diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/system/service.py b/lib/ansible/modules/system/service.py
index b1cb289b49..6e8406e43f 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/system/service.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/system/service.py
@@ -45,7 +45,9 @@ options:
           - C(started)/C(stopped) are idempotent actions that will not run
             commands unless necessary.  C(restarted) will always bounce the
             service.  C(reloaded) will always reload. B(At least one of state
-            and enabled are required.)
+            and enabled are required.) Note that reloaded will start the
+            service if it is not already started, even if your chosen init
+            system wouldn't normally.
     sleep:
         required: false
         version_added: "1.3"