What happens in the video
Hana has already told Theo something three times, and she jokes that she might have to sing it next. Theo says he'll only remember it if the song is catchy. Hana tries again with a calmer line, "As I mentioned before," and points him to the message pinned in their chat. Then Theo admits he pinned it there himself yesterday.
1 But as I mentioned before.
Tone Soft and polite
Use it in work emails and chats when you need to repeat something you said earlier. Follow it with the information itself. It may sound too formal with close friends.
But as I mentioned before, that's been around for twenty years.
For example:
A: When is the report due?
B: As I mentioned before, it's due on Friday.
A: Right, thanks. I'll put it in my calendar.
2 As we discussed.
Tone Calm and professional
Use it after a meeting or call to remind someone what you both agreed. It's common at the start of a follow-up email. Only use it if the talk really happened.
Obviously, as we discussed, we have a serious security leak.
For example:
A: As we discussed, I'll send the new prices today.
B: Great. Please copy Maria too.
3 We went over this.
Tone Firm, a little tired
Use it with family, friends, or close coworkers when you have already explained something. Say it kindly, or it sounds annoyed. Avoid it with a boss or a client.
Dad, we went over this.
For example:
A: Wait, who's picking up the kids?
B: We went over this. I'm picking them up at four.
A: Oh, right. Sorry.
4 As I said earlier.
Tone Neutral and clear
Use it in a meeting or conversation when you said something a short time ago. It's a little more direct than "As I mentioned before."
For example:
A: So do we need to book a room?
B: As I said earlier, the call is online, so we don't need a room.
5 Just a quick reminder.
Tone Friendly and light
Use it when you repeat information without suggesting that the other person forgot. It works well in group messages. It doesn't work if you sound angry when you say it.
For example:
A: Just a quick reminder: the office is closed on Monday.
B: Thanks, I almost forgot.
6 Just to recap.
Tone Organized and neutral
Use it at the end of a meeting or a long message to repeat the main points. It sounds helpful, not critical, because it repeats the points for everyone.
For example:
A: Just to recap, you handle the slides and I handle the budget.
B: Sounds good. Let's meet again on Thursday.
7 I think I mentioned this, but...
Tone Very soft, modest
Use it when you're not sure the person heard you, or when you want to be extra gentle. The words "I think" make the reminder less direct.
For example:
A: I think I mentioned this, but the client prefers email to calls.
B: Good to know. I'll write to them today.
8 Like I said.
Tone Casual, can sound impatient
Use it in relaxed speech with people you know. Your voice matters a lot here. A sharp tone makes it sound like "Why weren't you listening?" Don't use it in formal writing.
For example:
A: Is the party at your place?
B: Like I said, it's at Sam's this time.
9 As per my last email.
Tone Formal, can sound cold
Use it only in work emails, and be careful. Many readers hear it as a polite way to say "You didn't read my email." "As I mentioned in my last email" sounds warmer.
For example:
A: Can you send me the invoice number?
B: As per my last email, the number is at the top of the attached file.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
But as I mentioned before.Better But as I mentioned before, the meeting starts at ten.
In real use, this phrase starts a sentence. The film line is a short excerpt of a longer sentence. Always add the information you're repeating after the comma.
-
Not quite
As we discussed about the budget, we need to cut costs.Better As we discussed, we need to cut the budget.
The verb discuss takes a direct object, so you don't need "about." Say "we discussed the budget," not "we discussed about the budget."
-
Not quite
I already told you! The file is in the folder.Better As I mentioned before, the file is in the shared folder.
"I already told you" can sound annoyed, especially with an exclamation mark. At work, a softer phrase gives the same reminder without blame.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
You're writing a follow-up email after a phone call with a client. Which line fits best?
- We went over this.
- As we discussed.
- Like I said.
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: As we discussed. "As we discussed" is calm and professional, and it refers to a meeting or call you both had.
-
Which line sounds the most tired or firm?
- Just a quick reminder.
- Just to recap.
- We went over this.
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: We went over this. "We went over this" tells someone you've already explained it, so it can sound tired unless you say it kindly.
-
Complete the sentence: "As I mentioned before, ___"
- the deadline is Friday.
- and nothing.
- about the deadline.
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: the deadline is Friday. The phrase needs the repeated information after it, as a full clause.
-
Which line is the gentlest reminder?
- As per my last email.
- I think I mentioned this, but...
- Like I said.
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: I think I mentioned this, but... "I think" makes the reminder modest and suggests you might not have been clear.
-
Your coworker missed the main points of a long meeting. Which line repeats them without blaming anyone?
- Just to recap.
- We went over this.
- As per my last email.
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: Just to recap. "Just to recap" repeats the points for everyone, so it doesn't sound like criticism.
Questions learners ask
Is "I already told you" rude?
It isn't always rude, but it often sounds annoyed. Your tone decides a lot. With friends it can be fine, but at work "As I mentioned before" or "As we discussed" is safer.
What's the difference between "As I mentioned" and "As we discussed"?
"As I mentioned" is about something you said or wrote. "As we discussed" is about a conversation between you and the other person, such as a meeting or a call. Use "as we discussed" only when the other person took part in that talk.
Is "As per my last email" passive-aggressive?
Many people read it that way. It can sound like "You didn't read my email." If you want to sound friendly, write "As I mentioned in my last email" and then repeat the key detail.
Can I use "We went over this" at work?
You can with close coworkers, but say it gently. With a manager or a client, it may sound impatient. "Just to recap" or "As we discussed" gives the same reminder in a calmer way.
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Hana and Theo are animated characters made with Google Flow.
