Meaning & use
with reference to
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phraseformal
Concerning or about a particular subject, especially in formal writing.
Grammar: Often begins a sentence and is followed by a noun phrase: 'With reference to your letter...' It is not used in everyday conversation.
Patterns
- with reference to something
- with reference to your letter
- with reference to the meeting
With reference to your email of May 3, I am writing to confirm our agreement.
With reference to the recent changes, please update your contact details.
The lawyer spoke with reference to the new regulations.
Common combinations
- with reference to your letter
- With reference to your letter, we have processed your refund.
- with reference to the above
- With reference to the above, I would like to add one more point.
- speak with reference to
- She spoke with reference to the company's new policy.
Synonyms and how they differ
- regarding
- Regarding is also formal but shorter and can be used in the same positions; 'with reference to' sounds slightly more official and is common in letters.
- concerning
- Concerning is a little more neutral and can be used in general writing; 'with reference to' is more restricted to formal correspondence.
- about
- About is the everyday word and fits conversation; 'with reference to' would sound far too formal in speech.
Commonly confused: with reference to or in reference to?
with reference to vs in reference to
Both mean 'about', but 'with reference to' is more common at the start of a formal letter. 'In reference to' is also used and means the same thing.
Practice
___ your application, we are pleased to offer you the position.
Choose one answer.
'With reference to' is the correct fixed phrase at the start of a formal sentence. 'Reference to' is missing 'with', 'with refer to' uses the wrong form of the verb, and 'referring' would need 'to' and a different structure.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “with reference to”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.