Following our recent discussion

You will almost always find this phrase sitting right at the very beginning of an email or a formal message. It serves as your "hook." Usually, it's followed by a comma and then the main purpose of your message. For example: Following our recent discussion, I have attached the updated project timeline. You can also use it to introduce a request for information that was promised. It works beautifully when you need to send a LinkedIn message after a networking event. It shows you aren't just spamming people; you are building a specific connection. Think of it as a logical transition. You are connecting the 'Past You' (the one who talked) with the 'Present You' (the one who is acting). It’s also a great way to remind a busy boss about something they agreed to do. It sounds much softer than saying "You said you'd do this!" It’s the "gentle nudge" of the corporate world. Plus, it makes your writing look much more polished than just starting with "Here is the file."

This phrase lives in the formal to very formal neighborhood. It’s the "suit and tie" of English expressions. You wouldn't use this with your best friend unless you were being extremely sarcastic. On the formality scale, it’s much higher than "As we talked about" or "Like I said." In a professional setting, like a job interview follow-up or a client email, it is perfect. It establishes a level of respect and seriousness. However, if you use it in a casual Slack channel with your close teammates, it might come off as a bit stiff. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard BBQ—people might look at you funny. Use it when you want to sound authoritative and professional. It’s very common in the UK, USA, and international business hubs. It communicates that you understand professional etiquette. If you’re ever in doubt, this phrase is usually a safe bet for any workplace scenario. It's much better to be a little too formal than accidentally rude.

Let’s look at some places where you’ll see this phrase in the wild. You might get an email from a recruiter saying, Following our recent discussion, we would like to invite you for a second interview. That’s the dream email, right? Or perhaps you are working on a group project and you send out the meeting minutes: Following our recent discussion, here are the action items for next week. You’ll also see it in official letters from banks or government offices. It’s the standard way they reference a phone call you had with their support team. Even on platforms like LinkedIn, when you follow up with a speaker after a webinar, this phrase is your best friend. It bridges the gap between being a face in the crowd and a real contact. It’s essentially the "Glue" of the professional internet. If LinkedIn had a "most used phrase" award, this would definitely be a finalist. It’s also great for those "per my last email" moments, but much more polite.

The best time to use this phrase is within 24 to 48 hours after a conversation. It keeps the context fresh. Use it when you are sending documents, confirming dates, or asking for clarification on a point that was raised. It’s especially useful when you are dealing with people you don't know very well. It builds trust by showing you are organized. If you’re a freelancer, use this to send your quote or proposal after a discovery call. It makes you look like a pro who has their life together (even if you're actually working in your pajamas). Use it to document verbal agreements. In many offices, if it isn't in writing, it didn't happen. This phrase helps you put those verbal promises into the written record. It’s your "paper trail" starter pack. It also works well when you're summarizing a long, rambling meeting into three clear points. It says, "I filtered through the noise and found the signal."

Do not use this phrase for something that happened three months ago. At that point, it’s no longer a "recent" discussion—it’s ancient history. Also, stay away from it in casual texting. If your partner asks what’s for dinner, don't reply with Following our recent discussion, I have decided on tacos. You will get some very confused looks. It’s also not for when you’re angry. Using very formal language when you’re upset can come across as passive-aggressive. If a coworker missed a deadline, starting an email with this might feel like a cold slap. Avoid it in contexts where a simple "As we agreed" or "Hey, here's that link" would work better. If you’re grabbing coffee with a coworker you’ve known for five years, keep it casual. Don't be the person who brings a briefcase to a beach party. Context is everything. Overusing it can also make you sound like a robot. Mix it up sometimes!

One major mistake is getting the preposition wrong. You might be tempted to say "Following to our discussion" or "Following with our discussion." Don't do it! The word following acts as a preposition here all by itself. Another common slip-up is using it when no actual discussion happened. If you just thought about something and didn't talk to the person, don't use this. It makes people feel like they’re losing their memory. Also, watch your spelling. It’s discussion with two 's's, not one. Some learners try to make it even more formal by adding words: "Following on from our recent discussion." While technically okay, it’s a bit wordy. Keep it lean.

• ✗ Following to our recent discussion... → ✓ Following our recent discussion...
• ✗ Following of our recent discussion... → ✓ Following our recent discussion...
• ✗ Following our recent discuss... → ✓ Following our recent discussion...

Don't let the "ing" fool you into thinking you need a helping verb. It’s a self-contained opening phrase. Simple is usually better in business English.

If you find yourself using this phrase in every single email, you might want to switch it up. A very common alternative is As we discussed. It’s slightly less formal but still very professional. Another one is Further to our conversation. This one is very popular in British English and feels quite traditional. If you want to be super modern, you might just say Regarding our talk. For something very formal, lawyers and executives might use Pursuant to our discussion. That sounds like you’re about to sign a multi-million dollar contract. In a more casual setting, like a Slack message, you can use Following up on our chat. Each of these has a slightly different "flavor." Following our recent discussion is the perfect middle ground. It’s not too stuffy, but it’s definitely not lazy. It’s the "business casual" of English openers. It works almost everywhere.

Is it too formal for Slack? Probably, yes. For Slack, try "Following up on our talk earlier." Can I use it for phone calls? Absolutely! It works for any type of verbal communication. Does "recent" mean today? It usually means within the last week. If it was a month ago, use "Following our discussion last month." Is it better than "As we discussed"? It depends. "Following our recent discussion" feels a bit more structured and intentional. It’s great for when you are delivering something. Should I use it in a cover letter? Yes, if you had a preliminary chat with the hiring manager. It shows you were listening. It's a versatile tool for your professional kit. Just remember to use it sparingly so it doesn't lose its impact. Happy emailing!