“There are many ways to express the sentiment of being neglectful in a situation, without saying ‘I would be remiss.'”
In formal and professional communication, it’s important to express yourself clearly and respectfully. The phrase “I would be remiss” is often used to show that you would feel negligent or at fault for not addressing an issue or missing a point. While it’s a valuable expression, it can sometimes come across as overly formal or repetitive.
There are various alternatives that can convey the same sense of responsibility without sounding too stiff. In this blog, we’ll explore different ways to express that you would feel negligent or that you must address an important matter.
Learning new expressions is not only about enhancing your vocabulary, but it also helps in making your communication more fluid and adaptable to different contexts. By adding variety to your language, you can avoid redundancy while maintaining professionalism. Below are 30 alternative ways to say “I would be remiss,” offering you a broader range of phrases to use in everyday situations.
The following phrases are commonly used to replace “I would be remiss,” depending on the situation. These alternatives can add a personal touch or sound more relatable, offering a better connection to your audience or listener.
Other Ways to Say “I Would Be Remiss”
1. “I would be neglectful”
Scenario: Acknowledging the importance of responding to a customer’s complaint.
Example 1: “I would be neglectful if I didn’t address this issue right away.”
Example 2: “It would be neglectful of me not to offer an apology.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys a sense of duty and responsibility while being less formal than “I would be remiss.”
2. “I would be failing in my duty”
Scenario: Informing a colleague of a task that needs to be prioritized.
Example 1: “I would be failing in my duty if I didn’t bring this to your attention.”
Example 2: “As a team member, I would be failing in my duty if I didn’t complete this task on time.”
Explanation: This expression suggests that you have a responsibility that you must fulfill.
3. “It would be irresponsible”
Scenario: Expressing the need to act quickly in a business matter.
Example 1: “It would be irresponsible of me not to mention this important detail.”
Example 2: “I think it would be irresponsible if I didn’t acknowledge your feedback.”
Explanation: This phrase communicates a sense of negligence, implying that not taking action would have negative consequences.
4. “I’d be doing a disservice”
Scenario: Saying that leaving a problem unresolved would be harmful.
Example 1: “I’d be doing a disservice to the team if I didn’t share this update.”
Example 2: “It would be a disservice to the company not to address this matter.”
Explanation: The phrase suggests that failing to act would harm others, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue.
5. “I would be neglecting my responsibility”
Scenario: Addressing the importance of attending a meeting.
Example 1: “I would be neglecting my responsibility if I didn’t attend the meeting.”
Example 2: “It’s my responsibility to follow up, and I would be neglecting that if I didn’t.”
Explanation: This alternative emphasizes the obligation to follow through on tasks or commitments.
6. “I’d be remiss not to”
Scenario: Pointing out an important aspect that needs attention.
Example 1: “I’d be remiss not to highlight this in our discussion.”
Example 2: “I’d be remiss not to acknowledge your hard work.”
Explanation: A more casual alternative, this phrase communicates the need to address an issue, though with a slightly less formal tone.
7. “I wouldn’t be doing justice to”
Scenario: Acknowledging someone’s contribution or effort.
Example 1: “I wouldn’t be doing justice to your work if I didn’t mention it in my report.”
Example 2: “I wouldn’t be doing justice to this issue if I ignored it.”
Explanation: This phrase suggests that failing to act would undermine the situation or person involved.
8. “I would be failing to acknowledge”
Scenario: Highlighting something important that should be noticed.
Example 1: “I would be failing to acknowledge your efforts if I didn’t thank you for them.”
Example 2: “I’d be failing to acknowledge the progress we’ve made if I didn’t point it out.”
Explanation: This phrase shows that recognition or attention is due but has not yet been given.
9. “I could not ignore”
Scenario: Expressing the need to address an issue that requires attention.
Example 1: “I could not ignore this matter any longer; it needs to be resolved.”
Example 2: “I could not ignore the feedback you provided; it’s very important.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys urgency and a strong sense of duty to address the matter at hand.
