10 Other Ways to Say “For Your Reference”

In any professional setting, how we share information matters. Using the right phrase can make our messages both clear and respectful. “For your reference” is a common way to present information, but there are many other phrases that can suit different situations better.

This article explores 10 alternatives to help you communicate effectively.

Is It Professional to Say “For Your Reference”?

The phrase “for your reference” is often regarded as professional, formal, and polite. It is a useful way to provide additional information or documents that the recipient may find helpful or necessary to understand the context better. This phrase is typically used in professional settings, such as workplaces or in formal communication, where it’s important to be clear and courteous.

It is especially useful in situations where you want to offer further resources or guidelines without insisting that the other party needs to act on them immediately. This could include attachments in emails, links to websites, or documents that support your message. It’s a way of saying, “Here’s something that might help you, but no pressure to look at it right away.”

Here’s a quick example of how it might be used in an email:

Hi Michelle,

I hope this email finds you well. As discussed, I am forwarding the proposal document for the upcoming project.

Please find attached for your reference the detailed project plan. Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification on any of the points outlined.

Best regards,
Alex Rivera

Now, let’s look at some pros and cons of using this phrase:

Pros:

• It conveys respect by acknowledging the recipient’s ability to decide whether they need to use the information.
• It provides a polite way to give additional information without overwhelming the main message.
• It sets a professional tone in formal communication.

Cons:

• Some may view it as unnecessary if the context already implies that the information is for reference.
• It might be seen as too formal in more casual or internal communications.

While “for your reference” is generally well-received and understood, there are times when someone might want to use an alternative phrase. This could be due to a desire to fit the tone of the message to a particular company culture, or simply to add variety to their communication. Alternatives can also make the message feel more personal or less formal, depending on the situation. Looking for synonyms or other alternatives is a useful strategy to ensure your language matches the expected formality and tone of your audience.

10 Other Ways to Say “For Your Reference”

There are many ways to share information respectfully and effectively. Here are ten alternatives that can fit different situations.

1. For Your Information (FYI)
2. Please See Attached
3. For Your Review
4. For Your Consideration
5. Attached for Your Reference
6. Please Find Enclosed
7. For Your Records
8. For Further Information
9. For Your Attention
10. For Your Perusal

1. For Your Information (FYI)

This synonym is less formal than “for your reference” but still remains professional and is widely recognized. It’s a quick way to flag information as worth knowing without expecting immediate action. This alternative is excellent for messages where the detail added might not be crucial but is still relevant for the context.

For emails that are more casual or when the information is supplemental rather than required, “FYI” is better suited. It makes the message feel less demanding.

Here’s how you might use it:

Hi Sam,

I wanted to quickly update you on our social media strategy adjustments.

For your information, I've included our latest engagement metrics to give you an idea of our progress.

Best,
Ava

2. Please See Attached

This phrase is direct and to the point, making it an excellent professional way to draw attention to attached documents. It’s less about suggesting the reference material could be helpful and more about indicating that the attached material is integral to understanding the message.

When sending an email with attachments that are necessary for the conversation, “Please see attached” is more appropriate. It alerts the recipient that the message isn’t complete without viewing the attachments.

Here is an example:

Hi Maria,

Following our meeting, I've compiled a report on our findings.

Please see attached for the detailed analysis.

Kind regards,
Carlos

3. For Your Review

This alternative is slightly more formal than “for your reference” and implies that some action or feedback is expected after the recipient has examined the material. It’s particularly suited for professional environments where documents or projects are being submitted for approval or comments.

When the information requires evaluation or comments from the recipient, “For your review” fittingly sets that expectation. It serves well for submissions of reports, proposals, or documents that need approval.

A sample message might look like this:

Hello Mr. Thompson,

We have finished the initial draft of the marketing proposal.

For your review, I’ve attached the document for any suggestions or changes you might have.

Sincerely,
Elena

4. For Your Consideration

This phrase suggests a higher level of formality and implied discretion for the recipient to use the provided information as they see fit. It’s very polite and offers a gentle invitation for the recipient to think over the material in their own time.

