In 15 Seconds
- Refers to a prior decision or contract.
- Best for professional emails and official documents.
- Polite but firm way to ensure accountability.
- Usually followed by a comma at the start of a sentence.
Meaning
This phrase is a professional way to reference a previous decision or promise made between two parties. It acts as a polite but firm reminder that a verbal or written commitment exists, anchoring your current action or request in that shared history. It carries a vibe of reliability, organization, and accountability.
Key Examples
3 of 10Sending an email to a client
Per our agreement, I am sending the invoice for the first milestone.
According to what we decided, I'm sending the first invoice.
Following up after a Zoom call
Per our agreement during the call, the project will begin on Monday.
As we decided during the call, the project starts Monday.
Texting a work colleague about a shared task
Hey! Per our agreement, I've updated the shared spreadsheet.
Hey! As we agreed, I updated the spreadsheet.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'per our agreement' is often used as a 'paper trail' in emails. It is a way to document that a conversation happened, which is crucial in the litigious American business culture. British professionals use this phrase frequently, but sometimes 'As agreed' is preferred to sound slightly less 'aggressive' or 'stiff' than the Latin 'per'. While used in translation, the directness of 'per our agreement' can be jarring. Japanese business culture often prefers referencing the 'relationship' or 'previous meeting' more vaguely to maintain harmony. Germans value the 'Vertrag' (contract) highly. Using the equivalent of 'per our agreement' is seen as a sign of respect for the rules and the process.
Use it for 'Soft' Enforcement
If you need to be firm but don't want to be 'the bad guy,' use 'per our agreement.' It shifts the authority to the document/decision rather than your personal opinion.
Don't Overuse It
Using this in every email makes you sound like a robot. Save it for when you actually need to reference a specific commitment.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to a prior decision or contract.
- Best for professional emails and official documents.
- Polite but firm way to ensure accountability.
- Usually followed by a comma at the start of a sentence.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a high-stakes meeting or a Zoom call where big decisions are made. Everyone nods, smiles, and agrees on a plan. But then, Monday morning rolls around, and memory starts to fade. Per our agreement is your professional anchor. It is a way of saying, "Remember that thing we decided? I do, and I am acting on it." It is not just about the words; it is about the "receipts." In modern business culture, keeping a paper trail is everything. This phrase bridges the gap between a conversation and a concrete action. It feels solid, dependable, and a little bit fancy. It tells the other person that you take your commitments seriously. It also subtly reminds them to do the same. If you were explaining this to a friend over coffee, you might say it is the "grown-up" version of "Like we said."
How To Use It
Using this phrase is like putting on a well-tailored suit. You usually place it right at the beginning of a sentence or an email. It should almost always be followed by a comma. For example: Per our agreement, I have attached the revised contract. Notice how smooth that sounds? You are not just sending a file; you are fulfilling a promise. You can also use it in the middle of a sentence, though it is less common. "The payment was sent today, per our agreement." It works best when you are delivering something you promised or when you are asking someone to do what they said they would do. It is like a gentle nudge that says, "Hey, we are both professionals here, right?" Just don't overdo it. If you use it in every single sentence, you might start sounding like a robot trying to pass a Turing test. One well-placed use is usually enough to establish the vibe.
Formality & Register
This phrase lives in the land of "Formal" and "Professional." It is the king of the corporate email and the queen of the legal contract. You will see it on LinkedIn messages, Slack channels for project management, and official letters. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is texting your best friend "Sup?" and 10 is writing a letter to a monarch, this is a solid 8. It is polite but carries authority. It is not exactly "warm," but it is respectful. In a world of "besties" and "bruhs," this phrase maintains a healthy boundary. It says, "We are doing business together." If you use it with your roommate about who is buying the milk, they might think you are planning to sue them for the cereal. Unless your roommate is a lawyer, in which case, they might actually appreciate the precision. Keep it for work, official services, or when you are dealing with a landlord or a bank.
