Note (noun): a short written record, message, or reminder; a single musical sound of a specific pitch; a quality or feeling detected in a voice, text, or situation.
Note (verb): to pay careful attention to something; to write something down as a record or reminder.
What Does Note Mean?
Note is one of the most versatile words in everyday English. Its core meaning — as a noun — is something written briefly to help you or someone else remember information: a sticky note on the fridge, a note in the margin of a book, or a thank-you note left for a colleague. In music, a note is a single distinct sound at a particular pitch, such as a C or G on the piano.
As a verb, note is frequently used in formal and academic writing to direct the reader's attention to important information: "Please note that the deadline is Friday." It can also mean to write something down: "She noted the figures in her journal." This dual function — directing attention and recording — makes it an indispensable word in both spoken and written English.
A third, more figurative use describes an intangible quality in speech or writing: "There was a note of anxiety in his voice." This figurative sense is common in literary English and journalism at B2–C1 level.
Example Sentences (A2–C1)
| Sentence | Level & usage note |
|---|---|
| I left a note on the kitchen table so you would not forget. | A2 — note as short written message |
| Please note that the office will be closed on Monday. | B1 — note as formal verb directing attention |
| She played the opening note of the sonata slowly and deliberately. | B1 — note as musical sound |
| The report noted a significant increase in online sales during the third quarter. | B2 — note as verb meaning to record or observe formally |
| There was a distinct note of irony in his otherwise polite response to the committee. | C1 — note as figurative quality detected in tone or language |
Common Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| make a note | Make a note of the reference number. |
| take notes | She always takes notes during lectures. |
| leave a note | He left a note saying he would be back by six. |
| write a note | I need to write a note to the teacher. |
| sticky note | She covered her monitor with sticky notes. |
| note of warning | The inspector ended his report on a note of warning. |
| on a positive note | Let us end the meeting on a positive note. |
| note that (verb) | Please note that prices include VAT. |
| note down (verb) | Note down any questions you want to ask. |
| worth noting | It is worth noting that demand has risen sharply. |
Usage Notes
Key Points for Learners
- Noun vs verb: The form is identical — context tells you which is which. "A note" (noun, preceded by an article) vs "to note" or "note that" (verb).
- Formal writing: "Note that…" and "It should be noted that…" are standard academic and business phrases. They alert the reader to something important without saying "be careful" or "pay attention".
- "Take notes" vs "make a note": Use take notes for writing down information continuously (in a meeting, lecture). Use make a note for writing down one specific thing to remember later.
- British English: In British English, paper money is called notes (banknotes): "Have you got a twenty-pound note?" Americans call these bills.
- Fixed phrases: Learn the fixed phrases — on a positive/high/different note, of note (meaning significant: "a writer of note"), and note of caution/warning — as complete chunks rather than word by word.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
Please note the deadline is next Friday. (missing that in formal contexts)
Please note that the deadline is next Friday. (add that for formal register)
I did a note of the address. (incorrect verb with note as a noun)
I made a note of the address. (the correct collocation is make a note)
She noted the address for keep it. (gerund after note used incorrectly)
She noted the address to keep it for later. (use to-infinitive, not gerund)