It works best for proposals or suggestions where you wish to propose an idea without demanding an immediate decision. “For your consideration” gently nudges the recipient to evaluate the proposal.

An example use is:

Dear Committee Members,

We propose a new approach to our annual fundraising strategy.

For your consideration, attached is our detailed plan, including projected outcomes and methods.

Best wishes,
The Fundraising Team

5. Attached for Your Reference

This alternative directly signals to the recipient that there is supporting material attached to the email that may aid their understanding or decision-making. It has a similar professional tone to “for your reference” and implies that the recipient should refer to the attachment for more information.

In situations where detailed supporting documents are provided to supplement the main message, this phrase is particularly effective. It ensures that the recipient is aware that further information is available should they need it.

Consider this sample:

Hello Jordan,

Regarding our previous discussion on budget allocation,

Attached for your reference is the spreadsheet with the proposed distribution of funds.

Regards,
Liam

6. Please Find Enclosed

This phrase is more common in formal written communications, such as letters, and might feel outdated in emails. However, it remains professional and courteous, drawing the recipient’s attention to the included documents or materials.

When sending physical documents or using a style that mimics traditional letter-writing in emails, “Please find enclosed” fits perfectly. It adds a touch of formality and respect to the message.

Here is a sample usage:

Dear Ms. Harper,

Enclosed with this letter, please find our annual report.

Please find enclosed the comprehensive review of our activities and finances over the past year.

Warm regards,
The GreenWorld Team

7. For Your Records

This phrase suggests that the information is being provided for the recipient’s future needs or reference, indicating that they might need to save or archive the information. It’s formal and professional, ideal for transactions or exchanges where documentation needs to be kept for records.

When sending information that should be kept for future reference or documentation, “For your records” is the most suitable choice. It’s helpful in contexts like financial transactions, legal communications, or official notices.

For instance:

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for your recent purchase with us.

For your records, attached is your invoice and warranty information for the items bought.

Best,
Customer Service Team

8. For Further Information

This alternative is polite and professional, used to suggest additional resources for the recipient. It invites the recipient to explore more about the topic if they wish. This phrase works well in both formal and semi-formal contexts.

It is particularly effective when you are providing contacts, links, or attachments that the recipient can consult for a more in-depth understanding of the subject matter. “For further information” is optimal when the email includes references the recipient might wish to explore at their leisure.

An example:

Dear Applicants,

Thank you for your interest in the position.

For further information about our company and the role, please refer to the attached documents.

Kind regards,
Recruitment Team

9. For Your Attention

This phrase is formal and conveys urgency, indicating that the message contains important information that requires the recipient’s immediate focus. It’s different from “for your reference” by adding a sense of priority to the communication.

When the email contains critical updates, warnings, or reminders that the recipient needs to act on or be aware of promptly, “For your attention” is more fitting. It’s used in situations where immediate awareness is crucial.

Here’s how it might appear in a message:

Dear All Staff,

Please be advised of the changes to our security policy starting next month.

For your attention, detailed guidelines and compliance measures are outlined in the attached memo.

Best regards,
Security Department

10. For Your Perusal

This phrase is similarly formal and implies a leisurely review at the recipient’s convenience. It suggests that the enclosed material is not urgent but deserves attention when the time permits. It is respectful and assumes the recipient will take the time to consider the material thoroughly.

When sending extensive materials such as reports, articles, or proposals not requiring immediate action, “For your perusal” encourages a thorough review at a convenient time. This alternative is most suitable for communications aiming to inform rather than prompt immediate action.

Here is a sample email:

Dear Professor Johnson,

I have compiled my research findings on the economic impacts of renewable energy subsidies.

For your perusal, I've attached the final draft of my thesis for any feedback or comments you might have.

Sincerely,
Grace

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words can change how our message is received. Whether you need to keep it formal or make it a bit relaxed, each alternative we’ve discussed serves a unique purpose.

Remember, the phrase “for your reference” is just one of many tools in your communication toolbox. By exploring these alternatives, you can tailor your language to fit the situation and audience perfectly. This not only shows your attention to detail but also enhances your professionalism. So, the next time you draft an email or document, think about the tone you want to set and choose your phrase accordingly.