Real-Life Examples
Think about a freelancer who just finished a logo design. They send the final files and write, Per our agreement, here are the high-resolution exports. This confirms that the work is done and the contract is satisfied. Or consider an online shopper who received a damaged item. They might email customer support saying, "Per our agreement regarding returns, I would like a full refund." It shows you know your rights and you have been paying attention. In the world of streaming, a creator might use it with a sponsor: "Per our agreement, the 30-second ad spot will be included in tonight's video." It is also very common in real estate. "Per our agreement, the keys will be left in the lockbox at noon." It is the language of people who get things done. It is the verbal equivalent of a firm handshake, even if that handshake is happening through a computer screen.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you want to appear organized and reliable. It is perfect for follow-up emails after a networking event or a job interview. "Per our agreement during the interview, I am sending over my portfolio." Use it when you are submitting work to a boss or a client. Use it when you are reminding someone of a deadline or a payment that was previously discussed. It is also a great shield if someone tries to change the plan on you. If a client asks for extra work for free, you can say, "Per our original agreement, this project includes three revisions." It is a polite way to say "No" without actually using the word. It keeps the conversation focused on the facts and the previous consensus. It is basically the professional version of "I have the screenshots of our chat."
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this phrase for casual, social plans. If you tell a friend, "Per our agreement, we are meeting at the cinema at 7," they will probably ask if you have joined a cult or started working for a law firm. It is too stiff for friendship. Also, avoid using it if there was never actually an agreement. If you use it to try and trick someone into doing something they didn't promise, it will backfire spectacularly. They will check their records, find nothing, and realize you are being "extra." Don't use it in very short, informal text messages. "Per our agreement, cya there" feels like a glitch in the Matrix. Lastly, avoid using it if the atmosphere is very tense or emotional. It can sometimes come across as cold or aggressive if the other person is already upset. Sometimes a simple "As we discussed" feels a bit more human and less like a court summons.
Common Mistakes
A very common error is adding extra words that don't belong. Many people say "As per our agreement." While people will understand you, it is actually redundant. Per already means "as per." It is like saying "ATM machine" (Automatic Teller Machine machine). Just stick to Per our agreement. Another mistake is mixing up the preposition. ✗ Per to our agreement is a big no-no. It sounds like you are still learning the ropes. Also, be careful with the word "agreement." If it was just a casual chat, As discussed or As we talked about might be more accurate. Using "agreement" implies a certain level of formality and finality. If you use it for something that wasn't finalized, the other person might feel pressured or confused. Precision is your friend here. Don't call a suggestion an "agreement" unless everyone actually said "Yes, let's do that."
Common Variations
If Per our agreement feels a bit too heavy for the situation, you have options. As agreed is a slightly shorter, punchier version. It is great for quick emails. In accordance with our agreement is even more formal—use that one if you are writing to a government agency or a very large corporation. Consistent with our discussion is a nice way to bridge the gap between a talk and a formal contract. If you are feeling a bit more casual but still professional, you can use As we discussed or As we talked about. In British English, you might occasionally hear Further to our agreement, which is quite posh and traditional. For modern, fast-paced environments like tech startups, Per our sync (referring to a synchronization meeting) is becoming quite popular. Choose the one that fits the "vibe" of your office.
Real Conversations
Speaker A: Hey, did you manage to finish the report for the marketing team?
Speaker B: Yes, per our agreement on Friday, I sent it over to them this morning.
Speaker A: The client is asking why we haven't started the second phase yet.
Speaker B: That's strange. Per our agreement, phase two isn't scheduled to start until next month.
Speaker A: I'm worried about the delivery timeline for the new furniture.
Speaker B: Don't worry. Per our agreement with the shipping company, it will be here by Wednesday.
Speaker A: Can we change the colors of the website layout again?
Speaker B: We can, but per our agreement, any additional design changes will require a new quote.
Quick FAQ
Is it always formal? Yes, it is generally considered a formal expression. While you might see it in professional Slacks, it is rarely used in purely social settings. Does it require a comma? Usually, yes. When it starts a sentence, a comma follows it to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause. Can I use it in a text? Only if it is a professional text to a client or colleague. Using it with friends will make you sound like a lawyer at a party. Is "As per" wrong? It is not "wrong," but it is considered less elegant by grammar experts. "Per" is cleaner and more professional. What is the difference between this and "As discussed"? "As discussed" is broader and can refer to a casual talk. "Agreement" implies a settled decision or a contract. Can I use it for verbal agreements? Absolutely. It is a great way to put a verbal promise into writing. Is it common in American English? Yes, it is a staple of American business communication. It is widely understood and used daily.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a staple of formal English business communication. Use it at the start of emails to provide context for your actions, and always remember to follow it with a comma. Avoid using it in casual social settings to prevent sounding overly stiff.
