nota bene

USAGE SUMMARY

"nota bene" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is Latin for "note well", and it is used to draw attention to something important in a text. For example: "Nota bene: this passage contains important information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nota Bene.

Yale University

New Haven Londonon : Yale Nota Bene, 2001.

Yale University

Patrick, Amanda, "Nota Bene: Annual Report Issue 2014-15" (2015).

Yale University

In other words, a little cavalier (an adjective that, nota bene, derives from "horseman").

The New York Times

(Nota bene, ladies: leave the high heels at home, and wear pants).

The New Yorker

That tap list is enough to earn Nota Bene a reputation, at least among beer fans.

The New York Times - Travel

Yale University Library, "Nota Bene: News from the Yale Library" (2012).

Yale University

The summer/fall issue of Nota Bene: News from the Yale Library is now accessible online.

Yale University

This issue of Nota Bene serves as the library's 2017 Annual Report.

Yale University

But nota bene: when Joel says "the same manic energy," he is paying back much of the vividness he borrowed.

The New Yorker

Nota bene: Alain le Cossec, MOF (1991), chef, icy Zen master of culinary perfection, is not a student.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When including "nota bene" in a sentence, make sure it is set off by commas or parentheses to clearly indicate its parenthetical nature.

Common error

Avoid using "nota bene" excessively or in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "note" or "important" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing seem overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nota bene" functions as an interjection or a parenthetical remark, used to draw the reader's attention to a specific point or detail that the author considers important or noteworthy. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in this manner across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nota bene" is a Latin phrase meaning "note well", used to draw attention to an important detail. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in writing. It is most commonly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While effective for emphasizing key points, it should be used sparingly to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternatives such as "take note" or "important to note" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. Remember to use "nota bene" to enhance, not detract from, the clarity and flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

note well

This alternative is a direct translation of "nota bene" and carries the same level of formality.

observe that

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of observing a particular fact or detail.

take note

This alternative is less formal and more direct than "nota bene".

important to note

This alternative is a more verbose and less concise way to introduce a key point.

please note

This alternative is more polite and often used in formal announcements or instructions.

pay attention

This alternative is a more general call to focus on something, lacking the scholarly tone of "nota bene".

it is worth mentioning

This alternative is a gentler way of highlighting something, suggesting its relevance without being as forceful.

bear in mind

This alternative emphasizes remembering something, suitable for ongoing consideration.

for the record

This alternative is used to ensure something is officially noted, often in formal or legal contexts.

mind you

This alternative is more conversational and serves as a gentle reminder or qualification.

FAQs

How can I use "nota bene" in a sentence?

"Nota bene" is typically used to add an important aside or clarification. For example, "The results were statistically significant, nota bene, after adjusting for confounding variables."

What's a less formal alternative to "nota bene"?

If you want to avoid the formality of "nota bene", you can use alternatives like "note", "important", or "take note". These are more suitable for general audiences and less formal writing.

What is the difference between "nota bene" and "N.B."?

"Nota bene" is the full Latin phrase, while "N.B." is its abbreviation. Both have the same meaning, but "N.B." is more commonly used in informal writing or notes. They are interchangeable, but be consistent in your choice within a single document.

Is it necessary to italicize "nota bene"?

While not strictly required, italicizing "nota bene" can help to visually distinguish it as a foreign phrase, especially in formal writing. Consistency in style is key, so choose whether to italicize and apply it throughout the document.