For your information
Formal business communication expression
Use it to share helpful information efficiently, but watch your tone to avoid sounding rude.
En 15 segundos
- Used to share facts or updates with someone.
- Commonly shortened to FYI in emails and texts.
- Can sound passive-aggressive if used during an argument.
Significado
You use this when you want to give someone extra facts. It tells them, 'Here is something you should know.'
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Updating a coworker about a client
For your information, the client just called to reschedule our meeting.
For your information, the client just called to reschedule our meeting.
Texting a friend about a party
FYI, there's no parking at Sarah's place, so take an Uber.
FYI, there's no parking at Sarah's place, so take an Uber.
A funny confession to a friend
For your information, I am wearing pajamas during this entire Zoom call.
For your information, I am wearing pajamas during this entire Zoom call.
Contexto cultural
The phrase became a staple of 'office speak' in the mid-20th century. Its acronym form, FYI, is one of the most recognized business terms globally. In Western cultures, it represents the value of 'keeping everyone in the loop' to ensure smooth teamwork.
The Email Shortcut
In professional emails, you can just put 'FYI' in the subject line if you are forwarding an email that the other person just needs to read but not act on.
The 'Attitude' Trap
If you say 'For your information' slowly and loudly during a fight, it sounds very rude. It’s like saying 'Listen to me, you're wrong!'
En 15 segundos
- Used to share facts or updates with someone.
- Commonly shortened to FYI in emails and texts.
- Can sound passive-aggressive if used during an argument.
What It Means
This phrase is like handing someone a small piece of paper. On that paper is a fact they might need. It’s a way to provide context or updates. You aren't necessarily asking for a reply. You are just keeping them in the loop. It acts as a bridge between your knowledge and theirs.
How To Use It
You can put it at the very start of a sentence. In emails, people often shorten it to FYI. It acts as a header for the information following it. For example, For your information, the office is closed Monday. It’s clean, direct, and very efficient. You can also place it at the end of a sentence for emphasis.
When To Use It
Use it when you have a helpful update. It’s perfect for office emails or group chats. If you find a great sale, tell your friend. If a meeting time changes, tell your boss. It works best when the info is neutral. It feels like a professional courtesy in most settings.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful using this during a heated argument. If you say it with a sharp tone, it stings. It can sound like you are 'schooling' someone. Avoid it if you are already frustrated with the person. It might make you sound like a movie villain. In those cases, it feels passive-aggressive.
Cultural Background
This phrase exploded with the rise of corporate office culture. In the US and UK, efficiency is king. People wanted a way to share data without long introductions. The acronym FYI is now a global standard in business. It reflects a culture that values quick communication and transparency.
Common Variations
The most common version is definitely FYI. Friends might say Just so you know instead. If you want to be very serious, use For the record. In a casual text, some people just type fyi in lowercase. Just a heads up is a friendlier, softer alternative.
Notas de uso
Tone is everything with this phrase. In writing, it is a helpful tool for efficiency, but in speech, it can easily sound defensive or aggressive if not paired with a friendly smile.
The Email Shortcut
In professional emails, you can just put 'FYI' in the subject line if you are forwarding an email that the other person just needs to read but not act on.
The 'Attitude' Trap
If you say 'For your information' slowly and loudly during a fight, it sounds very rude. It’s like saying 'Listen to me, you're wrong!'
The Passive-Aggressive FYI
In some offices, 'FYI' is used to subtly blame someone. If a boss sends an 'FYI' about a rule you broke, they are actually telling you to stop doing it!
Ejemplos
6For your information, the client just called to reschedule our meeting.
For your information, the client just called to reschedule our meeting.
A standard, professional way to share a schedule change.
FYI, there's no parking at Sarah's place, so take an Uber.
FYI, there's no parking at Sarah's place, so take an Uber.
Using the acronym makes it feel helpful and casual.
For your information, I am wearing pajamas during this entire Zoom call.
For your information, I am wearing pajamas during this entire Zoom call.
Using the full formal phrase for a silly secret creates humor.
FYI, I'm picking up Thai food on my way home tonight.
FYI, I'm picking up Thai food on my way home tonight.
A quick update to keep the other person informed.
For your information, the deadline was actually moved to Friday.
For your information, the deadline was actually moved to Friday.
Corrects a misunderstanding without being too blunt.
For your information, your advice really helped me get the job.
For your information, your advice really helped me get the job.
Shares a positive outcome that the other person contributed to.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best version to use in a quick text to a friend.
___, I'll be 10 minutes late to dinner.
While 'For your information' is correct, 'FYI' is much more natural for a quick text message.
Complete the formal sentence.
___ information, the report is attached below.
The standard preposition for this expression is always 'For'.
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Formality Levels of Sharing Info
Used with friends in texts.
FYI...
Friendly but informative.
Just so you know...
Professional business style.
For your information...
Serious or legal tone.
For the record...
When to use FYI / For your information
Office Email
FYI: The printer is fixed.
Group Chat
FYI, I'm bringing snacks.
Correcting a Fact
For your information, I was born in 1995.
Giving a Warning
FYI, it's raining outside.
Preguntas frecuentes
11 preguntasIt stands for For Your Information. It is the most common way to use this phrase in writing.
Yes, it is very common to say the letters F-Y-I in spoken English, especially in a workplace.
It depends on your tone. In an email, it's usually helpful. In a verbal argument, it can sound very condescending.
Yes, it is a perfectly acceptable way to provide updates to a supervisor.
FYI means 'just so you know,' while FYR (For Your Reference) usually means 'keep this document for later use.'
Yes, for example: 'The meeting is at 5 PM, for your information.' This adds a bit of extra emphasis.
No, it is considered too conversational for formal academic writing. Use It should be noted that... instead.
It is equally common in both American and British English, especially in business contexts.
Usually, no. It is a 'one-way' communication meant to provide data without needing a reply.
You can use Just a heads up or Just so you know to make the information feel more like a helpful tip.
Use it sparingly. If you say For your information, I did the dishes, it might sound like you are complaining!
Frases relacionadas
Just so you know
Just a heads up
For the record
Keep in mind
For future reference
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