in reference to the letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in reference to the letter' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an earlier mention of a letter, or when you are referencing a letter for additional information. For example: "Please see the attached document for further details; in reference to the letter we sent out last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"When is the N.L.I. coming in?" Smith asked, in reference to the national letter of intent.

The New York Times

Patricia Boyle's July 2 letter in reference to the article on the shortage of minority teachers in Connecticut classrooms ("White Faces at the Blackboard," June 11) merits a response.

The New York Times

I am writing this cover letter in reference to the advertised caregiver position.

Cover Letter

Contains letters in reference to the appearance of the band at the Cherry Blossom Festival in1960.

Duke University

A letter writer, in reference to the insistence of Kathleen Rice, Nassau's district attorney, on having only full-time employees, disparages employers who "bend over backward" to accommodate the "life-style choice" of having a child ("New Mothers on the Payroll," July 16).

The New York Times

Dear EdiThisin-Chief, This Letter is in reference to the article by KD Rao et al., "As good as physicians: patient perceptions of physicians and non-physician clinicians in rural primary health centers in India," published in the November 2013 edition of Global Health: Science and Practice (GHSP).

Global health, science and practice

Some priests have been grumbling that the cardinal ordered pastors to make no reference to the letter in their homilies this weekend.

The New York Times

If you really want to up the ante, make any reference to the letter "I" in your word fragment equate to the digit "1" on your keypad.

WikiHow

"I didn't sign on to certain resolutions and letters because they were counter-productive and didn't solve a problem," he continued, in reference to some of the letters pushed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the Washington, D.C.-based pro-Israel lobbying group.

HuffPost

Back in the studio, Paxman wraps up by asking candidates how to raise the tone of this campaign (in reference to Ken's letter yesterday).

The Guardian

I found the earliest online reference to the used-paperback letter in a 1993 posting to a Usenet newsgroup.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing; less formal options like "regarding the letter" may be more appropriate in some contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in reference to the letter" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "about the letter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in reference to the letter" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a topic or provides context by connecting it to a previously mentioned or known letter. This phrase serves to establish relevance and direct the reader's attention.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in reference to the letter" serves to connect a discussion point back to a specific letter, establishing context and relevance. The phrase is grammatically correct, although Ludwig reports no real-world examples, it is typically used in neutral to professional contexts. For more informal settings, consider using alternatives like "about the letter" or "regarding the letter". While grammatically sound, awareness of the level of formality will help you choose the most suitable option for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

referring to the letter

Uses a verb form to indicate the act of making a reference to the letter.

regarding the letter

Replaces "in reference to" with a more direct preposition, slightly more formal.

relating to the letter

Focuses on the relationship or connection that something has with the letter.

concerning the letter

Uses "concerning" as a synonym for "regarding", maintaining a similar level of formality.

in relation to the letter

Similar to "relating to", but suggests a proportional or comparative connection.

with respect to the letter

A more formal and somewhat stilted alternative to "in reference to".

in connection with the letter

Emphasizes a link or association to the letter, broader in scope than a direct reference.

per the letter

A concise and business-like way to indicate accordance with the letter's contents.

as to the letter

Indicates the topic of discussion is specifically the letter.

apropos of the letter

A more sophisticated way of saying something is relevant to the letter.

FAQs

How can I use "in reference to the letter" in a sentence?

You can use "in reference to the letter" to introduce a topic or provide context. For example, "In reference to the letter, we need to address several key points".

What are some alternatives to "in reference to the letter"?

Alternatives include "regarding the letter", "concerning the letter", or "per the letter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See also "relating to the letter".

Is "in reference to the letter" formal or informal?

"In reference to the letter" is generally considered more formal. Simpler phrases like "about the letter" are better suited for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "in reference to the letter" and "with regard to the letter"?

Both phrases are similar, but "with regard to the letter" can sometimes imply a broader consideration, while "in reference to the letter" more directly points to specific content.