The phrase “mark your calendars” is common in English. You hear it in meetings, emails, announcements, and even social media posts. It tells people to remember an important date or event.
Simple, clear, and friendly.
But English learners and professionals often face a problem. Using the same phrase again and again can sound repetitive, casual, or even unprofessional in serious settings. Word choice matters.
The words you choose can sound formal or informal, polite or strong, friendly or official.
Using varied expressions helps you write better emails, sound more confident in meetings, and communicate clearly in daily conversation. It also shows strong language control.
For example:
Formal: “Please note the date for the upcoming review meeting.”
Informal: “Hey, don’t forget next Friday!”
This guide will teach you natural, context-appropriate alternatives you can use with confidence.
What Does “Mark Your Calendars” Mean?
Student-friendly meaning:
“Mark your calendars” means remember this date because something important will happen.
Grammar form:
An idiomatic phrase. It works as a verb phrase.
Similar expressions:
Remember the date, take note, save the date
Opposite ideas:
Ignore the date, no need to remember
Example sentences:
“Mark your calendars for our annual conference.”
“Everyone, please mark your calendars for Monday.”
When to Use “Mark Your Calendars”
Spoken English
Used in announcements, presentations, or friendly reminders.
Business English
Common in team meetings but slightly casual.
Emails / Messages
Fine for internal emails, less ideal for formal clients.
Social Media
Very common for events, launches, or promotions.
Academic Writing
Not recommended. Too informal.
Professional Meetings
Acceptable when speaking, not best for written agendas.
Is “Mark Your Calendars” Polite or Professional?
This phrase sits in the neutral-friendly range.
- Polite: Yes
- Formal: No
- Professional: Semi-professional
- Tone strength: Light and friendly
Etiquette tip:
Good for team announcements. Avoid in corporate proposals or academic writing.
Pros & Cons of Using “Mark Your Calendars”
✔ Pros:
- Easy to understand
- Friendly tone
- Natural for spoken English
✘ Cons:
- Too casual for formal writing
- Overused
- Not suitable for academic or legal contexts
Quick Alternatives List (For Busy Readers)
- Note the date
- Save the date
- Please remember
- Keep this date in mind
- Add this to your schedule
- Make a note of
- Schedule accordingly
- Be advised of the date
- Kindly note
- Don’t forget
- Set a reminder
- Take note
- Reserve the date
- Plan accordingly
- Ensure availability
- Record this date
Note the Date
Meaning:
Remember a specific date.
Explanation:
This is a clean, neutral alternative. It sounds professional without being stiff.
Grammar Note:
Imperative verb phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Please note the date for the final presentation.”
Best Use:
Email, workplace, meetings
Worst Use:
Casual texting
Tone:
Professional, neutral
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
9/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use this when you want a polite but professional reminder.
Save the Date
Meaning:
Keep a date free for an event.
Explanation:
Often used for weddings, conferences, and formal events.
Grammar Note:
Imperative phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Save the date for our annual summit.”
Best Use:
Events, formal invitations
Worst Use:
Urgent deadlines
Tone:
Friendly-professional
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
8/10
Replaceability Tip:
Best when the event is planned far in advance.
Please Remember
Meaning:
Do not forget something important.
Explanation:
Soft and polite. Less announcement-like.
Grammar Note:
Polite verb phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Please remember our call on Thursday.”
Best Use:
Emails, reminders
Worst Use:
Public announcements
Tone:
Soft, polite
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
6/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use for one-to-one communication.
Keep This Date in Mind
Meaning:
Be aware of an upcoming date.
Explanation:
Gentle and non-demanding.
Grammar Note:
Verb phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Keep this date in mind for future planning.”
Best Use:
Workplace, planning discussions
Worst Use:
Formal notices
Tone:
Friendly, neutral
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Good when plans are flexible.
Add This to Your Schedule
Meaning:
Put the event into your calendar.
Explanation:
Direct and practical. Slightly stronger.
Grammar Note:
Command verb phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Add this to your schedule to avoid conflicts.”
Best Use:
Workplace, productivity contexts
Worst Use:
Social media
Tone:
Professional, strong
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
8/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when time management matters.
Make a Note Of
Meaning:
Write down or remember information.
Explanation:
British English leans toward this phrase.
Grammar Note:
Verb phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Please make a note of the deadline.”
Best Use:
UK business English, emails
Worst Use:
Casual chat
Tone:
Formal-neutral
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Great for polite instructions.
Schedule Accordingly
Meaning:
Plan your time based on this date.
Explanation:
Very professional. Often used in offices.
Grammar Note:
Formal verb phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Kindly schedule accordingly.”
Best Use:
Corporate emails
Worst Use:
Casual conversation
Tone:
Formal, strong
Level:
Advanced
Similarity Score:
6/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when authority is implied.
Be Advised of the Date
Meaning:
Official notice of a date.
Explanation:
Sounds legal or corporate.
