When reaching out to someone professionally or socially, the phrase “I was referred to you by” is a common way to introduce yourself. It shows that you have a connection through a mutual contact, which can build trust and credibility.
However, relying on the same phrase repeatedly may make your communication sound stiff or repetitive. Using alternative expressions allows you to vary tone, add nuance, and sound more fluent and confident in English.
This article explores 12+ ways to say “I was referred to you by”. You’ll find alternatives suitable for formal, business, and casual contexts, complete with explanations, example sentences, and guidance on when and how to use each phrase.
Whether you’re emailing a new client, networking, or sending a professional message, these phrases will make your communication natural and polished.
What Does “I Was Referred to You By” Mean?
Definition: This phrase is used to indicate that someone has recommended you to another person.
- Grammar Note:
- “I was referred” is the passive form of the verb “refer.”
- “To you” identifies the person being addressed.
- “By [Name]” identifies the person who made the referral.
- Function: It establishes a connection through a third party, often to build trust or credibility.
When to Use “I Was Referred to You By”
This phrase is versatile and can be used in different contexts:
- Formal contexts: Business introductions, job inquiries, consulting requests.
- Informal contexts: Reaching out to a friend’s contacts, networking casually.
- Written use: Emails, LinkedIn messages, letters, or text messages.
- Spoken use: Phone calls, video calls, or in-person introductions.
Is It Professional or Polite?
Yes, “I was referred to you by” is professional, polite, and widely accepted in business and social communication.
- Professional Suitability: Ideal for corporate emails, client outreach, or networking messages.
- Tone: Polite, neutral, and respectful.
- Consideration: Ensure you include the name of the person making the referral to increase credibility.
Pros and Cons of Using “I Was Referred to You By”
Pros:
- Shows credibility through a mutual connection.
- Polite and professional.
- Works in formal and semi-formal situations.
Cons:
- Can sound repetitive if overused.
- May seem impersonal if not personalized with context.
- Slightly formal; may feel stiff in casual messages.
12+ Alternatives to “I Was Referred to You By”
Here are 12 strong alternatives to get started, with meanings, usage, and examples:
1. [Name] Suggested I Contact You
- Meaning: Indicates that someone recommended reaching out.
- Explanation: Casual but professional; emphasizes suggestion.
- Example Sentence: “Jane suggested I contact you regarding the marketing project.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Very casual messages to friends
- Tone: Neutral / Friendly
2. [Name] Recommended I Reach Out
- Meaning: Shows the person recommended you contact the recipient.
- Explanation: Slightly formal; suitable for professional emails.
- Example Sentence: “John recommended I reach out to you about potential collaboration.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Informal casual texts
- Tone: Formal / Neutral
3. I Was Directed to You by [Name]
![I Was Directed to You by [Name]](https://englishguidex.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/i-was-directed-to-you-by-name-1024x576.webp)
- Meaning: Indicates guidance from a mutual contact.
- Explanation: Professional, often used in business introductions.
- Example Sentence: “I was directed to you by our mutual client, Michael.”
- Best Use: Business, Formal
- Worst Use: Casual messages
- Tone: Formal / Neutral
4. [Name] Put Me in Touch With You
- Meaning: Indicates someone helped initiate contact.
- Explanation: Casual and friendly; ideal for semi-formal settings.
- Example Sentence: “Samantha put me in touch with you regarding the new project.”
- Best Use: Semi-formal, Informal
- Worst Use: Very formal letters
- Tone: Friendly / Neutral
5. [Name] Thought I Should Reach Out
- Meaning: Shows the referral came as a suggestion.
- Explanation: Friendly tone; works for networking emails.
- Example Sentence: “David thought I should reach out to discuss potential partnership opportunities.”
- Best Use: Informal, Semi-formal
- Worst Use: Strict corporate letters
- Tone: Friendly / Neutral
6. [Name] Encouraged Me to Contact You
- Meaning: Suggests someone actively encouraged the connection.
