notice
notice — verb
- noticepresent simple I / you / we / they
- noticeshe / she / it
- noticedpast simple
- noticing-ing form
1. to use your senses to realize that a person or thing is present, often without s
to use your senses to realize that a person or thing is present, often without searching for it
Aylin noticed a strange smell coming from the kitchen.
notice + noun phrase (concrete object)
Did you notice that Hyun had dyed his hair a bright shade of blue?
notice + that-clause
I noticed how carefully Nala arranged the flowers in the vase.
notice + how/wh-clause
Tamar noticed a sharp pain in her wrist after typing all day.
notice + noun phrase (physical sensation)
Kabir walked straight past without noticing the sign on the door.
negative construction: without noticing + noun phrase
- notice a change
- notice a difference
- notice a smell / sound / taste
- fail to notice
- did not notice
- without noticing
Grammar Patterns
notice + noun/pronoun
notice + that-clause
notice + wh-clause (how/where/when/what)
notice + noun/pronoun + verb-ing
Usage Note
Commonly used in negative constructions (didn't notice, without noticing) to express a failure to perceive. The object can be a physical thing, a person, a change, a sound, or a physical feeling. Unlike 'watch' or 'observe', 'notice' does not imply deliberate or sustained attention — it suggests something comes into your awareness.
Common Mistakes
2. to cause someone to receive public attention or be recognized for their talents
to cause someone to receive public attention or be recognized for their talents or achievements — typically used when a person with influence (a critic, manager, or media figure) discovers someone's ability
The young pianist was noticed by a famous music teacher after her school concert.
passive: be noticed by + agent
Antonia's colorful paintings were noticed by a gallery owner visiting the show.
Indra hoped his short stories would get noticed by a publisher one day.
get noticed + by + agent
Matthew was noticed for his ability to solve problems quickly under pressure.
be noticed for + noun phrase (quality)
A local chef got noticed after a food critic praised her special noodle dish.
- be noticed by a critic / agent / manager
- get noticed by the media
- be noticed for one's talent / skill / work
- get noticed online
- discover
suggests finding someone with talent before others do; used in talent contexts
- single out
implies selection from a group for special attention
- recognize
implies official or public acknowledgement of someone's worth
- overlook
fail to notice someone's talent or achievement
Grammar Patterns
be noticed + by + agent
get noticed + by + agent
be noticed + for + noun phrase
Usage Note
Nearly always in the passive voice (be noticed or get noticed). The agent is typically a person or organisation with influence, such as a critic, talent scout, manager, or media outlet. Not used for everyday observation of objects — saying 'I noticed a good singer' does not carry this sense.
Common Mistakes
notice — noun
- noticesingular
- noticesplural
1. a written sign, printed sheet, or screen display that provides information, inst
a written sign, printed sheet, or screen display that provides information, instructions, or a warning to people who see it.
There was a notice on the wall telling everyone about the office move.
The teacher pinned a notice to the classroom door listing the exam dates.
collocation: pin up / put up a notice
Minho read the notice outside the library and found out it was closed for repairs.
A large notice at the park entrance said dogs were not allowed in the playground.
notice + says/reads for written information
Harper put up a notice on the community board to advertise her piano lessons.
collocation: put up a notice
- put up a notice
- pin up a notice
- a notice says
- a notice announces
- notice board
- announcement
more general — can be spoken or in any medium; 'notice' specifically implies something posted or displayed
- sign
often a physical board or panel; 'notice' can be a smaller paper or digital message
- bulletin
usually a short official news report; less common in everyday contexts
Grammar Patterns
notice + about/of + noun phrase
Usage Note
A notice can be a physical sign, a piece of paper on a wall, or an electronic message displayed in a public space. The verb that follows is often 'said', 'read', or 'announced'.
Common Mistakes
2. a short article in a newspaper or magazine that gives an opinion on a recent pla
a short article in a newspaper or magazine that gives an opinion on a recent play, film, book, or concert — especially one written by a critic.
The play received good notices in all the major newspapers.
collocation: receive good/bad notices
Anthony was thrilled when he read the notices praising his first novel.
The film got terrible notices, so very few people went to see it.
collocation: get terrible/awful notices
Critics gave the concert excellent notices, calling it a night to remember.
collocation: give + noun + (adjective) + notices
- good notices
- bad notices
- mixed notices
- receive notices
- get notices
Grammar Patterns
receive/get + (adjective) + notices
notices + of/about + noun phrase
Usage Note
Almost always used in the plural ('notices') when referring to critical reviews. In this sense, 'notices' does NOT mean written announcements — it means published critical opinions.
Common Mistakes
3. advance word given ahead of an upcoming event, allowing people time to get ready
advance word given ahead of an upcoming event, allowing people time to get ready or respond.