Grammar Note:
Passive formal structure.
Example Sentence:
“Please be advised of the revised date.”
Best Use:
Formal notices
Worst Use:
Friendly emails
Tone:
Very formal
Level:
Advanced
Similarity Score:
5/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use in official communication only.
Kindly Note
Meaning:
Polite request to remember.
Explanation:
Common in formal international English.
Grammar Note:
Polite imperative.
Example Sentence:
“Kindly note the updated schedule.”
Best Use:
Formal emails
Worst Use:
US casual speech
Tone:
Polite-formal
Level:
Advanced
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Best for respectful reminders.
Don’t Forget
Meaning:
Remember something important.
Explanation:
Very casual and direct.
Grammar Note:
Negative imperative.
Example Sentence:
“Don’t forget our lunch tomorrow!”
Best Use:
Friends, texts
Worst Use:
Professional emails
Tone:
Casual
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
6/10
Replaceability Tip:
Avoid in formal writing.
Set a Reminder
Meaning:
Use a tool to remember.
Explanation:
Modern and practical.
Grammar Note:
Verb phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Set a reminder for the deadline.”
Best Use:
Work, productivity
Worst Use:
Formal invitations
Tone:
Neutral
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
6/10
Replaceability Tip:
Great for task-based reminders.
Take Note
Meaning:
Pay attention to information.
Explanation:
Slightly authoritative.
Grammar Note:
Imperative phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Take note of the updated policy.”
Best Use:
Meetings, notices
Worst Use:
Friendly chat
Tone:
Strong, professional
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
6/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when clarity matters.
Reserve the Date
Meaning:
Keep a date free.
Explanation:
Formal and event-focused.
Grammar Note:
Imperative phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Please reserve the date for the ceremony.”
Best Use:
Formal events
Worst Use:
Deadlines
Tone:
Formal
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Ideal for invitations.
Plan Accordingly
Meaning:
Adjust plans based on information.
Explanation:
Professional and indirect.
Grammar Note:
Verb phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Please plan accordingly.”
Best Use:
Business emails
Worst Use:
Casual talk
Tone:
Professional
Level:
Advanced
Similarity Score:
5/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when details may change.
Ensure Availability
Meaning:
Make sure you are free.
Explanation:
Direct but professional.
Grammar Note:
Verb phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Please ensure availability on Friday.”
Best Use:
Workplace scheduling
Worst Use:
Social settings
Tone:
Strong, professional
Level:
Advanced
Similarity Score:
6/10
Replaceability Tip:
Best for meetings with priority.
Record This Date
Meaning:
Write down a date.
Explanation:
Clear and literal.
Grammar Note:
Verb phrase.
Example Sentence:
“Record this date for reference.”
Best Use:
Formal instructions
Worst Use:
Friendly reminders
Tone:
Neutral-formal
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Useful in documentation.
Mini Dialogue Examples
Formal
“Please note the date for the quarterly review.”
“Understood. I’ve added it to my calendar.”
Informal
“Don’t forget Saturday!”
“No worries. Already saved.”
Business Email
“Kindly note the meeting scheduled for 10 March and plan accordingly.”
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using casual phrases in formal emails
- Saying “mark your calendars” in academic writing
- Overusing one phrase repeatedly
- Mixing strong tone with polite language
- Forgetting cultural tone differences
- Using commands with senior staff
- Translating directly from your native language
Cultural & Tone Tips
In US English, “mark your calendars” feels friendly and promotional.
In UK English, “make a note of” sounds more natural.
In casual social English, “don’t forget” feels warmer and more human.
Tone changes with context. Always match the situation.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Professional Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note the date | Neutral | Medium | Note the date for review | |
| Save the date | Friendly | Events | Medium | Save the date for June |
| Kindly note | Polite | Formal email | High | Kindly note the change |
| Don’t forget | Casual | Friends | Low | Don’t forget tonight |
| Plan accordingly | Formal | Business | High | Plan accordingly |
| Add to your schedule | Professional | Work | Medium | Add to your schedule |
FAQs
Is “mark your calendars” rude?
No. It’s friendly, but informal.
Is it okay in emails?
Yes, for internal or casual emails.
What is the most formal alternative?
“Please be advised of the date.”
What is the most polite alternative?
“Kindly note the date.”
What should beginners use?
“Please remember” or “save the date.”
Can I use it in academic writing?
No. Use formal alternatives instead.
Conclusion
Language variety is power. Knowing other ways to say “mark your calendars” helps you sound natural, clear, and confident.
The right phrase improves tone, avoids misunderstanding, and fits the situation. Whether you write emails, attend meetings, or speak daily English, choosing the right alternative matters.
Practice these expressions in real conversations. Try different tones. With time, your English will feel smoother, stronger, and more professional.
John Lee is an education-focused writer with a strong interest in English grammar and language learning.
He creates clear, student-friendly content to help learners improve their grammar skills with confidence.