In the world of **professional communication**, certain phrases become go-to expressions for many. One such phrase that frequently pops up in emails and business correspondence is **” As per our conversation.”**
But is it correct to use this phrase?
Does it enhance or hinder effective communication?
“‘As per our conversation’ is correct in formal communication, often used to reference a prior discussion. It conveys professionalism but can sound outdated. Alternatives like ‘Following up on our discussion’ or ‘As we discussed’ keep communication modern and clear.”
Let’s dive into the nuances of this common expression and explore its appropriateness in various contexts.
The Meaning and Origin
The phrase “As per our conversation” is a **compound expression** that combines two elements:
1. “As per” – meaning “by” or “according to”
2. “Our conversation” – referring to a previous discussion between the parties involved
When used together, this phrase essentially means **” According to what we discussed”** or **”In line with our previous conversation.”** It’s typically used to **reference a prior verbal or written exchange** and to establish a connection between that conversation and the current communication.
Grammatical Correctness
From a **strictly grammatical standpoint**, “As per our conversation” is considered correct. The preposition “as” can be used in combination with “per” to mean “by” or “according to.” This usage has been **accepted in English for quite some time**, although it’s more common in formal or business contexts.
However, some language purists argue that “as per” is **redundant** because both “as” and “per” essentially mean the same thing in this context. They might suggest using either “as discussed” or “per our conversation” instead.
Formal vs. Informal Usage
The phrase “As per our conversation” is generally considered **more formal** than some alternatives. It’s commonly used in **business correspondence**, especially in emails and official documents.
For example:
*As per our conversation yesterday, Hannah, I’ve attached the revised proposal for the marketing project.*
In this context, the phrase serves to **remind the recipient** (Hannah) of a previous discussion and provides a **reference point** for the information that follows.
In more **informal settings** or personal communications, the phrase might come across as **overly formal or stiff**. In such cases, alternatives like “As we discussed” or simply “Following up on our chat” might be more appropriate.
Scenarios and Alternatives
Let’s explore some scenarios where “As per our conversation” might be used, along with potential alternatives and their implications:
Scenario 1: Business Email Follow-up
**Context:** Hannah needs to follow up with her colleague Mia about a project they discussed in a meeting.
**Using “As per our conversation”:**
*Dear Mia,*
*As per our conversation in yesterday’s team meeting, I’m sending you the updated timeline for the client presentation. I’ve highlighted the key points we discussed and added notes on resource allocation as requested.*
*Please review and let me know if you need any clarification or have additional suggestions.*
*Best regards,*
*Hannah*
**Alternative approach:**
*Hi Mia,*
*Following up on our discussion in yesterday’s team meeting, I’ve prepared the updated timeline for the client presentation. You’ll find the key points we talked about highlighted, along with notes on resource allocation as you requested.*
*Take a look and feel free to reach out if anything needs clarification or if you have more ideas to add.*
*Cheers,*
*Hannah*
**Analysis:** Both versions effectively convey the message, but the tone differs slightly. The first version, using “As per our conversation,” maintains a more formal tone, which might be appropriate for certain workplace cultures or if Hannah and Mia have a more distant professional relationship.
The alternative version achieves the same goal but with a slightly more casual and friendly tone, which could be preferable in a more relaxed work environment or if Hannah and Mia have a closer working relationship.
Scenario 2: Customer Service Response
**Context:** Hannah, a customer service representative, is responding to a customer inquiry from Mia about a product return.
**Using “As per our conversation”:**
*Dear Mia,*
*As per our conversation on the phone this morning, I’m writing to confirm the details of your product return. As discussed, we will be sending a prepaid shipping label to your email address within the next 24 hours. Once you receive the label, please package the item securely and drop it off at your nearest post office.*
*As agreed, upon receipt of the returned item, we will process a full refund to your original payment method within 5-7 business days.*
*If you have any questions about this process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.*
*Best regards,*
*Hannah*
*Customer Service Representative*
**Alternative approach:**
*Hello Mia,*
*Thanks for your call this morning about your product return. I wanted to follow up in writing to make sure we’re on the same page:*
*- We’ll email you a prepaid shipping label within 24 hours*
*- Once you get the label, pack up the item and take it to your local post office*
*- When we receive the return, we’ll refund your original payment method in full (this usually takes 5-7 business days)*
*If anything’s unclear or you need help with the return process, just give us a shout.*
*Take care,*
*Hannah*
*Customer Service Team*
**Analysis:** The first version, using “As per our conversation,” maintains a professional and formal tone, which can be reassuring to customers in matters involving financial transactions. It clearly outlines the agreed-upon steps and sets expectations.
The alternative version conveys the same information but in a more casual, friendly tone. It breaks down the information into bullet points, making it easier to scan. This approach can make the company seem more approachable and can be effective in building a positive relationship with the customer.
The choice between these styles often depends on the company’s brand voice and the nature of the product or service. A luxury brand or financial institution might prefer the more formal approach, while a trendy tech startup or casual retail brand might opt for the friendlier tone.
Potential Pitfalls and Considerations
While “As per our conversation” is grammatically correct and widely used, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
1. **Overuse:** Like any phrase, overusing “As per our conversation” can make your writing seem repetitive or unimaginative. Varying your language can keep your communications fresh and engaging.
2. **Implied Formality:** The phrase carries a formal tone that might not be appropriate in all situations. It could create unnecessary distance in more casual professional relationships.
3. **Potential for Miscommunication:** If there’s any ambiguity about which conversation is being referenced, using this phrase without further context could lead to confusion.
4. **Passive Voice:** The phrase often leads into sentences written in the passive voice (e.g., “As per our conversation, it was decided that…”), which can make writing less direct and impactful.
5. **Cultural Considerations:** In some cultures, directly referencing previous conversations might be seen as imposing or confrontational. It’s important to be aware of cultural norms in international business communications.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking to vary your language or find alternatives that might better suit certain situations, consider these options:
– “As discussed…”
– “Following our conversation…”
– “In line with what we talked about…”
– “Based on our discussion…”
– “Referring to our chat about…”
– “As we agreed…”
– “Continuing from our meeting…”
Each of these alternatives can be more or less formal depending on the surrounding language and context.
The Verdict: Is It Correct?
**”As per our conversation” is grammatically correct** and widely accepted, particularly in formal business communications. However, its appropriateness depends on the context, audience, and desired tone of the communication.
When deciding whether to use this phrase, consider:
1. **The relationship** between you and the recipient
2. **The formality level** required for the situation
3. **The clarity** it provides in referencing a specific conversation
4. **The overall tone** you want to convey in your message
Ultimately, effective communication is about **clarity, context, and connection**. Whether you choose to use “As per our conversation” or an alternative, the goal should be to convey your message clearly and maintain a tone that’s appropriate for your audience and situation.
Remember, language is a tool for connection and understanding. The “correct” choice is the one that best serves this purpose in your specific communication context.