The company gave its workers a month's notice before closing the factory.
collocation: notice before + event
You must give two weeks' notice to cancel your membership.
grammar: (time period) + notice
The landlord gave us notice that the rent would go up in three months.
grammar: notice + that-clause
Please give us advance notice of any changes to your travel plans.
collocation: advance notice
Ziad left without notice, and nobody was ready for his departure.
collocation: without notice
- advance notice
- short notice
- prior notice
- written notice
- without notice
- at a moment's notice
- warning
stronger — suggests danger or a negative event; 'notice' is more neutral
- notification
more formal, often written; 'notice' is common in everyday language
- forewarning
formal and less common; stronger sense of alert
- surprise
something unexpected that happens without advance notice
Grammar Patterns
notice + that-clause
notice + of + noun phrase
(amount) + notice
Usage Note
This sense is always uncountable; you cannot say 'a notice' to mean advance warning. Use 'some notice', 'enough notice', or a time phrase like 'two weeks' notice'. Frequently used with 'advance', 'written', 'reasonable', or 'prior'.
Common Mistakes
4. the time between announcing your departure from a job and your final day, during
the time between announcing your departure from a job and your final day, during which you must keep working.
Her contract says she must work four weeks' notice after resigning.
grammar: work + (time) + notice
Quan is still working out his notice period at the old company.
collocation: work out notice
Once you hand in your resignation, the notice period starts the next day.
Liam decided to take some holiday during his notice period.
collocation: during (someone's) notice period
- work notice
- notice period
- serve notice
- during notice
- three months' notice
- notice period
the full formal term for this sense; 'notice' alone is shorter but means the same in context
Grammar Patterns
(amount of) + notice
work + (amount) + notice
Usage Note
Often used with a possessive determiner: 'my notice period', 'his notice', 'three months' notice'. The exact length of the notice period is usually stated in the employment contract.
Common Mistakes
5. a formal statement from an employer telling a worker that their job will end, us
a formal statement from an employer telling a worker that their job will end, usually after a set period of time.
The manager gave Christopher three months' notice when the department closed.
grammar: give + someone + (time) + notice
Several workers were handed their notice after the company lost its biggest client.
passive: be handed (one's) notice
Felipe received his notice on Friday and was asked to leave within the month.
collocation: receive (one's) notice
The shop gave notice to ten employees when it cut back on its opening hours.
grammar: give notice to + someone
- be given notice
- receive notice
- hand someone notice
- give notice to someone
- redundancy notice
- pink slip
informal, US only; 'notice' is neutral and used in all varieties of English
- layoff notice
specific to when the reason is lack of work, not poor performance
Grammar Patterns
give + someone + notice
receive + (someone's) + notice
hand + someone + notice
Usage Note
This sense always describes the employer's decision to end the working relationship, not the employee's. The phrase 'be given notice' is a common passive construction meaning 'be told you will lose your job'.
Common Mistakes
6. the formal communication you make to your boss or property owner when you plan t
the formal communication you make to your boss or property owner when you plan to give up a job or end a rental, typically following the terms of your contract.
Hari handed in his notice yesterday because he found a better job.
collocation: hand in (one's) notice
Élise gave her landlord a month's notice that she would be moving out.
grammar: give + someone + notice + that-clause
If you want to leave your apartment, you must give thirty days' notice.
grammar: give + (time) + notice (rental context)
Christopher submitted his notice of resignation to the human resources department.
formal: submit notice of resignation
- hand in notice
- give notice
- submit notice
- notice of resignation
- thirty days' notice
- resignation
more formal and only used for jobs; 'notice' works for both jobs and rental agreements
- termination notice
formal, used in legal contexts
Grammar Patterns
give + notice
hand in + notice
submit + notice + of + noun phrase
Usage Note
This covers both employment and rental situations. For jobs, common verbs are 'hand in', 'give', or 'submit'. For renting, 'give notice' is the standard phrase. Distinguish from sense 5: here the employee or tenant initiates the leaving, not the employer or landlord.
Common Mistakes
7. A formal notification that you give your employer when you plan to resign from y
A formal notification that you give your employer when you plan to resign from your position, often followed by a required period of continued work at the company.
Andrés handed in his notice after the company refused his request for a raise.
collocation: hand in + notice
Trang agreed to give her employer a full month's notice as written in her contract.
collocation: give + notice (time period)
Daichi was required to work his three-month notice period before joining the new firm.
collocation: work + notice period
When the merger was announced, several managers handed in their notice the same day.
- hand in your notice
- give notice
- work your notice
- notice period
- a month's notice
- serve notice
- resignation
Refers to the formal letter or decision to leave; 'notice' focuses on the period and the act of informing the employer.
- termination notice
More formal and can refer to either the employee's or the employer's action; 'notice' usually implies the employee's decision.
Grammar Patterns
give + notice
hand in + notice
work + notice
Usage Note
Subject is typically an employee who intends to resign. Common fixed phrases include 'hand in your notice', 'give notice', and 'work your notice'. The length of the notice period is usually stated in the employment contract.
Common Mistakes
8. An official communication that alerts someone to a potentially dangerous situati
An official communication that alerts someone to a potentially dangerous situation or a legal obligation, often requiring a response or action.
