Further to your email
Formal business communication expression
Littéralement: Moving 'further' (advancing) in relation 'to' your previous message.
Use this phrase to start formal business replies when referencing a previous message or request.
En 15 secondes
- A formal way to reference a previous email conversation.
- Commonly used in professional British and Commonwealth business settings.
- Acts as a bridge to provide requested information or updates.
Signification
This phrase is a polite, professional way to say 'I am writing this because of the email you sent me earlier.' It acts like a bridge connecting your new message to a previous conversation.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Sending a requested document to a client
Further to your email, please find the signed contract attached.
Regarding your email, here is the signed contract.
Confirming a meeting time with a manager
Further to your email regarding the schedule, I am available at 2 PM.
Following up on your email about the schedule, 2 PM works for me.
A slightly stiff response to a landlord
Further to your email about the leak, the plumber still hasn't arrived.
About your email regarding the leak, the plumber isn't here yet.
Contexte culturel
This phrase is a hallmark of British and Commonwealth business English, emphasizing a structured and polite hierarchy. It became the standard opening for formal correspondence in the early 20th century to ensure clarity in record-keeping. While American English often prefers 'Following up on,' 'Further to' remains the gold standard for formal professionalism in London, Sydney, and Singapore.
The Date Trick
If you want to sound extra organized, add the date: `Further to your email of 12th October...`. It makes you look like a pro at filing.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every single reply, your emails will start to sound like a legal contract. Save it for the first follow-up.
En 15 secondes
- A formal way to reference a previous email conversation.
- Commonly used in professional British and Commonwealth business settings.
- Acts as a bridge to provide requested information or updates.
What It Means
Think of Further to your email as a professional handshake. It tells the reader exactly why you are appearing in their inbox again. It is a formal way of saying 'following up' or 'referring back to.' When you use this, you are showing that you have read their previous message. You are now providing the next step, the answer, or the requested information. It’s like picking up a thread in a conversation that was paused.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. It acts as an introductory phrase. Always follow it with a comma. For example: Further to your email, I have attached the report. You can also add a specific date to be even clearer. Try saying: Further to your email dated Tuesday... This helps busy people find the exact thread you are talking about. It keeps your writing clean and direct.
When To Use It
This is your go-to phrase for office life. Use it when replying to a client or a boss. It works perfectly when you are sending a file someone asked for. It’s also great for confirming details after a meeting. If you are applying for a job, this phrase makes you sound organized. It shows you are a serious professional who pays attention to details. Use it when you want to look like you have your life together.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friends. If you text your buddy, Further to your email about pizza, I am hungry, they will think you’ve been replaced by a robot. It is too stiff for casual settings. Avoid it in emotional or highly personal situations. If you are apologizing to a partner, keep it human. Also, don't use it if you haven't actually received an email. That’s just confusing! It’s strictly for continuing a digital paper trail.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a staple of 'Corporate English.' It has deep roots in British business etiquette. In the past, business letters were very formal and used specific 'formulaic' openings. Further to survived the transition from paper letters to digital emails. It creates a 'professional distance.' It’s polite but not warm. In UK and Commonwealth business cultures, it’s considered the standard way to maintain a clear record of communication.
Common Variations
If Further to your email feels a bit too 'old-school' for you, there are options. Following up on your email is a bit friendlier and more modern. In reference to your email is very formal, often used in legal contexts. As per your email is common but can sometimes sound a bit aggressive or 'bossy' to some people. If you want to be super casual, just say About your last email... or Regarding your email.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-register, formal expression. It is best suited for professional correspondence where a clear, documented link to previous communication is required.
The Date Trick
If you want to sound extra organized, add the date: `Further to your email of 12th October...`. It makes you look like a pro at filing.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every single reply, your emails will start to sound like a legal contract. Save it for the first follow-up.
The British Factor
In the UK, this is standard. In the US, it's used but sometimes seen as a bit 'stiff.' Americans often prefer `Following up on.`
Exemples
6Further to your email, please find the signed contract attached.
Regarding your email, here is the signed contract.
This is the most standard professional use of the phrase.
Further to your email regarding the schedule, I am available at 2 PM.
Following up on your email about the schedule, 2 PM works for me.
Shows you are organized and responding directly to their query.
Further to your email about the leak, the plumber still hasn't arrived.
About your email regarding the leak, the plumber isn't here yet.
Used here to maintain a serious, documented tone in a dispute.
Further to your email about the pub, I shall arrive at 19:00 hours sharp.
Regarding your email about the pub, I'll be there at 7 PM.
The humor comes from using 'office speak' in a casual setting.
Further to your email yesterday, I am happy to provide my references.
In response to your email yesterday, here are my references.
Perfect for job applications to show professional communication skills.
Further to your email, I would like to clarify my comments from the meeting.
Regarding your email, I want to explain what I said in the meeting.
Helps set a serious tone for a potentially difficult conversation.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to start a formal business reply.
___ your email regarding the invoice, we have processed the payment today.
The standard prepositional phrase is 'Further to' followed by a noun (your email).
Which punctuation is usually needed after the phrase?
Further to your email ___ I am writing to confirm our appointment.
Introductory phrases in English are almost always followed by a comma.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Level of Email Openings
Friends/Close colleagues
About your email...
Standard business
Following up on your email...
Clients/External/Legal
Further to your email...
Official/Legal/Old-fashioned
With reference to your correspondence...
When to use 'Further to your email'
Sending Attachments
Sending a file someone asked for.
Job Applications
Replying to a recruiter's query.
Client Relations
Updating a customer on their order.
Formal Complaints
Referencing a previous complaint thread.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means 'in addition to' or 'following up on' a previous email. It connects your current message to an earlier one.
Yes, it is a standard prepositional phrase used in formal English. It functions as an adverbial phrase at the start of a sentence.
Only if you are being funny or sarcastic. It is much too formal for texting friends or family.
Not exactly. As per means 'according to,' while Further to means 'continuing from.' Further to is generally seen as more polite.
Yes, you should always put a comma after the introductory phrase. For example: Further to your email, I have news.
Absolutely! It works for phone calls or face-to-face meetings too. It's a great way to summarize what was discussed.
It is used, but it's less common than in British English. Americans often find it a bit old-fashioned and prefer Following up on.
Yes, it's excellent for a cover letter if you are referencing a specific job posting or a previous chat with a recruiter.
You can say Regarding your email or simply I'm writing about your email. These are still professional but less stiff.
No. It requires a previous email to refer back to. If there's no previous email, the phrase makes no sense!
Expressions liées
Following up on
In reference to
With regard to
As discussed
Pursuant to
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