As Per Your Request vs. Per Your Request – Which is Correct?

When deciding between “as per your request” and “per your request,” the latter, “per your request,” is generally preferred. Both phrases convey the same meaning of “according to your request,” but “per your request” is more concise, direct, and widely accepted in professional and formal writing. While “as per” is not strictly incorrect, many consider the “as” to be redundant.

As Per Your Request or Per Your Request – Which is Correct?

Both “as per your request” and “per your request” are used to indicate that an action is being taken in accordance with someone’s previous instruction or inquiry. However, a significant distinction lies in conciseness and common usage. “Per your request” is the more streamlined and widely adopted phrase, especially in business and legal contexts. The addition of “as” in “as per your request” is often seen as redundant by grammarians and style guides, as “per” itself already means “according to” or “in accordance with.” While not grammatically incorrect, “as per” can sound slightly antiquated or overly formal to some ears, and it adds an unnecessary word.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

The simplest trick to remember the difference is the “Conciseness Rule.” Think: “Less is more.” Since “per” already means “according to,” adding “as” is often redundant. If you can remove a word without changing the meaning, it’s usually better to do so for clarity and conciseness. Therefore, “per your request” is the more efficient and often preferred option.

Phrase	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
As Per Your Request	Prepositional Phrase	According to your request; in compliance with your request.	“As per your request, we have shipped the documents.”
Per Your Request	Prepositional Phrase	According to your request; in compliance with your request.	“Per your request, the meeting has been rescheduled.”

How to Use As Per Your Request

The phrase “as per your request” functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing information that fulfills a previous request. While grammatically sound, its usage has declined in favor of the more concise “per your request.” It tends to appear in more formal or traditional business correspondence, but it can sometimes sound slightly verbose or dated. It conveys a tone of direct compliance, but the “as” is often seen as an unnecessary intensifier or redundancy.

Example 1: “As per your request, the revised budget proposal has been attached to this email.”

Example 2: “The report was compiled, as per your request, to include all quarterly sales figures.”

Example 3: “We have adjusted the delivery schedule as per your request, ensuring the package arrives by Friday.”

Etymology of the phrase As Per Your Request

The phrase “as per” combines “as,” originating from Old English meaning “like” or “in the same way,” with “per,” which comes from Latin, meaning “through,” “by means of,” or “according to.” The use of “per” to mean “according to” dates back to the 15th century in English, often in legal or commercial contexts. The combination “as per” gained popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in business English, though it has faced criticism for redundancy since then.

How to Use Per Your Request

“Per your request” is the more modern, concise, and widely preferred phrase for indicating compliance with a previous request. It is a highly efficient prepositional phrase commonly used in professional communication, including emails, memos, and formal documents. Its directness makes it clear and unambiguous, conveying a tone of professionalism and efficiency. This phrase is a staple in business English for its clarity and brevity.

Example 1: “Per your request, I have forwarded the relevant documents to your team.”

Example 2: “The conference room has been booked for 2 PM, per your request.”

Example 3: “We’ve initiated the refund process per your request; you should see it reflected within 3-5 business days.”

Etymology of the phrase Per Your Request

The word “per” has its roots in Latin, meaning “through,” “by,” or “for each.” In English, it has been used since the 15th century, especially in commercial and legal contexts, to mean “according to” or “in accordance with.” The phrase “per your request” evolved from this usage, providing a succinct way to state that an action aligns with a prior instruction. Its conciseness and Latin origin give it a formal yet efficient quality that has made it a standard in professional communication.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts related to prepositions and conciseness can help clarify why “per your request” is often preferred over “as per your request.”

• Prepositions: Prepositions are words or phrases that link a noun or pronoun to other words in a sentence, indicating relationships of direction, time, place, manner, or cause. “Per” is a preposition, and “per your request” acts as a prepositional phrase, showing the manner in which an action is performed.
• Redundancy in Language: Redundancy occurs when words or phrases are repeated unnecessarily, adding no new meaning. The “as” in “as per” is often considered redundant because “per” already carries the meaning of “according to.” Eliminating such redundancies makes writing clearer and more impactful.

Examples from Media and Literature

While “as per your request” might be found in older or very formal texts, “per your request” is common in contemporary professional communication. Here are examples illustrating the correct and preferred usage:

• “We have initiated the transfer of funds, per your request, to your designated account.” (Business Correspondence)
• “The new policy details have been circulated to all department heads, per your request for transparency.” (Corporate Memo)
• “Please find attached the updated inventory list, per your request during our meeting yesterday.” (Email Communication)
• “The legal team reviewed the contract amendments per your request and provided their feedback.” (Legal Document Summary)
• “The architect modified the blueprints per your request to include the additional sunroom.” (Construction Project Update)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The changes to the website were made ______ your request.
2. I have enclosed the necessary forms, ______ your request, for your review.
3. ______ your request, the catering order has been updated to include vegetarian options.
4. We will proceed with the project launch on Monday, ______ your request for an earlier date.
5. The documents have been sent to your new address, ______ your request for a change of mailing information.

Answer Key

1. per (or as per)
2. per (or as per)
3. Per (or As per)
4. per (or as per)
5. per (or as per)

Per Your Request Synonyms

Since “as per your request” and “per your request” carry the same core meaning, the synonyms apply to both phrases.

Synonym	Definition
According to your request	In agreement with what you asked for.
In accordance with your request	Following the terms or spirit of your request.
As you requested	A more direct and often more casual way to say the same thing.
As instructed	Following the instructions given.
As advised	Following the advice or recommendation given.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “as per” always incorrect?
No, “as per” is not always strictly incorrect, but it is often considered redundant and less concise than simply “per.” While it might be found in older or very formal legal documents, modern style guides generally advise against its use in favor of “per” or “according to.”

Question 2: Can I use “as you requested” instead of “per your request”?
Yes, “as you requested” is a perfectly acceptable and often more natural-sounding alternative. It is less formal than “per your request” but conveys the same meaning effectively and clearly.

Question 3: What’s the benefit of using “per your request” over “as per your request”?
The primary benefit is conciseness and clarity. By omitting the redundant “as,” you make your writing more direct and efficient, which is highly valued in professional and business communication. It also aligns with contemporary English usage and style preferences.

Conclusion

While both “as per your request” and “per your request” are understood, the more concise and widely accepted phrase in modern English is “per your request.” This shorter version communicates the same meaning (“according to your request”) without the perceived redundancy of “as.” Opting for “per your request” demonstrates a commitment to clear, efficient communication.

Pro Tip: In professional correspondence, conciseness often equates to clarity and respect for the reader’s time. Choosing “per your request” not only improves your writing’s flow but also reinforces a professional and precise image.