diff --git a/doc/src/pair_eam.rst b/doc/src/pair_eam.rst
index 27347b77f0..654f49c166 100644
--- a/doc/src/pair_eam.rst
+++ b/doc/src/pair_eam.rst
@@ -116,11 +116,12 @@ are parameterized in terms of LAMMPS :doc:`metal units <units>`.
 
 .. note::
 
-   Note that unlike for other potentials, cutoffs for EAM
-   potentials are not set in the pair_style or pair_coeff command; they
-   are specified in the EAM potential files themselves.  Likewise, the
-   EAM potential files list atomic masses; thus you do not need to use
-   the :doc:`mass <mass>` command to specify them.
+   Note that unlike for other potentials, cutoffs for EAM potentials are not
+   set in the pair_style or pair_coeff command; they are specified in the EAM
+   potential files themselves.  Likewise, valid EAM potential files usually
+   contain atomic masses; thus you may not need to use the :doc:`mass <mass>`
+   command to specify them, unless the potential file uses a dummy value (e.g.
+   0.0). LAMMPS will print a warning, if this is the case.
 
 There are web sites that distribute and document EAM potentials stored
 in DYNAMO or other formats: