31 Alternatives to "Per Our Conversation"

Why "Per Our Conversation" Sounds Like a Paper Trail

"Per our conversation" has earned a reputation as one of the most passive-aggressive phrases in professional email. While it can be used neutrally, it often reads as documentation rather than communication. The recipient senses that you are creating a record, not continuing a dialogue.

The word "per" is the main culprit. It is Latin-derived, legalistic, and rarely used in spoken English. Nobody says "per our chat over coffee" in real life. When it appears in email, it signals formality that feels out of place in most modern business communication.

The best alternatives reference prior conversations in a way that feels like a natural continuation rather than a contractual reference. They maintain context without the courtroom energy. For a related guide, see our tips on better ways to say as discussed.

31 Alternatives That Sound Like Actual Conversation

Casual and Natural

1. "As we talked about."

The simplest replacement. It references the conversation without any legal overtone.

2. "Going back to our discussion."

Frames the email as a return to an ongoing dialogue. The word "discussion" is neutral and collaborative.

Example: "Going back to our discussion about the new onboarding process -- I have drafted a timeline for the first three months."

3. "Like we discussed."

Short and conversational. It flows naturally and does not draw attention to itself.

4. "Based on what we agreed."

Direct and action-oriented. It moves past the reference and into what happens next.

5. "Following our chat."

Informal and warm. The word "chat" downplays the formality and makes the reference feel natural.

6. "Picking up from where we left off."

Implies continuity. The email feels like part two of a conversation rather than a separate document.

Providing Context

7. "You mentioned [specific point] -- I wanted to follow up on that."

Credits the recipient for raising the topic. This makes the follow-up feel responsive rather than directive.

Example: "You mentioned wanting to explore a different vendor for the CRM migration -- I wanted to follow up with two options that match what you described."

8. "Based on our conversation about [topic], here is what I have put together."

Bridges the prior discussion to a deliverable. The recipient sees the email as a direct result of their input.

9. "After thinking about what we discussed, here is my recommendation."

Shows that you invested additional thought. The recipient knows the email is not just a recap but a considered follow-up.

10. "You raised a good point about [topic] -- here is how I think we should address it."

Flattering and constructive. It positions the recipient's input as the catalyst for action.

11. "To build on what we covered in our meeting."

Implies progress and expansion. The word "build" suggests the email adds to the conversation rather than restating it.

Action-Oriented

12. "Here are the next steps from our meeting."

Structured and efficient. The recipient knows the email contains tasks and action items.

13. "I have started on what we outlined -- here is a quick update."

Shows initiative and transparency. The recipient sees momentum rather than just a reference.

14. "Putting our plan into action -- here is where we are."

Forward-moving and energetic. It positions the email as execution, not recap.

Example: "Putting our plan into action -- I have scheduled the vendor demos for next Tuesday and Wednesday."

15. "Here is what I have done since our call."

Results-focused. The recipient sees completed actions rather than a restated conversation.

16. "As a follow-up to our meeting, I have [specific action]."

Connects the email directly to a post-meeting deliverable. For more on structuring follow-ups, see our guide on writing effective follow-up emails.

17. "Moving forward on what we agreed -- here is the first step."

Combines reference with momentum. The recipient sees progress. For more alternatives to this type of phrasing, see our guide on alternatives to moving forward.

Professional and Polished

18. "In line with what we discussed."

Slightly formal but natural. The phrase "in line with" is cleaner than "per."

19. "Consistent with our earlier conversation."

Formal and precise. Works well in contexts where alignment needs to be documented.

20. "As agreed during our meeting on [date]."

Adds a time reference for clarity. This is useful when multiple conversations have happened about the same topic.

21. "Reflecting on our conversation, I wanted to share a few thoughts."

Thoughtful and measured. The word "reflecting" implies deeper consideration.

22. "To confirm what we discussed."

Direct and purposeful. It signals that the email is a written record of verbal agreements.

When Revisiting or Adjusting

23. "I have been rethinking something from our conversation -- hear me out."

Signals new perspective. The phrase "hear me out" creates engagement.

24. "After sleeping on our discussion, I have a different angle to propose."

Honest and thoughtful. The recipient appreciates knowing that their conversation prompted continued thinking.

25. "Coming back to something you said about [topic] -- I have a new take."

Flattering and fresh. It tells the recipient that their words stuck with you.

Example: "Coming back to something you said about user segmentation -- I have a new take that I think addresses the scalability concern."

26. "I want to revisit one point from our meeting before we move forward."

Clear about intent. The recipient knows the email contains a course correction.

For Written Records

27. "Putting our conversation in writing so we have a clear record."

Honest about the purpose. If you need a paper trail, say so directly.

28. "Here is a summary of what we agreed on for reference."

Practical and transparent. The word "summary" sets expectations and the phrase "for reference" explains the purpose. For more on sharing information clearly, see our guide on alternatives to for your reference.

29. "Documenting the key decisions from our meeting."

Professional and structured. It frames the email as organizational rather than adversarial.

30. "For the record, here is what we aligned on."

Direct and purposeful. The phrase "for the record" is upfront about the documentation purpose.

31. "Writing this down so we are both on the same page."

Collaborative framing. The phrase "both on the same page" implies mutual benefit rather than one-sided documentation.

When to Reference Prior Conversations

Not every follow-up email needs to reference the prior conversation explicitly. If you are sending a deliverable that was discussed and expected, the context is self-evident. Adding "per our conversation" to a straightforward delivery adds nothing.

Reference prior conversations when the email requires context to make sense, when you are confirming agreements or decisions, when the email introduces something new that connects to a previous discussion, or when you need a written record of verbal commitments. Good email etiquette means knowing when a reference adds value and when it just adds length.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using "per our conversation" to hold people accountable. If the primary purpose of the phrase is to document that someone committed to something, the email reads like a legal filing. Be direct instead: "You committed to delivering the report by Friday -- are we still on track?" For softer reminder phrasing, see our guide on how to write a friendly reminder email.

Referencing a conversation without adding new value. An email that simply restates what was discussed wastes the recipient's time. Every follow-up should advance the conversation.

Being vague about which conversation. "Per our conversation" without specifying when or what you discussed leaves the recipient searching their memory. Add specifics: "following our Thursday call about the pricing model." For strong opener ideas, see our guide on the best email opening lines.

Over-referencing. Multiple references to the same conversation in one email are redundant. One clear reference is enough. For more on alternatives to per my last email, see our full guide.

FAQ

Is "per our conversation" passive-aggressive?

It can read that way, especially when used to hold someone accountable. "Per our conversation, you agreed to send the report by Friday" has a pointed quality. A softer alternative: "Following up on the report we discussed -- any update on the Friday deadline?" For more on navigating tone in follow-ups, see our guide on alternatives to touching base.

When should I put a conversation in writing?

Put conversations in writing when decisions were made, when action items were assigned, when budgets or resources were committed, or when the conversation involved commitments that need to be tracked. For casual updates and brainstorming sessions, a written summary is usually unnecessary.

How do I follow up on a meeting without sounding like I am just repeating what was said?

Add something new. Every follow-up should contain either a decision you have made, an action you have taken, a question that emerged from further thinking, or a resource that supports the discussion. The reference to the meeting is the bridge; the new content is the destination. For complete follow-up strategies, see our guide on effective follow-up strategies.