for future reference vs for the future reference

Both phrases are correct, but 'for future reference' is more commonly used in English. The addition of 'the' in 'for the future reference' is not necessary and can sound awkward. 'For future reference' is a concise and idiomatic way to indicate that something should be remembered or noted for later use.

Last updated: March 30, 2024

for future reference

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that something should be remembered or noted for later use.

Examples:

Please keep this document for future reference.
I'm writing this down for future reference.

Show examples from the web [+]

We must take this lesson to heart for future reference.
Just for future reference, my favorite dessert is pecan pie.
And for future reference, all I need is a cheek swab.
For future reference, it means, "get the hell out and don't take anything."
Just for future reference those human remains are forensic evidence.
I'm going to need to take your information, for future reference.
But just for future reference, I'd like to see how you handle this.
And for future reference, when the answer is your mom died of cancer, you should really go first.
I'll make a note of it for future reference.
I'm actually wide awake,. but for future reference, polyphasic sleep is completely natural, quite common in the animal world, and highly beneficial.
But I did find a cool attraction spell for future reference.
And just for future reference, I am partial to Fracas.
And just for future reference, I am partial to Fracas.
We should be sure to remember The vintage for future reference.
Mr President, I would like to take the floor in order to invoke the Rules of Procedure, for future reference, of course.
But for future reference, how big does a beauty spot have to be before it can be categorised as a mole?
However, for future reference, the next time we have a conversation where I say, "maybe Friday,"
Just for future reference, what could I have done back there
For future reference, a morgue is not a diamond mine.
For future reference Mr. Griffin students only speak when called upon or there are consequences.

Alternatives:

for your future reference
for reference in the future
for later reference
for future use

for the future reference

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

This phrase is also used to indicate that something should be remembered or noted for later use, but it may sound slightly awkward due to the unnecessary 'the'.

Examples:

Please keep this document for the future reference.
I'm writing this down for the future reference.

Show examples from the web [+]

I marked the calendar for future reference.
We should be sure to remember The vintage for future reference.
Keep the instructions for future reference.
This is a confirmation that you have successfully submitted your form. Now, you should print, sign and send the form to your National Agency. Please save the form for future reference.
We have experienced an important day and so it is also important for a record to be made in the Minutes for future reference of the profound disappointment that both I, on behalf of my group, and many other colleagues, feel at this time.
Keep this leaflet for future reference.
For future reference, a morgue is not a diamond mine.
We must take this lesson to heart for future reference.
Keep this leaflet for future reference each time you use OptiSet.
Just for future reference, my favorite dessert is pecan pie.
Future reference, man, I like this place much better than your warehouse.
Just for future reference those human remains are forensic evidence.
For future reference Mr. Griffin students only speak when called upon or there are consequences.
The written record shall be kept for future reference.
Just for future reference, that's wrong.
For future reference, that's the back of your hand.
And for future reference, it's this.
And for future reference, it's this.
That's just for future reference.
It shall be kept for future reference.

Alternatives:

for your future reference
for reference in the future
for later reference
for future use

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for future reference vs for the future reference