For future reference
Formal business communication expression
Use it to share a helpful tip that prevents a mistake from happening again.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to give advice for the next time.
- Commonly used in offices to correct small mistakes gently.
- Helps people remember useful details for future situations.
意味
You use this phrase when you want someone to remember a specific piece of information for the next time they do something. It is like giving a helpful tip or a polite correction for the future.
主な例文
3 / 6Telling a roommate about the trash
The garbage truck comes on Tuesdays, for future reference.
The garbage truck comes on Tuesdays, for future reference.
Correcting a report format
For future reference, please use the PDF format for these reports.
For future reference, please use the PDF format for these reports.
Texting a friend about a bar
That place is cash only, for future reference!
That place is cash only, for future reference!
文化的背景
The phrase stems from the Western professional emphasis on 'Standard Operating Procedures' and efficiency. It is a linguistic tool used to provide 'constructive feedback' without being overly confrontational. In British and American offices, it is often used to soften a correction to a subordinate.
The 'Just' Trick
Adding `just` before the phrase makes it sound much softer and friendlier. It turns a correction into a casual tip.
Watch Your Tone
If you say this while sounding annoyed, it can come across as very passive-aggressive. Use a helpful, flat tone.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to give advice for the next time.
- Commonly used in offices to correct small mistakes gently.
- Helps people remember useful details for future situations.
What It Means
Imagine you are helping a friend navigate a new city. You tell them which train to take. Then you say, for future reference, to help them remember for their next trip. It is a way of saying, "Here is a useful bit of knowledge for later." You are not just talking about right now. You are looking ahead to the next time this happens. It is like planting a small seed of information in their mind. It helps people avoid repeating the same mistakes over and over.
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase at the start or the end of a sentence. It works like a little bookend for your advice. If you want to be extra polite, add the word just at the front. You might say, "Just for future reference, the front door sticks a little." This makes it sound less like a command and more like a friendly tip. It is very flexible. You can use it when giving directions or sharing your personal preferences. It is basically the adult version of a "pro-tip."
When To Use It
This phrase is a total superstar in the office. Use it when a colleague sends a file to the wrong folder. It helps them learn without feeling like they are in big trouble. It is also great for your personal life. Tell your partner, "I love lilies, for future reference," before your next anniversary. Use it when you find a great shortcut to the gym. It is perfect for any situation where a little bit of extra knowledge helps things run smoother.
When NOT To Use It
Be very careful with your tone of voice. If you say it with a sigh or a roll of your eyes, it sounds mean. It can become "passive-aggressive" very quickly. Do not use it for huge, serious mistakes. If someone crashes your car, do not say, "For future reference, do not do that." That is way too small for such a big problem! Also, do not use it if you have already said it five times. Then you just sound like you are nagging.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, people really value efficiency and "getting it right." We try to avoid making the same mistake twice if we can. This phrase comes from the idea of a "reference library." Before the internet, you had to look things up in giant books. This phrase suggests that the person should "file" this info away in their brain. It shows a culture that values continuous improvement and very clear communication.
Common Variations
You will often hear for your future reference in formal business emails. Sometimes people shorten it to just for reference. In very casual chats, you might hear just so you know or heads up. If you want to sound very professional, you might say please note for the future. However, for future reference is the "Goldilocks" version. It is just right for almost any situation you encounter.
使い方のコツ
This phrase is mostly neutral to formal. In a professional setting, it is a standard way to provide feedback. In a casual setting, use it sparingly to avoid sounding like a teacher.
The 'Just' Trick
Adding `just` before the phrase makes it sound much softer and friendlier. It turns a correction into a casual tip.
Watch Your Tone
If you say this while sounding annoyed, it can come across as very passive-aggressive. Use a helpful, flat tone.
The FYI Shortcut
In very fast-paced offices, people often just use `FYI` (For Your Information) instead, but `for future reference` is more specific about changing behavior.
例文
6The garbage truck comes on Tuesdays, for future reference.
The garbage truck comes on Tuesdays, for future reference.
A casual way to share household rules.
For future reference, please use the PDF format for these reports.
For future reference, please use the PDF format for these reports.
Professional correction that focuses on future behavior.
That place is cash only, for future reference!
That place is cash only, for future reference!
A helpful 'heads up' for a friend.
For future reference, I don't actually like hiking as much as my profile says.
For future reference, I don't actually like hiking as much as my profile says.
Using the phrase to admit a small lie humorously.
I'd prefer if you called before coming over, for future reference.
I'd prefer if you called before coming over, for future reference.
A gentle but firm way to state a personal preference.
For future reference, this dish is quite spicy.
For future reference, this dish is quite spicy.
Warning someone about a surprise in their meal.
自分をテスト
Choose the best phrase to complete the professional email.
___, please CC the manager on all client correspondence.
This phrase is the most professional way to set a new rule for future tasks.
Complete the sentence to tell your friend about your food allergy.
I am allergic to shellfish, ___, so we should avoid the seafood place.
This tells the friend to remember this important detail for all future meals.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of Giving Advice
Used with close friends.
Just so you know...
Safe for most situations.
For future reference...
Used in official documents.
Please be advised for future instances...
Where to use 'For Future Reference'
Office Onboarding
Explaining how the printer works.
Sharing Preferences
Telling a friend you hate cilantro.
Correcting Mistakes
Noting the correct file name format.
Travel Tips
Mentioning that a museum is closed on Mondays.
よくある質問
12 問It is not inherently rude, but it depends on your tone. If used to help someone, it is polite; if used to complain, it can be passive-aggressive.
Yes, you can! Use it when sharing information they might need later, like I'll be out on Fridays, for future reference.
FYI is just giving information. For future reference specifically implies that the information should be used to guide future actions.
Absolutely. It is very common in group chats when sharing tips or plans, like The gate code is 1234, for future reference.
Not a direct one, but people sometimes just say for reference or for next time.
No, it is used in daily life for everything from cooking tips to dating preferences.
No, it is strictly for things that will happen in the future. You are giving a 'reference' for later use.
Try saying just for future reference or simply next time, you might want to...
For your reference is usually used when sending a document or link for someone to look at. For future reference is about a piece of advice.
Yes! For example: I always have extra chocolate in my desk, for future reference.
Both are correct. For future reference, we use Slack and We use Slack, for future reference are both perfect.
Yes, it is used widely in both American and British English.
関連フレーズ
Just so you know
Keep in mind
Note for next time
Heads up
For your information
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