The phrase “as per” appears frequently in emails, contracts, workplace communication, and official documents. You may have seen sentences like “As per your request” or “As per company policy.” Understanding the as per meaning helps you use this common phrase correctly in both professional and everyday English.
Although as per is widely accepted in business English, some style guides prefer simpler alternatives such as according to or under, especially in general writing. Knowing when and how to use the phrase can make your communication clearer and more professional.
In this guide, you’ll learn the complete as per meaning, grammar rules, examples, common mistakes, synonyms, and frequently asked questions.
What Does As Per Mean?
Quick Definition
The as per meaning is according to, following, or in accordance with.
Most Common Meaning
The phrase indicates that something is done because of:
- Instructions
- Rules
- Requests
- Agreements
- Policies
- Plans
Key Characteristics
“As per” often introduces:
- A reference
- A requirement
- A request
- A guideline
- A document
- An agreement
Origin of the Phrase As Per
The phrase combines:
- As
- Per
The word per comes from Latin, meaning through, by, or according to.
Over time, as per became a common expression in legal and business English.
Today, it is widely used in workplaces around the world.
As Per Meaning in Business
The as per meaning is especially common in business communication.
Examples include:
- As per your instructions
- As per our agreement
- As per company policy
- As per today’s meeting
- As per your email
These expressions indicate that an action follows previously established guidance.
As Per Meaning in Emails
Many professional emails begin with phrases such as:
- As per your request…
- As per our conversation…
- As per the attached document…
- As per yesterday’s discussion…
- As per your approval…
These introductions remind the reader of earlier communication.
As Per Meaning in Legal Writing
Legal documents frequently use as per to refer to:
- Contracts
- Regulations
- Court orders
- Agreements
- Policies
Example:
“As per the contract, payment is due within 30 days.”
Here, the phrase means according to the contract.
Is As Per Grammatically Correct?
Yes.
The phrase as per is grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in business and legal English.
However, in less formal writing, many editors recommend alternatives such as:
- According to
- Under
- Following
- In accordance with
- Based on
These alternatives often sound more natural.
Common Examples of As Per
Example 1
“As per your request, I have attached the report.”
Meaning: According to your request.
Example 2
“As per company policy, employees must wear ID badges.”
Meaning: Following company policy.
Example 3
“As per our agreement, the work will begin next Monday.”
Meaning: According to our agreement.
Example 4
“As per the schedule, the meeting starts at 10 a.m.”
Meaning: According to the schedule.
Example 5
“As per your email, the payment has already been processed.”
Meaning: According to your email.
As Per in Everyday English
Although common in workplaces, as per also appears in daily conversations.
Examples:
- As per the recipe…
- As per the instructions…
- As per the weather forecast…
- As per the map…
However, many native English speakers simply say:
- According to the recipe
- Following the instructions
These alternatives often sound more natural in casual speech.
Common Mistakes When Using As Per
Using It Too Often
Repeating as per in every sentence can make writing sound overly formal.
Using It Without a Reference
The phrase should refer to a specific instruction, agreement, or source.
Incorrect:
“As per, we finished the work.”
Correct:
“As per your instructions, we finished the work.”
Choosing Formal Language in Casual Situations
In informal conversations, according to or following may sound more natural.
Synonyms of As Per
Depending on context, alternatives include:
- According to
- Following
- In accordance with
- Under
- Based on
- Pursuant to (legal)
- Consistent with
- In line with
Examples of As Per Meaning
Example 1
Person A: What does “as per” mean?
Person B: It means according to or following something.
Meaning: Basic definition.
Example 2
Person A: Why did you send the report?
Person B: As per your request.
Meaning: Following a request.
Example 3
Person A: Why is everyone wearing helmets?
Person B: As per safety regulations.
Meaning: According to the rules.
Example 4
Person A: Why did the project change?
Person B: As per management’s decision.
Meaning: Following a decision.
Example 5
Person A: Is “as per” professional?
Person B: Yes, especially in business writing.
Meaning: Workplace usage.
Related Expressions
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| According to | Based on information |
| Following | After or according to |
| In accordance with | Consistent with |
| Based on | Using as a foundation |
| Under | According to a rule or law |
| In line with | Consistent with |
| Pursuant to | According to (legal) |
| Consistent with | Matching or following |
Is As Per Formal or Informal?
The as per meaning is generally associated with formal English.
It is commonly used in:
- Business emails
- Legal documents
- Government communication
- Contracts
- Official letters
For casual conversations, according to is often the preferred choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is as per meaning?
The as per meaning is according to, following, or in accordance with.
Is as per grammatically correct?
Yes. It is grammatically correct and widely used in formal English.
What is another way to say as per?
Common alternatives include according to, following, and based on.
Can I use as per in emails?
Yes. It is commonly used in professional emails.
Is as per formal?
Yes. It is generally considered formal business English.
What does as per your request mean?
It means following your request or according to what you asked.
Should I use according to instead of as per?
In many situations, according to sounds more natural, especially in everyday English.
Is as per common in business?
Yes. It is widely used in workplaces around the world.
How do you use as per in a sentence?
Example: “As per our discussion, the meeting has been rescheduled.”
Can as per refer to rules?
Yes. Example: “As per company policy, visitors must sign in.”
Conclusion
The as per meaning refers to doing something according to, following, or in accordance with instructions, rules, agreements, or requests. It is one of the most common phrases in business, legal, and professional communication because it clearly connects an action to an established source or guideline. While perfectly correct in formal writing, alternatives such as according to or following are often preferred in everyday English. Understanding the as per meaning helps you communicate more accurately and professionally in emails, reports, contracts, and daily conversations.
Related posts:
Miles Name Meaning Origin, History, Personality Traits & Popularity (2026)
Best Pick Your Brain Meaning Definition, Origin, Examples & Professional Usage (2026)
Best CW Meaning Definition, Social Media, Texting, Medical & Other Uses (2026)
Best Salad Days Meaning Definition, Origin, Shakespeare, Examples & Complete Guide (2026)