In professional and personal communication, we often use the phrase “for your reference” to provide information or context to someone.
It’s a standard phrase in emails, reports, and presentations. However, relying solely on it can make your language repetitive or formal-sounding. Using other ways to say “for your reference” allows you to match tone, context, and audience more effectively.
Choosing the right alternative can make your communication clearer, friendlier, or more professional. Whether you’re writing to colleagues, clients, or friends, these alternatives help you sound fluent, natural, and confident in English. In this article, you’ll discover 12+ phrases that convey the same meaning, along with examples, usage tips, and tone guidance.
What Does “For Your Reference” Mean?
The phrase “for your reference” is used to provide someone with information that may be useful, helpful, or relevant.
- Grammar Breakdown:
- For → indicates purpose
- Your reference → the recipient can use the information as a point of consultation
It is commonly used when sharing documents, links, or details without expecting immediate action.
When to Use “For Your Reference”
You can use this phrase in multiple contexts:
✔ Formal Contexts
- Business emails
- Corporate reports
- Academic papers
✔ Informal Contexts
- Sharing helpful links with friends
- Providing context in casual chats
- Notes in collaborative projects
✔ Written Use
- Emails
- Reports
- Presentations
- Documentation
✔ Spoken Use
- Meetings
- Discussions
- Giving instructions or updates
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “For Your Reference”?
Yes, it is polite, professional, and widely accepted.
- Professional Etiquette:
- Neutral tone; suitable for colleagues and clients
- Appropriate in formal and semi-formal emails
- Friendly Tone:
- Can be used with peers, teammates, and casual professional interactions
- Caution:
- Overusing the phrase may seem repetitive or impersonal
Pros and Cons of Using “For Your Reference”
Pros
- Clear and concise
- Professional and neutral
- Widely understood in business communication
- Easy for English learners
Cons
- Can sound repetitive
- Slightly formal for casual communication
- Doesn’t add personality or warmth
- Limited variety for creative writing
12 Other Ways to Say “For Your Reference” (With Examples)
Here are 12 alternatives, with meaning, explanation, examples, best use, and tone guidance.
1. Phrase: For Your Information (FYI)
- Meaning: Provides information without requiring action.
- Explanation: Common in emails; slightly more casual than “for your reference.”
- Example: “FYI, the meeting has been moved to 3 PM.”
- Best Use: Business, Informal
- Worst Use: Formal reports or academic writing
- Tone: Neutral / Friendly
2. Phrase: For Your Consideration
- Meaning: Provides information for the recipient to think about or evaluate.
- Explanation: Often used in professional or creative contexts, like job applications.
- Example: “I am submitting my proposal for your consideration.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Casual conversations
- Tone: Formal / Polite
3. Phrase: As a Point of Reference
- Meaning: Gives someone a fact or data for comparison or context.
- Explanation: Useful in reports or analytical communication.
- Example: “As a point of reference, last year’s revenue was $50,000.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business, Academic
- Worst Use: Casual chats
- Tone: Formal / Neutral
4. Phrase: For Your Guidance
- Meaning: Offers information intended to guide decisions or actions.
- Explanation: Slightly more formal and directive than “for your reference.”
- Example: “Please find the attached schedule for your guidance.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Casual conversations
- Tone: Formal / Polite
5. Phrase: For Your Awareness
- Meaning: Brings attention to information without expecting immediate action.
- Explanation: Neutral tone; used to inform someone about updates or facts.
- Example: “This report is shared for your awareness ahead of the meeting.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Personal messages
- Tone: Neutral / Professional
6. Phrase: For Your Perusal
- Meaning: Provides something for the recipient to examine or review.
- Explanation: Formal, often used in business letters or legal contexts.
- Example: “Attached is the draft contract for your perusal.”
- Best Use: Formal, Professional
- Worst Use: Casual emails or texts
- Tone: Formal / Polite
7. Phrase: For Your Records
- Meaning: Shared to keep as a document or reference for future use.
- Explanation: Common for official documents or receipts.
- Example: “Please keep this invoice for your records.”
- Best Use: Business, Formal
- Worst Use: Casual conversations
- Tone: Formal / Neutral
8. Phrase: Just to Keep You in the Loop
- Meaning: Informal way to provide information so someone is updated.
- Explanation: Friendly, used in casual professional or team settings.
- Example: “Just to keep you in the loop, the project deadline has been extended.”
- Best Use: Informal, Casual
- Worst Use: Highly formal emails
- Tone: Friendly / Neutral
9. Phrase: For Your Attention
- Meaning: Requests the recipient to notice or act on the information.
- Explanation: Slightly formal; often used in official notices.
- Example: “This email is sent for your attention regarding policy updates.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Informal chats
- Tone: Formal / Polite
10. Phrase: For Easy Reference
- Meaning: Makes it clear the information is meant to be quickly consulted.
- Explanation: Neutral; suitable for documents, tables, or charts.
- Example: “I’ve attached the timetable for easy reference.”
- Best Use: Formal, Informal, Business
- Worst Use: Not for personal storytelling
- Tone: Neutral / Friendly
11. Phrase: For Your Convenience
- Meaning: Shares information to make things easier for the recipient.
- Explanation: Polite, slightly formal; emphasizes helpfulness.
- Example: “For your convenience, the document is attached as a PDF.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Overly casual conversations
- Tone: Polite / Neutral
12. Phrase: For Your Reference and Action
- Meaning: Indicates information is provided for consultation and possible action.
- Explanation: Combines “reference” and “action” for business contexts.
- Example: “Attached is the report for your reference and action.”
- Best Use: Business, Formal
- Worst Use: Casual emails
- Tone: Formal / Professional
Comparison Table (Top Alternatives)
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use | Worst Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| For Your Information (FYI) | Neutral | Informal, Business | Formal reports |
| For Your Consideration | Formal | Business, Applications | Casual chats |
| For Your Perusal | Formal | Professional, Legal | Informal emails |
| Just to Keep You in the Loop | Friendly | Informal, Team updates | Formal emails |
| For Your Convenience | Polite | Business, Formal | Casual texts |
| For Your Records | Neutral | Business, Official | Storytelling, personal use |
| For Your Awareness | Neutral | Business updates | Personal messages |
FAQs
Q1: Can I use these alternatives in emails?
Yes. Phrases like “For your convenience” or “For your attention” are perfect for professional emails.
Q2: Which phrase is best for informal chats?
“Just to keep you in the loop” works well for casual messages with teammates or friends.
Q3: Are some phrases too formal for everyday communication?
Yes. Phrases like “For your perusal” or “For your consideration” are better suited for formal or business contexts.
Q4: Can “for your records” be used in personal situations?
It’s typically reserved for official documents and business use, not casual conversations.
Q5: Is it okay to mix these alternatives in one email?
Yes, but ensure the tone matches the overall context of your message.
Conclusion
Using alternatives to “for your reference” adds variety, clarity, and professionalism to your communication.
While the original phrase works in many contexts, selecting phrases based on tone—formal, neutral, friendly, or polite—makes your emails, reports, and conversations more effective.
With these 12+ alternatives, you can confidently provide information in a way that suits both casual and professional situations, making your English communication more natural and fluent.
David Jonson is an experienced English language writer who specializes in clear, practical, and learner-friendly content. He helps students and professionals improve their communication skills with confidence.