With reference to your letter
Formal business communication expression
Use this to start a formal reply when you need to sound professional and organized.
15秒でわかる
- A formal way to reply to a specific letter or email.
- Used at the start of professional correspondence to provide context.
- Best for banks, legal matters, or official job applications.
意味
This is a fancy way to say 'I am writing back about the letter you sent me.' It connects your current message to a specific previous one so everyone stays on the same page.
主な例文
3 / 6Replying to a job offer
With reference to your letter of offer, I am delighted to accept the position.
Regarding the offer letter you sent, I'm happy to take the job.
Responding to a bank notice
With reference to your letter regarding my account balance, I have updated my records.
About that letter regarding my balance, I've fixed my records.
A humorous response to a roommate's 'chore list'
With reference to your letter left on the fridge, the dishes will be done by noon.
About that note on the fridge, I'll do the dishes soon.
文化的背景
This phrase is a hallmark of 'Legalese' and traditional British administrative English. It became the standard during the 19th-century expansion of global trade and bureaucracy to ensure clear record-keeping. While modern business English is becoming more casual, this phrase remains a powerful tool for establishing authority and formality.
The Date Trick
Always include the date of the letter you are referencing. It makes you look incredibly organized and helps the recipient find the file quickly.
Don't Overuse It
Only use this once at the very beginning. If you keep saying it throughout the email, you'll sound like a broken record or a robot.
15秒でわかる
- A formal way to reply to a specific letter or email.
- Used at the start of professional correspondence to provide context.
- Best for banks, legal matters, or official job applications.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a professional bridge. It links your current email or letter to something the other person sent earlier. It tells the reader exactly why you are contacting them. It acts like a mental bookmark for a previous conversation. It is very precise and clear.
How To Use It
You usually put this right at the start of your message. It is the very first sentence after the greeting. Most people follow it with a date or a specific topic. For example, you might say With reference to your letter of June 10th. It sets a serious, organized tone immediately. Always follow the introductory phrase with a comma before starting your main point.
When To Use It
Use this when you are dealing with official business. It is perfect for writing to a bank or a lawyer. Use it when applying for a job or responding to a formal complaint. It shows you are paying attention to details. It makes you look like a pro who keeps good records. It is great for paper mail or very formal emails.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your best friend. Do not use it in a casual WhatsApp group. If you text your partner With reference to your letter about dinner, they will think you are joking or mad. Avoid it in modern, fast-paced tech startups. It can feel a bit 'stiff' or old-fashioned in casual offices. If the vibe is 'jeans and t-shirts,' use Regarding instead.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a time when business was done entirely on paper. Clerks needed a way to track long chains of correspondence. It has a very British, civil-service feel to it. It suggests a world of filing cabinets and fountain pens. Today, it survives as a 'gold standard' for formal English across the globe. It signals that the matter is being handled officially.
Common Variations
You can swap this for Regarding your letter to sound slightly less stiff. Further to your letter is another popular choice in the UK. If you want to be very modern, just use About your letter. Some people use In response to your letter if they are answering a specific question. In relation to is another cousin of this phrase.
使い方のコツ
This phrase sits at the high end of the formality scale. Use it when you want to establish a clear, documented trail of communication in professional or legal settings.
The Date Trick
Always include the date of the letter you are referencing. It makes you look incredibly organized and helps the recipient find the file quickly.
Don't Overuse It
Only use this once at the very beginning. If you keep saying it throughout the email, you'll sound like a broken record or a robot.
The 'Passive-Aggressive' Secret
In British culture, using this phrase in a semi-casual setting can be a sign that someone is actually quite annoyed and is trying to be 'scarily' polite.
例文
6With reference to your letter of offer, I am delighted to accept the position.
Regarding the offer letter you sent, I'm happy to take the job.
Sets a professional tone for a new employment relationship.
With reference to your letter regarding my account balance, I have updated my records.
About that letter regarding my balance, I've fixed my records.
Shows the bank you are taking their formal notice seriously.
With reference to your letter left on the fridge, the dishes will be done by noon.
About that note on the fridge, I'll do the dishes soon.
Using such formal language for chores is clearly a joke.
With reference to your letter... just kidding, I'll be at the party at 8!
About your invite... just joking, see you at 8!
Used ironically to mock the formality of the situation.
With reference to your letter of warning, I have decided to submit my resignation.
Regarding that warning letter, I am quitting.
Maintains a cold, professional distance during a difficult situation.
With reference to your letter dated March 1st, I still have not received the goods.
About your letter from March 1st, the package hasn't arrived.
Creates a paper trail for a customer service dispute.
自分をテスト
Choose the most appropriate phrase to start a formal reply to a lawyer.
___ your letter dated August 14th, we have reviewed the contract.
In a legal context, 'With reference to' provides the necessary professional tone.
Complete the sentence to sound professional.
With reference to your letter ___ May 5th, please find the documents attached.
We use 'of' or 'dated' to link the phrase to a specific date.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Scale for Replying
Texting a friend
About your text...
Standard work email
Regarding your email...
Official business
With reference to your letter...
Legal or Diplomatic
In accordance with your correspondence...
Where to use 'With reference to...'
Bank Correspondence
Discussing a loan
Legal Matters
Contract disputes
Job Applications
Accepting an offer
Government
Tax inquiries
よくある質問
10 問Both are correct! With reference to is more common in British English, while In reference to is frequently used in American English.
Yes, but only for formal ones. If you're emailing a colleague you eat lunch with, use Regarding or About instead.
It specifies when the letter was written. For example, With reference to your letter dated Jan 1st means the letter has that date printed on it.
It is traditional, but not dead. It is still the standard for law, insurance, and high-level corporate communication.
Yes. For example: With reference to your letter, I am writing to... The comma helps separate the reference from your main point.
Usually, we say With reference to our telephone conversation. It works for any formal communication, not just letters.
Not usually, but it is very cold. It lacks warmth, so don't use it if you're trying to build a friendly relationship.
The shortest professional version is Re:. You often see this in the subject line of an email.
No, it almost always belongs at the beginning to set the context for what follows.
Absolutely! It is a key phrase for passing business English exams like BEC or IELTS General Writing.
関連フレーズ
Further to our conversation
Used to follow up on a previous talk or meeting.
Regarding your inquiry
A slightly less formal way to address a question someone asked.
In response to your request
Used specifically when you are providing something someone asked for.
As per our agreement
Used to refer back to a contract or a verbal promise.
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