: Formal speeches
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
12. Phrase: I shouldn’t leave out
Meaning: Casual omission
Explanation: Conversational tone
Example Sentence: I shouldn’t leave out their contribution.
Best Use: Spoken English
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Casual
Context Variability: spoken
13. Phrase: I would hate to leave out
Meaning: Polite emphasis
Explanation: Friendly tone
Example Sentence: I would hate to leave out our supporters.
Best Use: Speeches
Worst Use: Reports
Tone: Friendly
Context Variability: spoken
14. Phrase: I don’t want to overlook
Meaning: Prevents omission
Explanation: Professional and clear
Example Sentence: I don’t want to overlook this detail.
Best Use: Meetings
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
15. Phrase: It deserves mention
Meaning: Highlights importance
Explanation: Formal-neutral
Example Sentence: This achievement deserves mention.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
16. Phrase: It should not go unmentioned
Meaning: Emphasizes necessity
Explanation: Formal phrasing
Example Sentence: Her contribution should not go unmentioned.
Best Use: Formal writing
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
17. Phrase: I must acknowledge
Meaning: Strong responsibility
Explanation: Formal tone
Example Sentence: I must acknowledge the leadership team.
Best Use: Speeches
Worst Use: Casual use
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
18. Phrase: I need to highlight
Meaning: Modern professional phrasing
Explanation: Clear emphasis
Example Sentence: I need to highlight this success.
Best Use: Presentations
Worst Use: Academic writing
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
19. Phrase: It would be wrong to ignore
Meaning: Emphasizes importance
Explanation: Direct phrasing
Example Sentence: It would be wrong to ignore their efforts.
Best Use: Speeches
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
20. Phrase: I should acknowledge
Meaning: Polite responsibility
Explanation: Softer tone
Example Sentence: I should acknowledge everyone involved.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
21. Phrase: I can’t ignore
Meaning: Informal emphasis
Explanation: Direct and simple
Example Sentence: I can’t ignore the progress made.
Best Use: Spoken English
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Casual
Context Variability: spoken
22. Phrase: I don’t want to miss
Meaning: Casual phrasing
Explanation: Conversational
Example Sentence: I don’t want to miss this opportunity.
Best Use: Speech
Worst Use: Reports
Tone: Casual
Context Variability: spoken
23. Phrase: It’s only fair to mention
Meaning: Polite acknowledgment
Explanation: Friendly-professional
Example Sentence: It’s only fair to mention their support.
Best Use: Presentations
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Polite
Context Variability: spoken / professional
24. Phrase: I should not overlook
Meaning: Prevents omission
Explanation: Professional tone
Example Sentence: I should not overlook this contribution.
Best Use: Business writing
Worst Use: Casual use
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
25. Phrase: This must be acknowledged
Meaning: Formal emphasis
Explanation: Passive construction
Example Sentence: This must be acknowledged publicly.
Best Use: Formal reports
Worst Use: Conversation
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
26. Phrase: It warrants mention
Meaning: Deserves attention
Explanation: Formal-neutral
Example Sentence: This achievement warrants mention.
Best Use: Writing
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
27. Phrase: I’d be careless not to
Meaning: Semi-casual alternative
Explanation: Less formal
Example Sentence: I’d be careless not to thank the team.
Best Use: Speeches
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: spoken
28. Phrase: I shouldn’t ignore
Meaning: Casual emphasis
Explanation: Direct
Example Sentence: I shouldn’t ignore this point.
Best Use: Conversation
Worst Use: Reports
Tone: Casual
Context Variability: spoken
29. Phrase: It’s necessary to acknowledge
Meaning: Professional necessity
Explanation: Clear and formal
Example Sentence: It’s necessary to acknowledge these efforts.
Best Use: Professional writing
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
30. Phrase: I must not fail to mention
Meaning: Formal and emphatic
Explanation: Strong acknowledgment
Example Sentence: I must not fail to mention our sponsors.
Best Use: Speeches
Worst Use: Casual use
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
“Clarity and tone matter more than sounding impressive.”
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| It would be an oversight not to | Professional | Business writing |
| I would be wrong not to | Neutral | Speeches |
| It’s important to acknowledge | Professional | Emails |
| I want to take a moment to recognize | Professional | Presentations |
| It’s worth noting | Neutral | Reports |
| I don’t want to overlook | Neutral | Meetings |
| It warrants mention | Formal | Writing |
| I shouldn’t forget to | Casual | Spoken English |
| I must acknowledge | Formal | Speeches |
| It’s only fair to mention | Polite | Semi-formal |
Mini Quiz: Self-Check
- Which phrase is most formal?
A. I shouldn’t forget to
B. It would be an oversight not to
C. I can’t forget to mention - Which phrase fits casual speech best?
A. I must not fail to mention
B. I’d be careless not to
C. It warrants mention - Choose the best option for a professional email.
FAQs
Is “I would be remiss” outdated?
It’s still correct, but sounds formal and slightly old-fashioned.
Is it professional?
Yes, especially in writing and speeches.
Can I use it in emails?
Yes, but simpler alternatives are often better.
Is it polite?
Yes, it shows responsibility and awareness.
Why use alternatives?
To sound modern, natural, and fluent.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say I would be remiss allows you to communicate more naturally and professionally. The right alternative improves clarity and tone without sounding stiff.
Practice these phrases regularly and choose based on context, audience, and purpose.
See also:
- Other Ways to Say “For Your Reference”
- Professional English Presentation Phrases
James Anderson is a vocabulary-focused blogger at SynonymHub.com, providing clear and practical insights on synonyms and word meanings to help readers enhance their language skills and communicate more effectively.