10. “I must take into account”
Scenario: Acknowledging an important detail that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Example 1: “I must take into account your concerns before moving forward.”
Example 2: “I must take into account the deadline before committing further.”
Explanation: This implies that consideration or attention is necessary before proceeding.
11. “It would be a mistake”
Scenario: Pointing out that missing a detail could lead to an error.
Example 1: “It would be a mistake to ignore this issue in our planning.”
Example 2: “It would be a mistake if I didn’t address the discrepancy in this report.”
Explanation: This phrase suggests that failing to act would result in an avoidable negative consequence.
12. “I cannot overlook”
Scenario: Describing something important that must be addressed.
Example 1: “I cannot overlook the need to improve our communication.”
Example 2: “I cannot overlook the impact of this decision on the team.”
Explanation: This phrase expresses that something significant requires attention and cannot be ignored.
13. “I would be doing a great disservice”
Scenario: Noting that failure to take action would negatively affect others.
Example 1: “I would be doing a great disservice to the client if I didn’t follow up on this matter.”
Example 2: “It would be a great disservice to our team if I didn’t offer my assistance.”
Explanation: This emphasizes the importance of acting for the benefit of others.
14. “It would be inappropriate”
Scenario: Indicating that it would be wrong to ignore an issue.
Example 1: “It would be inappropriate not to address this concern immediately.”
Example 2: “It would be inappropriate if I didn’t thank you for your help.”
Explanation: This phrase highlights that neglecting the issue could be seen as improper or disrespectful.
15. “I would be falling short”
Scenario: Suggesting that you wouldn’t be meeting expectations if you didn’t act.
Example 1: “I would be falling short of my duty if I didn’t follow through.”
Example 2: “It would be falling short of expectations not to complete the task.”
Explanation: This phrase implies that failing to act would result in an unsatisfactory outcome.
Other Ways to Say “If Time Permits”
16. “I would be at fault”
Scenario: Acknowledging that not addressing an issue would result in blame.
Example 1: “I would be at fault if I didn’t inform you about the changes.”
Example 2: “It would be my fault if I didn’t offer assistance at this stage.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates that failing to act or speak out would be a failure on your part, resulting in blame.
17. “I must acknowledge”
Scenario: Recognizing the importance of addressing a matter openly.
Example 1: “I must acknowledge the hard work you’ve put into this project.”
Example 2: “I must acknowledge the mistakes made in the previous report.”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the importance of giving credit or admitting responsibility.
18. “It would be a serious oversight”
Scenario: Noting that neglecting a detail would lead to a significant error.
Example 1: “It would be a serious oversight if we didn’t discuss the budget.”
Example 2: “It would be a serious oversight not to consider your feedback.”
Explanation: This phrase communicates that failing to act would result in a preventable mistake.
19. “I can’t ignore”
Scenario: Addressing the need to act on a crucial point or issue.
Example 1: “I can’t ignore the importance of timely feedback.”
Example 2: “I can’t ignore how this decision will affect our team.”
Explanation: This phrase expresses a strong commitment to addressing an important matter without delay.
20. “I need to emphasize”
Scenario: Stressing the significance of addressing a point or detail.
Example 1: “I need to emphasize that the deadline is approaching quickly.”
Example 2: “I need to emphasize that your concerns are valid and should be addressed.”
Explanation: This suggests that certain issues are so important that they cannot be overlooked.
21. “I would be doing myself a disservice”
Scenario: Acknowledging that not acting would harm your own position.
Example 1: “I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t follow up on this.”
Example 2: “Not addressing this would be doing myself a disservice, as it’s an important task.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys that neglecting the task could have negative consequences for yourself.
22. “I could not stand by”
Scenario: Expressing that it would be wrong to passively observe a situation.
Example 1: “I could not stand by and not offer my help.”
Example 2: “I could not stand by and let this issue go unaddressed.”
Explanation: This emphasizes an active role in resolving a situation and conveys responsibility.
23. “I must call attention to”
Scenario: Drawing attention to something that requires immediate action.
Example 1: “I must call attention to the discrepancy in the report.”
