During our daily communications, whether in the office, while networking, or when collaborating on a project, we often need to provide additional information. A typical way to do this is by saying “for reference”. However, sticking to this phrase can sometimes sound repetitive or even a bit formal in certain situations. In this article, we’ll explore other ways to say “for your reference” to add some variety to your communications and make them more engaging.
Other Ways to Say “For Your Reference”
When you’re pointing someone towards a source of information or providing additional details, here are some versatile alternatives to “for your reference”:
Direct Replacements
1. For your information (FYI)
Example: “I attached the monthly report, FYI.”
Meaning: A phrase used to offer additional details or to share specific information with someone, often without expecting a specific action in return. It’s a way to keep someone in the loop.
Usage: This is perhaps the most direct synonym for “for your reference.” It’s used to introduce useful information, especially in emails or memos.
2. Please see attached/enclosed
Example: “Please see attached the list of attendees.”
Meaning: This phrase is an indicator that relevant documents or files have been attached to an email or included in a physical communication, asking the recipient to view or review them.
Usage: Commonly used in formal communication, like emails, to draw attention to attachments or enclosed documents.
3. Kindly note
Example: “Kindly note the changes made in the last draft.”
Meaning: An expression requiring the recipient to focus on or consider specific information. It’s a polite way to emphasize a particular point or detail.
Usage: This is more of a polite request to take notice of something specific.
4. For your consideration (FYC)
Example: “I have forwarded the proposal, FYC.”
Meaning: A way to present something to someone, asking them to give it some thought or attention, often used in contexts like submissions or proposals.
Usage: Typically found in professional settings, especially when offering ideas or seeking feedback.
5. Take note of the following
Example: “Take note of the following changes in the schedule.”
Meaning: A direct way to highlight specific points or details, urging the recipient to pay attention.
Usage: Used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize essential information.
6. To put on your radar
Example: “I wanted to put this issue on your radar before next week’s meeting.”
Meaning: A phrase to make someone aware of something, even if it’s not immediately critical.
Usage: Common in both professional and casual environments when introducing something for future consideration.
More Casual Approaches
7. Just so you know
Example: “Just so you know, the team has updated the protocol.”
Meaning: A casual way of conveying information, often used when the sender believes the information is of importance or interest to the recipient but is not urgent or requires urgent action.
Usage: A relaxed way to present information, particularly in informal or internal communications.
8. Giving you a heads up
Example: “Giving you a heads up, we’ll need the data by tomorrow.”
Meaning: An informal expression that indicates that a person is providing advance information or warning of an upcoming event, situation, or requirement that allows the recipient to prepare or take the necessary action.
Usage: Informal way to give someone advanced notice or information about something.
9. In case you missed it (ICYMI)
Example: “ICYMI, the minutes from yesterday’s meeting were emailed out.”
Meaning: A colloquial way to share information that might have been overlooked or not seen by the recipient.
Usage: Often seen in digital communications like emails, tweets, or messages to reintroduce information.
10. Letting you in on this
Example: “Letting you in on this – there might be a surprise bonus at the end of the quarter!”
Meaning: A casual way to share potentially exclusive or “insider” information.
Usage: Used informally to clue someone into confidential or privileged info.
Formal Alternatives
11. I would like to bring to your attention
Example: “I would like to bring to your attention the recent changes in the guidelines.”
Meaning: A formal expression used to emphasize the importance of a particular piece of information and to demand the recipient’s focus or attention on that particular subject or detail.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, especially when you want to highlight something of importance.
12. For your perusal
Example: “I’ve added the files for your perusal.”
Meaning: A formal invitation for the recipient to scrutinize, read, or review documents or information, suggesting that there may be important or relevant details for consideration.
Usage: Typically used when providing documents or information for someone to examine closely.
13. Please be advised
Example: “Please be advised that the deadlines have shifted.”
Meaning: A formal statement indicating that the following information is important or relevant to the recipient. It serves as a preamble to updates, changes, or important notices that may affect the recipient’s actions or decisions.
Usage: A formal way to present updates or changes, ensuring the recipient is aware and informed.
14. We wish to inform you
Example: “We wish to inform you that there will be a delay in the shipment.”
Meaning: A formal introduction to delivering information, typically of significance.
Usage: Often found in official communications, such as notifications or advisories.
15. Upon reviewing the details
Example: “Upon reviewing the details, we have a few suggestions for the project.”
Meaning: An expression to indicate that after careful examination, certain conclusions or observations were made.
Usage: Suited for settings where thorough examination or analysis has taken place.
16. We hereby notify you
Example: “We hereby notify you of the changes in the terms and conditions.”
Meaning: A formal declaration that what follows is important and should be noted by the recipient.
Usage: Typically found in legal or official announcements, highlighting changes or important details.
Which “For Your Reference” Expression to Use?
the phrase you choose to replace “for your reference” should be appropriate for the situation. For instance:
In Academic or Research Settings: Using phrases like “please refer to” or “as cited in” can be suitable.
In Corporate Communications: Terms such as “for your review,” “for your consideration,” or “enclosed please find” are more fitting.
In Informal Settings: More relaxed alternatives like “check this out” or “have a look at this.”
Conclusion
Varying our language when referring someone to reference material can enrich our communication. Whether you’re communicating casually or in a strictly professional setting, having other ways to say “for your reference” at your fingertips ensures that your messages are engaging and relevant.
FAQs
1. What does “for your reference” mean?
The phrase “for your reference” is used to indicate that the provided information is meant to be consulted or used as a point of reference, either now or in the future. It’s a way of saying, “Here is some information you might find useful.”
2. Is “for your reference” grammatically correct?
Answer: Yes, “for your reference” is grammatically correct and is widely used in both written and spoken communication.
3. Can “for your reference” be used in formal settings?
Answer: Absolutely. The phrase is commonly used in business emails, official documents, and formal communications to highlight or introduce useful information.
4. Is “for your reference” the same as “for your information (FYI)”?
Answer: While they are similar and sometimes used interchangeably, there is a slight difference in nuance. “For your reference” often implies that the information provided will be useful in the future, while “FYI” is just a way to share information without any specific implication about its future utility.
5. Can I use “for your reference” at the beginning of a sentence?
Answer: Yes, you can. For instance, “For your reference, I have attached the latest version of the report.”
6. How do I use “for your reference” in an email?
Answer: In emails, “for your reference” can be used to introduce attachments or to point out information in the body of the email. For example: “For your reference, I’ve attached the meeting minutes from last month.”
<p>With over 8 years in the tech industry, I've specialized in sales, excelling in crafting and refining business solutions. Notably, I possess a unique flair for writing compelling business emails that resonate and yield results. My academic journey includes a Bachelor's in Trade and a Master's in Electronic Business. Here, I share my expertise on constructing impactful business emails and address other business-related questions, all rooted in my expansive professional experience.</p>
