Quick Answer: For your reference is used to share information, documents, or links so someone can review them if needed.
Top alternatives include for your information, please see below, for your review, as a reference, and attached for reference.
The phrase for your reference is extremely common in emails, reports, and professional communication. It signals that information is being shared without demanding immediate action.
However, repeated use can sound stiff, vague, or overused, especially in modern workplace English. Many professionals now prefer clearer or more context-specific wording.
Learning alternatives to for your reference helps improve fluency, tone control, and professionalism. It also helps you sound more natural when sharing information or when you express excitement in English about helpful resources.
“Clear sharing language builds trust and professionalism.”
Categories Section
Formal alternatives to “for your reference”
For your information, As a reference, Provided for documentation, Included for record purposes
Pro Tips Box:
Use these in legal, academic, or official documentation where neutrality matters.
Casual alternatives
Just so you know, Sharing this with you, FYI, Take a look
Pro Tips Box:
Best for spoken English or relaxed internal communication.
Professional alternatives
For your review, Please see below, Attached for reference, Included for context
Pro Tips Box:
Ideal for emails, reports, presentations, and client communication.
Informal expressions
Thought you’d like this, Sending this over, In case you need it, Passing this along
Pro Tips Box:
Avoid these in formal or external-facing writing.
Common Mistakes Using “For Your Reference”
- Using it without explaining relevance
Example: For your reference, see the file. - Overusing it in every email
Example: For your reference, here is another update. - Using it when action is required
Example: For your reference, please complete this task. - Using it in very casual conversations
Example: For your reference, I’m leaving now. - Using it without attachments or links
Example: For your reference.
What Does “For Your Reference” Mean?
Definition:
For your reference means information is shared to be looked at later or used if needed.
Grammar Explanation:
It is a prepositional phrase commonly used at the start or end of sentences.
Example Sentence:
I’ve attached the policy document for your reference.
When to Use “For Your Reference”
- Sharing documents or links
- Providing background information
- Email communication
- Reports and updates
Spoken vs Written: Mostly written
Formal vs Informal: Neutral to professional
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “For Your Reference”?
- Polite? ✔️ Yes
- Professional? ✔️ Yes (but overused)
Business-style example:
Please find the updated schedule attached for your reference.
Pros and Cons of Using “For Your Reference”
Pros
- Clear and polite
- Widely understood
- Neutral tone
- Safe for professional use
Cons
- Overused in emails
- Sounds generic
- Lacks urgency
- Can feel impersonal
“Professional English sounds best when it’s specific, not repetitive.”
Other Ways to Say “For Your Reference” (With Examples)
These other ways to say for your reference help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural.
Choose based on tone, urgency, and whether action is required to express excitement in English or simply share information.
1. Phrase: For Your Information
Meaning: Shared to keep someone informed.
Explanation: One of the most common formal alternatives.
Example Sentence: For your information, the meeting has been rescheduled.
Best Use: Formal emails
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Neutral, professional
Context Variability: professional
2. Phrase: For Your Review
Meaning: Shared so someone can check or assess it.
Explanation: Implies light attention, not urgency.
Example Sentence: I’ve attached the draft for your review.
Best Use: Workplace
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
3. Phrase: Please See Below
Meaning: Directs attention to information below.
Explanation: Clear and email-friendly.
Example Sentence: Please see below for the updated details.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Spoken English
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
4. Phrase: Attached for Reference
Meaning: Provided as supporting material.
Explanation: Very common in business writing.
Example Sentence: The invoice is attached for reference.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
5. Phrase: Included for Context
Meaning: Helps explain background.
Explanation: Useful for explanations.
Example Sentence: I’ve included this chart for context.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
6. Phrase: As a Reference
Meaning: Provided for consultation.
Explanation: Slightly formal.
Example Sentence: Please keep this guide as a reference.
Best Use: Documentation
Worst Use: Informal use
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
7. Phrase: For Documentation Purposes
Meaning: Included for official record.
Explanation: Very formal usage.
Example Sentence: This email is sent for documentation purposes.
Best Use: Legal, HR
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
8. Phrase: Shared for Visibility
Meaning: Shared so others are aware.
Explanation: Common in corporate settings.
Example Sentence: Sharing this update for visibility.
Best Use: Internal teams
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
9. Phrase: Provided for Your Records
Meaning: To keep on file.
Explanation: Polite and formal.
Example Sentence: The receipt is provided for your records.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
10. Phrase: Just So You Know
Meaning: Informal heads-up.
Explanation: Casual alternative.
Example Sentence: Just so you know, the deadline moved.
Best Use: Spoken English
Worst Use: Formal emails
Tone: Casual
Context Variability: spoken
11. Phrase: FYI
Meaning: Informational only.
Explanation: Abbreviation for casual-professional use.
Example Sentence: FYI, the system will be down tonight.
Best Use: Internal emails
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Casual, neutral
Context Variability: professional, spoken
12. Phrase: In Case You Need It
Meaning: Optional information.
Explanation: Friendly and helpful.
Example Sentence: I’m sharing the link in case you need it.
Best Use: Helpful sharing
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: spoken, professional
13. Phrase: For Background
Meaning: Provides background info.