Example 2: “I must call attention to the urgent need for action on this project.”
Explanation: This phrase highlights that something critical requires notice or action.
24. “It would be unfair”
Scenario: Indicating that failing to act would be unjust to others.
Example 1: “It would be unfair not to recognize the efforts of the team.”
Example 2: “It would be unfair if I didn’t address the problem affecting the group.”
Explanation: This phrase implies that ignoring a situation would be unjust or harmful to others involved.
25. “I cannot afford to overlook”
Scenario: Stressing the importance of not missing something vital.
Example 1: “I cannot afford to overlook the details in this contract.”
Example 2: “I cannot afford to overlook your input; it’s important to the project.”
Explanation: This communicates that neglecting the task would have significant consequences.
26. “I feel compelled to”
Scenario: Acknowledging the need to act due to a strong sense of responsibility.
Example 1: “I feel compelled to speak up about this issue.”
Example 2: “I feel compelled to offer my apology for the misunderstanding.”
Explanation: This expresses that you are driven by a sense of duty to address something.
27. “It would be against my values”
Scenario: Pointing out that neglecting an issue goes against personal or professional principles.
Example 1: “It would be against my values not to address your concerns.”
Example 2: “It would be against my values to ignore such an important matter.”
Explanation: This suggests that inaction conflicts with personal or ethical standards.
28. “I would be failing to serve”
Scenario: Addressing the failure to meet the needs of others.
Example 1: “I would be failing to serve my colleagues if I didn’t help resolve this.”
Example 2: “It would be failing to serve the client’s needs if we didn’t act now.”
Explanation: This conveys a sense of duty toward helping others, stressing the importance of taking responsibility.
29. “I must highlight”
Scenario: Drawing attention to an important issue or subject.
Example 1: “I must highlight the key points of the meeting for clarity.”
Example 2: “I must highlight that the team needs additional resources to meet the deadline.”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the need to focus on significant matters for clarity or attention.
30. “I have an obligation”
Scenario: Acknowledging a duty or responsibility that must be fulfilled.
Example 1: “I have an obligation to follow through with these commitments.”
Example 2: “I have an obligation to ensure that all aspects of the project are addressed.”
Explanation: This phrase signifies a strong sense of responsibility to fulfill one’s duties.
Why is it important to use alternatives to “I would be remiss”?
Using alternatives to “I would be remiss” provides flexibility in communication, allowing you to choose phrases that fit the tone and context of a conversation. These alternatives can help avoid repetitive language and add variety, making your speech or writing more engaging. Furthermore, expressing the same idea in different ways can make your communication more effective, ensuring that your point is clear and well-received in various settings.
Key Insight
- Is “I would be remiss” considered outdated?
While it’s still formal and widely accepted, there are more contemporary alternatives that might feel more approachable, depending on the context. - Are these alternatives appropriate in casual settings?
Some alternatives, like “I’d be doing a disservice,” are more informal, while others, like “I would be neglectful,” work well in both formal and casual settings. - How do I choose which alternative to use?
The choice depends on the level of formality of the situation. For professional contexts, opt for phrases like “I would be failing in my duty.” For casual conversations, phrases like “I could not ignore” work well. - Can I use these alternatives in emails or written communication?
Absolutely! These alternatives are perfect for written communication, especially when you want to express responsibility or duty. - What does “I would be remiss” mean?
It means that you would feel negligent or guilty for not doing something important. It’s often used when acknowledging a responsibility that should not be ignored.
Conclusion
In conclusion, expressing responsibility or acknowledging an important duty without using “I would be remiss” can be done through various alternatives, depending on the context. Whether you’re speaking formally or informally, these phrases help convey a sense of duty, responsibility, or the need to take action.
Using different expressions adds variety to your language, allowing you to communicate more effectively and with greater clarity. By choosing the right phrase for the right moment, you can ensure that your message resonates well with your audience.
Hi! I’m Ethan-Matthews, author of Grammar Glides. I create engaging content to make learning English grammar simple and enjoyable. Join me to master the nuances of the language with ease and confidence.
