"for future reference" vs "for the future reference"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

for future reference

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

for the future reference

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"for future reference" vs "for the future reference"

for future reference

for the future reference

Related Comparisons