Explanation: Concise and professional.
Example Sentence: For background, this policy was updated last year.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
14. Phrase: For Awareness
Meaning: To make someone aware.
Explanation: Corporate-style wording.
Example Sentence: Sharing this update for awareness.
Best Use: Internal comms
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
15. Phrase: Passing This Along
Meaning: Forwarding information.
Explanation: Semi-informal.
Example Sentence: Passing this along for your review.
Best Use: Internal teams
Worst Use: Formal documents
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: spoken, professional
16. Phrase: Provided Below
Meaning: Information is shown next.
Explanation: Direct and clear.
Example Sentence: Details are provided below.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Spoken
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
17. Phrase: For Consideration
Meaning: To think about later.
Explanation: Polite and formal.
Example Sentence: Please review the proposal for consideration.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
18. Phrase: For Your Convenience
Meaning: To make things easier.
Explanation: Polite and customer-friendly.
Example Sentence: I’ve attached the form for your convenience.
Best Use: Customer service
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Polite
Context Variability: professional
19. Phrase: For Visibility Purposes
Meaning: To ensure awareness.
Explanation: Corporate tone.
Example Sentence: CC’ing you for visibility purposes.
Best Use: Workplace
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
20. Phrase: Sharing for Reference
Meaning: Provided as supporting info.
Explanation: Neutral modern alternative.
Example Sentence: Sharing this document for reference.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Formal contracts
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
21. Phrase: Thought You Might Find This Useful
Meaning: Friendly sharing.
Explanation: Polite and warm.
Example Sentence: Thought you might find this useful.
Best Use: Semi-professional
Worst Use: Legal
Tone: Friendly
Context Variability: spoken, professional
22. Phrase: Included for Review
Meaning: Provided to check.
Explanation: Action-light phrase.
Example Sentence: The draft is included for review.
Best Use: Workplace
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
23. Phrase: For Informational Purposes
Meaning: No action required.
Explanation: Clear and formal.
Example Sentence: This notice is for informational purposes only.
Best Use: Official notices
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
24. Phrase: Provided as Guidance
Meaning: Helps direct decisions.
Explanation: Advisory tone.
Example Sentence: These notes are provided as guidance.
Best Use: Training
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
25. Phrase: For Contextual Reference
Meaning: Background support.
Explanation: Formal wording.
Example Sentence: Included for contextual reference.
Best Use: Reports
Worst Use: Spoken
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
26. Phrase: Sent for Review and Reference
Meaning: Both checking and storing.
Explanation: Combined professional usage.
Example Sentence: The document is sent for review and reference.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
27. Phrase: Please Refer To
Meaning: Directs to information.
Explanation: Instructional phrase.
Example Sentence: Please refer to the attached file.
Best Use: Manuals
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
28. Phrase: Provided Here for Clarity
Meaning: Helps understanding.
Explanation: Clear and polite.
Example Sentence: The chart is provided here for clarity.
Best Use: Explanations
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
29. Phrase: Shared for Transparency
Meaning: Open information sharing.
Explanation: Modern corporate phrase.
Example Sentence: This update is shared for transparency.
Best Use: Leadership comms
Worst Use: Casual
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
30. Phrase: For Future Reference
Meaning: To use later.
Explanation: Common and polite.
Example Sentence: Please keep this email for future reference.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
“The right phrase makes information-sharing sound confident and intentional.”
Mini Quiz / Self-Check
- Which phrase fits a formal notice?
a) Just so you know
b) For informational purposes
c) Passing this along - Which is too casual for a client email?
a) For your review
b) FYI
c) Provided for your records - Best sentence for professional email:
a) FYI, check this
b) Please find the document attached for reference
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
| For your information | Formal | Emails |
| For your review | Professional | Workplace |
| Attached for reference | Professional | Emails |
| Included for context | Professional | Reports |
| For informational purposes | Formal | Notices |
| For awareness | Professional | Internal comms |
| For your convenience | Polite | Customer service |
| Please see below | Neutral | Emails |
| Provided for your records | Formal | Business |
| For future reference | Neutral | Emails |
FAQs
1. Is “for your reference” professional?
Yes, but it is overused and often replaced with clearer phrases.
2. What is a more modern alternative?
“For your review” or “included for context.”
3. Can I use FYI instead of for your reference?
Only in casual or internal communication.
4. Is for your reference polite?
Yes, it is neutral and polite.
5. Are there informal expressions in English for this phrase?
Yes, but they should be avoided in formal writing.
Conclusion
Knowing other ways to say for your reference helps you share information clearly and professionally. The right phrase improves tone, clarity, and confidence.
Practice using these alternatives daily and always match the phrase to your audience and purpose.
See also:
- Other Ways to Say Please Find Attached
- Professional English Email Writing Guide
CTA: Replace “for your reference” with one new phrase in your next email.
Alt Text Suggestion:
Other ways to say for your reference with examples and formal alternatives for professional English
James Anderson is a vocabulary-focused blogger at SynonymHub.com, providing clear and practical insights on synonyms and word meanings to help readers enhance their language skills and communicate more effectively.
