"I refer to our telephone conversation" vs "with reference to our telelephone conversation"

Question

"I refer to our telephone conversation" vs "with reference to our telelephone conversation"

Either of these phrases is correct. "I refer to our telephone conversation" is more direct, and "With reference to our telephone conversation" is more passive.

Last Updated: December 10, 2017

This very formal-sounding phrase might be used during a conversation involving legal matters.

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some examples from our editors:

I refer to our telephone conversation from January 3, 2010.
I refer to our telephone conversation from January 4, 2000.

Some alternatives from our editors:

per our telephone conversation
I am referring to our telephone conversation

This is a formal way to refer to a previous phone conversation you had with someone.

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some examples from our editors:

With reference to our telephone conversation from January 3, 2017, I am enclosing the following documents:
With reference to our telephone conversation from last week, I am attaching a list of exhibits.

Some alternatives from our editors:

per our telephone conversation
as discussed in our telephone conversation

Answer 1

I refer to our telephone conversation

This is correct

Answer 2

with reference to our telelephone conversation

This is correct

"I refer to our telephone conversation" vs "with reference to our telelephone conversation"

I refer to our telephone conversation

with reference to our telelephone conversation

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