Ever wonder how to sound professional yet friendly when referencing a prior chat in your emails? You're not alone. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, knowing the right phrase to politely reference an earlier conversation can really make your emails clearer and more courteous. Today, I’ll walk you through a variety of ways to say “as per our conversation” in emails, and along the way, I’ll share tips, common mistakes to avoid, and useful examples to help elevate your email communication game.
Why Properly Referencing Past Conversations Matters in Emails
Before diving into the different expressions, let’s briefly discuss why it’s essential to refer accurately and professionally to previous conversations. Doing so:
- Ensures clarity and prevents misunderstandings
- Demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail
- Builds trust and rapport with your recipients
- Keeps your communication organized and efficient
Now, without further ado, let’s explore the various ways you can elegantly incorporate the idea of “as per our conversation” into your emails.
Common Phrases to Say "As Per Our Conversation"
Here’s a curated list of the most professional, friendly, and versatile expressions that can replace "as per our conversation" in different contexts.
Definition List: Key Phrases Explained
| Phrase | Meaning | Usage Context | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| As discussed | Refers to a prior discussion | Formal or semi-formal | “As discussed, I will send the report by Friday.” |
| As we discussed | Slightly more personal, includes both parties | Neutral | “As we discussed yesterday, the meeting is scheduled for next week.” |
| Following up on our conversation | Emphasizes continuation of previous chat | When you’re providing additional info | “Following up on our conversation, please find the attached documents.” |
| Per our conversation | Formal, official tone | Formal business communication | “Per our conversation, I am confirming the appointment.” |
| In reference to our discussion | Slightly more formal | When citing specifics | “In reference to our discussion about the project timeline…” |
| As previously mentioned | When reiterating earlier points | Formal or informal | “As previously mentioned, the deadline is April 30th.” |
| As confirmed during our chat | When a detail was confirmed | Friendly yet professional | “As confirmed during our chat, the meeting is at 3 PM.” |
| Based on our earlier conversation | To justify action | Formal | “Based on our earlier conversation, I’ve updated the proposal.” |
| As we agreed | When both parties agreed | Contractual or negotiation context | “As we agreed, the fees will be paid by the end of the month.” |
| Referring to our previous talk | Slightly informal | Casual or internal emails | “Referring to our previous talk, I’ve made the suggested changes.” |
Practical Tips for Using “As Per Our Conversation” and Variations
Using these phrases correctly can enhance your professionalism and clarity. Here are some tips:
1. Match the Formality to Your Context
| Formality Level | Suitable Phrases |
|---|---|
| Formal | "Per our conversation," "In reference to our discussion," "Following up on our conversation" |
| Neutral | "As discussed," "As we discussed," "Based on our earlier conversation" |
| Casual | "Referring to our previous talk," "Like we talked about," "Just following up" |
2. Use Proper Placement in Sentences
- At the beginning: “As discussed, here are the next steps.”
- Middle of sentence: “I am sending the report, as per our conversation.”
- End of sentence: “Please review the attached documents, as we discussed.”
3. Be Specific When Needed
Add details for clarity. Instead of "As discussed," specify what was discussed:
- “As discussed during our call yesterday about the project deadline…”
Examples of Using Multiple Phrases in One Email
Sometimes you might need to combine multiple expressions. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
Example:
Dear John,
Following up on our conversation last Monday, I wanted to confirm the next steps. As discussed, I will prepare the initial draft by Thursday. In reference to our discussion about the client’s requirements, I’ve included all the necessary specifications.
Looking forward to your feedback.
Best,
Jane
The Power of Variation: How to Keep Emails Fresh and Engaging
Reusing the same phrase repeatedly can seem dull. Mixing up your expressions keeps your tone fresh. Here are some categories and examples:
| Category | Example Phrase | Sample Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | “In reference to our earlier discussion” | Used in official reports |
| Friendly | “Just a quick follow-up on our chat” | Casual check-in email |
| Urgent | “Further to our conversation” | When emphasizing deadlines |
Tip: When listing multiple references, keep the phrases in logical order:
Example:
“Following up on our previous discussion, as we agreed, I will send the proposal by Friday, based on our conversation last week.”