Evelyn received an eviction notice from her landlord after falling behind on the rent.
collocation: eviction notice
The council issued a public health notice warning residents about the contaminated water supply.
collocation: issue + notice
A notice was posted on the laboratory door informing staff of the dangerous chemical spill.
passive: be posted
Cyrus read the warning notice carefully before entering the construction site.
The shipping company sent a notice of delay to all customers whose orders were affected.
pattern: notice of [issue]
- eviction notice
- warning notice
- death notice
- issue a notice
- receive a notice
- notice of delay
- warning
Broader and can be informal; 'notice' usually implies a written or official format.
- notification
Neutral tone; 'notice' often carries a stronger sense of urgency or legal weight.
- alert
Emphasises immediate danger; 'notice' can be about non-urgent administrative matters too.
Grammar Patterns
issue + notice
receive + notice
notice + of + noun
Usage Note
Common in legal, administrative, and safety contexts. Typical subjects include government agencies, landlords, and employers. Frequently appears in compound nouns such as 'eviction notice', 'warning notice', and 'death notice'.
Common Mistakes
9. The state of being seen, heard, or otherwise recognised by other people; general
The state of being seen, heard, or otherwise recognised by other people; general awareness that something or someone exists.
The new café in the neighbourhood quickly came to the notice of local food bloggers.
pattern: come to the notice of [group]
Arjun's performance in the competition brought him to the notice of several talent scouts.
pattern: bring [person] to the notice of [group]
The damaged fence escaped the landlord's notice until heavy rain caused a leak.
pattern: escape + notice
The librarian took little notice of the teenagers whispering in the corner.
pattern: take + notice + of
- take notice of
- come to notice
- bring to notice
- escape notice
- attract notice
- catch someone's notice
- attention
Broad synonym; 'notice' often implies a specific instance of being observed.
- awareness
More passive and general; 'notice' suggests being singled out for observation.
- recognition
Emphasises being acknowledged for achievements; 'notice' can be neutral.
- obscurity
The state of being unknown or unnoticed.
Grammar Patterns
take + notice + of + noun
come to + notice
bring + to + notice
escape + notice
Usage Note
Uncountable noun used almost exclusively in fixed expressions like 'take notice (of)', 'come to notice', 'bring to notice', 'escape notice', and 'attract notice'. Cannot be used with 'a' or 'an'. Distinguish from sense 10, which describes the active act of paying attention rather than the state of being noticed.
Common Mistakes
10. The act of directing your mind or eyes towards someone or something in order to
The act of directing your mind or eyes towards someone or something in order to observe or consider it carefully.
The safety officer took no notice of the workers' complaints about the faulty equipment.
negative: take no notice of
Charlotte paid close notice to the flight attendant's safety demonstration before takeoff.
collocation: pay close notice to
A strange smell in the kitchen escaped everyone's notice until someone found the gas leak.
Adina did not take notice of the warning signs until the path became dangerously steep.
negative: did not take notice of
- take notice of
- pay notice to
- attract notice
- escape notice
- take no notice of
- disregard
The act of ignoring or paying no attention to something.
Grammar Patterns
take + no + notice + of
pay + notice + to
Usage Note
Often occurs in negative constructions ('take no notice of', 'pay little notice to') or with verbs like 'attract' and 'escape'. Distinguish from sense 9: sense 9 describes the state of being noticed by others, while sense 10 describes the active process of noticing something yourself.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- noticeableadjectiveB2
- noticeablyadverbB2
- noticedadjectiveB1
- unnoticedadjectiveB2
- notificationnounB2
- notifyverbB2
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
All four words describe becoming aware of something, but they differ in intent and suddenness. To 'notice' something is to register it through your senses without actively searching for it — it simply enters your awareness. 'See' is broader and can be purely physical (light entering the eyes) without implying mental registration. 'Observe' suggests deliberate, careful attention over time, often for a purpose such as study or analysis. 'Spot' implies a sudden or effortful act of noticing something that is small, distant, or easy to miss — like spotting a friend in a crowd or a rare bird in a tree. 'Detect' is more formal and usually involves noticing something subtle, hidden, or unexpected, such as detecting a faint smell of gas or a slight change in someone's voice. For example: you notice a new painting on the wall as you walk past; you observe how the light changes through an afternoon; you spot a typo in the last paragraph; you detect a hint of worry in her tone.
Common collocations
Phrases
- take notice (of)
- give notice
- at short notice
- until further notice
- serve notice
- notice board
- advance notice
- written notice
- without notice
- prior notice
Etymology
The word 'notice' entered Middle English from Old French 'notice', meaning knowledge or acquaintance. It ultimately comes from Latin 'notitia', which meant a being known, fame, or knowledge, derived from 'notus' (known), the past participle of 'noscere' (to get to know). The sense of a written or printed announcement developed in English by the 15th century, and the verb meaning 'to become aware of' emerged in the 17th century.