Use it for 'Soft' Enforcement
If you need to be firm but don't want to be 'the bad guy,' use 'per our agreement.' It shifts the authority to the document/decision rather than your personal opinion.
Don't Overuse It
Using this in every email makes you sound like a robot. Save it for when you actually need to reference a specific commitment.
Check the Vibe
In casual startups, try 'As we discussed' instead. It's friendlier but has the same meaning.
Examples
10Per our agreement, I am sending the invoice for the first milestone.
According to what we decided, I'm sending the first invoice.
A very standard and professional way to handle billing.
Per our agreement during the call, the project will begin on Monday.
As we decided during the call, the project starts Monday.
Confirms verbal decisions in a written format.
Hey! Per our agreement, I've updated the shared spreadsheet.
Hey! As we agreed, I updated the spreadsheet.
Slightly less formal due to the 'Hey!', but still clear.
Per our agreement, I just posted the story tag for the new collection!
As we agreed, I just posted the tag!
Modern influencer context for professional commitments.
Per our agreement, the repair costs will be deducted from next month's rent.
As we decided, the repair cost comes out of the rent.
Useful for ensuring legal/financial commitments are met.
✗ Per to our agreement, the meeting is at 5pm. → ✓ Per our agreement, the meeting is at 5pm.
According to our agreement...
Don't add 'to' after 'per'. It's a common mistake!
✗ Per our agree, I am here. → ✓ Per our agreement, I am here.
As we agreed, I am here.
You must use the noun 'agreement', not the verb 'agree'.
Per our agreement, you owe me exactly three fries for letting you use my Netflix.
As we decided, you owe me three fries.
Using formal language for trivial things is a common joke.
Per our agreement, I'll be picking up the rest of my things this Saturday.
As we decided, I'll get my stuff Saturday.
Used to keep a high-emotion situation organized and calm.
Per our agreement on the app, the driver will wait for ten minutes.
As stated on the app, the driver waits ten minutes.
Refers to terms of service or app-based contracts.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct formal phrase.
________ our agreement, the project deadline has been moved to Friday.
'Per' is the standard preposition used to mean 'according to' in this context.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal business email?
You need to remind a client about a signed contract.
This is grammatically correct and maintains the proper formal register.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Where would you most likely see 'Per our agreement'?
The phrase is highly formal and legalistic.
Fill in the missing line.
Manager: 'Why are you leaving at 3 PM?' Employee: '________________, I am working from home this afternoon.'
This professionally reminds the manager of a prior arrangement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises________ our agreement, the project deadline has been moved to Friday.
'Per' is the standard preposition used to mean 'according to' in this context.
You need to remind a client about a signed contract.
This is grammatically correct and maintains the proper formal register.
Where would you most likely see 'Per our agreement'?
The phrase is highly formal and legalistic.
Manager: 'Why are you leaving at 3 PM?' Employee: '________________, I am working from home this afternoon.'
This professionally reminds the manager of a prior arrangement.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not 'wrong'—it's very common. However, 'as' is redundant. Style guides like the Oxford Guide to Plain English suggest using just 'per'.
Only if you are being funny or if you are texting a business contact in a very formal industry. Otherwise, it's too stiff.
Yes, in this context, 'per' is a direct synonym for 'according to' or 'in accordance with'.
Usually singular ('agreement') unless you are referencing multiple different contracts or deals.
It's better to say 'Per our conversation' or 'As we discussed'. 'Per our talk' sounds a bit awkward.
Yes, it is extremely common in American business and legal correspondence.
Try 'Like we agreed' or 'As promised'.
It can sound a bit 'cold' or 'demanding' if used in a sensitive situation. Use it when you need to be clear and professional.
It's rare and very formal. 'According to John' is much more natural than 'Per John'.
Yes, in meetings or formal presentations, but less often in casual office chat.
Related Phrases
As agreed
similarA slightly less formal way to say the same thing.
Pursuant to
specialized formIn accordance with (a law or contract).
In line with
similarConsistent with something else.
Contrary to
contrastThe opposite of what was expected or agreed.