The term "as per" is a handy way to show that something is being done according to a specific guideline, rule, or request. Usually seen in formal contexts, it's a way to say "as directed by" or "according to." You might hear it in work emails, legal documents, or even casual conversations when someone wants to be precise.
In short:
When you hear "as per," it's a sign that what's being discussed is in line with some set guidelines or conditions. It's a way of pointing out that actions or decisions follow a particular rule, request, or model. For example, you might say, "As per your request, I've finished the report" in a workplace email, or "As per the recipe, I added a teaspoon of salt" when you're cooking.
Let's break it down:
The phrase "as per" originated around the year 1782 and is a combination of the words "as" and "per." It serves as a preposition and is used to indicate that something is in accordance with or according to a particular rule, guideline, or system. Despite its frequent use, some find it overly legalistic and avoid it. However, it is not incorrect and has been used to good effect in facetious mock-business English.
"Responsibility, for insufficiency in the exercise of his several functions, informative, indicative, and initiative, as per Section 3, Relation to Legislature."
- The Works of Jeremy Bentham: The Constitutional Code. 9, 1843
Let's look at how people use "as per" in different situations to get the idea:
Here are some examples from pop culture:
If you're looking for some simpler phrases, here are some other ways to say "as per":
"As per" is a phrase used to indicate that something is being done according to a certain rule, request, or guideline. It's a way of saying "according to" or "in accordance with."
You can use "as per" to show that an action or decision is based on specific guidelines or instructions. For example: "As per company policy, employees must wear badges" or "As per the teacher's instructions, the students formed groups."
"As per" is often seen as a bit more formal and is commonly used in written documents like emails, contracts, or policies. But you can also hear it in casual conversations.
No, "as per" can be used in a variety of situations, not just professional ones. You might hear someone say, "As per usual, she was late to the party," in a more casual setting.
Yes, "as per" is understood in many English-speaking countries, although the usage may vary slightly from place to place.
While both phrases can often be used interchangeably, "as per" is often seen as more formal. "According to" is more common in everyday speech.
Yes, "as per" can be used to describe future actions that will follow certain guidelines or plans. For example: "As per the schedule, the meeting will start at 3 p.m. tomorrow."
Mostly, yes. "As per" usually precedes a noun or noun phrase that specifies the rule or guideline being followed. For example: "As per the manual, turn off the machine before cleaning."
Generally, "per" can be used in place of "as per," but it might make the statement sound less formal. For example, "Per your request, I have updated the document" is similar in meaning to "As per your request, I have updated the document."
Yes, "as per" is often found in legal documents to denote compliance with specific laws or regulations. It indicates that actions are in line with legal requirements.
The phrase "as per" is a useful way to express that something is in accordance with a particular rule, guideline, or wish. It's a versatile term that's at home in both formal and casual settings.
Here's a quick recap: