Further to our conversation

You usually put this right at the very beginning of your message. It’s a powerful opener. You don't need a long introduction when you use this. Just drop it in, add a comma, and get straight to the point. For example, Further to our conversation, I have attached the contract. See how fast that was? No fluff, just business. You can also use it to confirm details. If you agreed on a price over the phone, use this to put it in writing. It turns a verbal 'handshake' into a solid digital record. It’s like wearing a suit in sentence form. Just make sure you actually had a conversation first, or you'll look very confused.

This phrase lives in the 'Formal' neighborhood. You probably won't use it with your best friend unless you’re joking about who owes who for pizza. It’s perfect for clients, bosses, or recruiters. In the UK and Australia, it’s a standard staple of business life. In the US, people might find it slightly more formal than Following up, but they will still respect it. It shows you have a high level of English proficiency. It’s the kind of phrase that makes people think you have a very expensive desk. Use it when you want to be taken seriously and show respect for the professional process.

Imagine you just finished a Zoom call about a new project. Instead of saying Hey, here is the stuff, you write: Further to our conversation earlier today, please find the project timeline attached. Boom. Instant professional points. Or maybe you met someone at a networking event. Further to our conversation at the conference, I’d love to schedule a follow-up meeting. It shows you were actually listening and didn't just spend the whole time looking at the snack table. Even in a tricky situation, like a complaint, it works. Further to our conversation regarding the delayed shipment, I am requesting a full refund. It keeps the tone cool, calm, and collected.

Use it when you need to send a document that was mentioned in a meeting. It’s great for confirming verbal agreements so there’s no 'he said, she said' later. It’s also brilliant for job applications after an initial screening call. It makes you look like a 'closer'—someone who finishes what they start. Use it when the previous conversation happened recently (within a week or so). If it was three years ago, Further to our conversation might be a bit creepy. It’s also perfect for LinkedIn messages when you’re transitioning from a casual chat to a formal proposal.

Don't use this if you're texting your mom about what's for dinner. She will think you've been replaced by a robot. Avoid it in very casual Slack channels where everyone uses emojis and memes. If the 'conversation' was just a one-word exchange in a hallway, this phrase might feel too heavy. Also, don't use it if the previous talk was purely social. If you talked about the weather for five minutes, starting an email with Further to our conversation about the weather is... a bit much. It’s for substantive topics that require action or documentation.

One big mistake is forgetting the to. People sometimes say ✗ Further our conversation, which sounds like you want to talk even more. Another error is using it when no conversation actually happened. ✗ Further to our conversation, I am applying for the job (when you’ve never spoken to them). This just looks like a bad copy-paste job. Also, watch your grammar in the rest of the sentence. Since the phrase is formal, the rest of the email should be too. ✗ Further to our conversation, the report is totally awesome! → ✓ Further to our conversation, the report is now complete and ready for review. Keep the vibe consistent!

If Further to our conversation feels a bit too 'stiff' for the day, you have options. Following up on our talk is the friendly younger cousin. It’s neutral and works almost anywhere. As discussed is the short, punchy version. It’s very common in quick emails. For something even more formal (usually in legal contexts), you might see Pursuant to our discussion. That one basically requires a law degree to use. In the US, you’ll often hear Per our conversation. It’s a bit shorter and very popular in American offices. Choose the one that matches the 'vibe' of your workplace.

Is it okay for American English? Yes, though Americans often prefer Per our conversation or Following up on. But Further to is perfectly understood and sounds very professional. Can I use it for an email thread? Yes, it’s a great way to summarize a verbal sidebar within an ongoing email chain. Is it too old-fashioned? Not at all! It’s a classic. Like a good watch, it never really goes out of style in the business world. Does it have to be a 'talk'? Usually, yes. It implies speaking (phone, video, in-person). If it was just emails, use Further to our correspondence.