- Explanation: Slightly formal, conveys positive endorsement.
- Example Sentence: “Our mutual colleague, Emma, encouraged me to contact you about your consulting services.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Very casual chats
- Tone: Formal / Polite
7. [Name] Suggested I Reach Out
- Meaning: Similar to “recommended,” emphasizes initiative.
- Explanation: Polite and professional; great for introductory emails.
- Example Sentence: “Mark suggested I reach out to you to discuss the collaboration opportunity.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Casual conversations
- Tone: Formal / Neutral
8. I Was Introduced to You by [Name]
- Meaning: Indicates a prior formal introduction or connection.
- Explanation: Suitable for formal emails, meetings, or LinkedIn messages.
- Example Sentence: “I was introduced to you by Robert during the conference last month.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Informal texting
- Tone: Formal / Neutral
9. [Name] Connected Me With You
- Meaning: Highlights that someone made the connection.
- Explanation: Semi-formal, friendly tone; suitable for networking.
- Example Sentence: “Linda connected me with you to discuss potential partnership opportunities.”
- Best Use: Semi-formal, Business
- Worst Use: Very casual chats
- Tone: Friendly / Neutral
10. [Name] Recommended I Get in Touch
- Meaning: Professional and polite referral phrase.
- Explanation: Ideal for professional emails or messages.
- Example Sentence: “Paul recommended I get in touch with you about your services.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Casual texting
- Tone: Formal / Neutral
11. [Name] Suggested I Reach Out Regarding [Topic]
- Meaning: Adds specificity to the referral.
- Explanation: Professional and polite; highlights the purpose.
- Example Sentence: “Alice suggested I reach out regarding your expertise in digital marketing.”
- Best Use: Formal, Business
- Worst Use: Casual or informal notes
- Tone: Formal / Neutral
12. I Came Highly Recommended by [Name]
- Meaning: Strong endorsement; indicates trust and credibility.
- Explanation: Works well for business networking, consulting, or sales.
- Example Sentence: “I came highly recommended by Michael to discuss potential collaboration.”
- Best Use: Business, Formal
- Worst Use: Casual conversations
- Tone: Formal / Emphatic
Comparison Table of Top 7 Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use | Worst Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Name] Suggested I Contact You | Neutral | Business, Formal | Casual texting |
| [Name] Recommended I Reach Out | Formal | Business, Professional | Informal chats |
| I Was Directed to You by [Name] | Formal | Business, Professional | Casual messages |
| [Name] Put Me in Touch With You | Friendly | Semi-formal, Informal | Formal letters |
| [Name] Thought I Should Reach Out | Friendly | Networking, Semi-formal | Corporate emails |
| [Name] Encouraged Me to Contact You | Formal | Business, Formal emails | Casual texts |
| I Came Highly Recommended by [Name] | Emphatic | Professional, Networking | Very casual chats |
FAQs
Q1: Can these phrases be used in email introductions?
A: Yes, all these phrases are suitable for professional email introductions and networking.
Q2: Which phrases are best for informal contacts?
A: Phrases like “[Name] put me in touch with you” or “[Name] thought I should reach out” are ideal for casual networking.
Q3: Is it necessary to mention the referrer’s name?
A: Yes. Including the referrer’s name adds credibility and context.
Q4: Can these phrases be used in LinkedIn messages?
A: Absolutely. Phrases like “I was introduced to you by [Name]” or “[Name] suggested I contact you” work well on LinkedIn.
Q5: Are some phrases too formal for casual conversations?
A: Yes. Phrases like “I was directed to you by [Name]” are more formal and suit business contexts.
Conclusion
Using alternatives to “I was referred to you by” allows you to vary tone, sound confident, and tailor your message to different audiences.
Whether you want a formal, professional, or casual approach, these phrases help you establish credibility and make connections more effectively.
Experimenting with these alternatives will make your English communication more fluent, natural, and polished in both professional and personal settings.
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.