with reference to

Meaning

This is a formal prepositional phrase used in business correspondence to introduce the topic or document you are discussing. It is equivalent to 'regarding,' 'about,' or 'concerning.' It is highly common at the beginning of professional emails or letters to quickly establish context.

Examples

• I am writing with reference to your email inquiry of July 24th.

  I am writing with reference to your email inquiry of July 24th.

• With reference to our phone conversation yesterday, I have attached the updated contract.

  With reference to our phone conversation yesterday, I have attached the updated contract.

• With reference to the new budget policy, please note the changes on page three.

  With reference to the new budget policy, please note the changes on page three.

• I would like to clarify a few points with reference to the proposal you sent.

  I would like to clarify a few points with reference to the proposal you sent.

• With reference to your application, we are pleased to invite you for an interview.

  With reference to your application, we are pleased to invite you for an interview.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am writing with reference of your letter.

  ✓ I am writing with reference to your letter.

  The correct prepositional pattern is 'with reference to,' not 'of.'

• ✗ With referencing to your request, here is the report.

  ✓ With reference to your request, here is the report.

  'Reference' must be a noun in this fixed idiomatic phrase, not the gerund 'referencing.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• I am contacting you ___ the invoice that was sent last week.

  💡 In connection with or regarding.

  Show answer

  with reference to

• ___ your question about shipping costs, we offer free delivery for orders over $50.

  💡 A formal way to start a reply to a specific question.

  Show answer

  With reference to