Why Using the Right Phrase Is Important
Choosing the appropriate phrase demonstrates professionalism and respect for the recipient’s time and clarity of communication. It signals that you are attentive to details and ensures your message aligns smoothly with previous correspondence.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Overusing overly formal phrases in casual emails | Match tone to context |
| Being vague (“as discussed” without context) | Add specifics for clarity |
| Mixing too many phrases in one sentence | Keep it simple and clear |
Pro Tip: Always proofread your email to check if the phrase fits the overall tone and makes your intentions clear.
Similar Variations and How To Use Them
Here are some more subtle ways to reference your prior chat:
- “Per our recent discussion” — slightly less formal.
- “In light of our conversation” — more reflective tone.
- “As outlined in our earlier talk” — when referencing a plan or outline.
- “Following up on what we discussed” — casual and friendly.
Exploring Different Categories of Context
To help you use these phrases effectively, here are 15 categories where these expressions fit:
| Category | Expression | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Business | “Per our discussion” | “Per our discussion, I will prepare the contract.” |
| Email Follow-up | “Following up on our conversation” | “Following up on our conversation about the budget.” |
| Contract Negotiation | “As we agreed” | “As we agreed, the project timeline is extended.” |
| Scheduling | “In reference to our discussion” | “In reference to our discussion, the meeting is rescheduled.” |
| Clarification | “As previously mentioned” | “As previously mentioned, the deadline is set for April 15.” |
| Confirmation | “As confirmed during our chat” | “As confirmed during our chat, the delivery is on Thursday.” |
| Personal Touch | “Like we talked about” | “Like we talked about, I’ll bring the samples.” |
| Formal Report | “Based on our earlier conversation” | “Based on our earlier conversation, the report includes all requested data.” |
| Follow-up Reminder | “Just following up” | “Just following up to see if you’ve reviewed the proposal.” |
Practice Section: Test Your Understanding
1. Fill-in-the-blank:
Complete the sentence with a suitable phrase.
“______, I am attaching the revised contract for your review.”
2. Error Correction:
Identify and correct the mistake.
“In references to our discussion last week, I am sending you the proposal.”
Corrected: “In reference to our discussion last week, I am sending you the proposal.”
3. Identification:
What phrase would you use here?
"When we spoke yesterday about the project timeline, I promised to send the updates."
Suggested phrase: "Following up on our conversation" or "As discussed during our call"
4. Sentence Construction:
Rewrite using the phrase "Based on our earlier conversation."
“I have made the adjustments you asked for.”
Rewritten: “Based on our earlier conversation, I have made the adjustments you requested.”
5. Category Matching:
Match the phrase to the appropriate category.
- “Per our discussion” → Formal Business
- “Just a quick follow-up” → Email Follow-up
- “Like we talked about” → Personal Touch
Summary and Final Tips
Incorporating the right phrase to reference past conversations in your emails isn’t just about sounding professional; it’s about ensuring clarity, maintaining politeness, and building trust. Whether you opt for “As discussed,” “Following up,” or “In reference to,” always consider the context, tone, and relationship with your recipient.
Quick actionable tip: Before hitting send, always double-check if your phrase aligns with the formality and purpose of your email. Small details make a big difference!
Final Words: Why Your Choice of Words Matters
Using a variety of these expressions keeps your communication lively and tailored. It shows your recipient that you pay attention and value your previous interactions. So next time you’re writing an email referencing a past chat, pick the phrase that best fits your purpose—the professional one, the casual one, or something in between—and watch your emails become more effective and polished.
Remember: Clear, polite, and purposeful communication always wins.
Feel ready to elevate your email game? Keep practicing, and soon you’ll master the art of referencing past conversations seamlessly!
