Introduction
Have you ever received an email that says, “Please find the attached file as per your request” or “The document has been updated as requested”? These phrases appear in business emails, customer support messages, and formal communication every day.
Many English learners and even native speakers wonder whether this expression is correct, when to use it, and if there are better alternatives that sound more natural. While it is widely accepted in professional writing, overusing it can make your communication feel repetitive or overly formal.
This guide explains everything you need to know about this common business phrase. You’ll learn its meaning, where it fits best, common mistakes to avoid, examples from real life, and modern alternatives that make your writing smoother. Whether you’re writing emails, reports, letters, or workplace messages, understanding this expression will help you communicate more clearly and professionally.
What Does This Expression Mean?
This phrase simply means “according to what someone asked for” or “following someone’s request.”
It tells the reader that the writer has completed an action because someone asked for it.
Simple meaning
- Based on your request
- Following your instructions
- According to what you asked
- In response to your request
Example
✔ I have attached the invoice following your request.
This lets the reader know that the attachment was sent because they asked for it.
Why Is It Common in Professional Communication?
Businesses value clear communication. Employees often need to show that they completed a task requested by a customer, manager, or colleague.
This expression helps connect the completed action with the original request.
You’ll often see it in:
- Business emails
- Customer service replies
- Office communication
- Legal documents
- Government letters
- HR messages
- Project updates
- Financial reports
It creates a polite and professional tone.
Common Situations Where It Is Used
The phrase appears in many workplace situations.
Email replies
Someone asks for information.
Example:
Please find the updated quotation attached following your request.
Sending documents
Examples include:
- Contracts
- Reports
- Certificates
- Receipts
- Invoices
Customer support
Support teams frequently respond like this:
We have reset your password according to your request.
Office communication
Managers often write:
The presentation has been revised based on your feedback.
Educational settings
Teachers may say:
Your assignment has been reviewed following your submission request.
Different Ways to Express the Same Idea
Using different wording keeps your writing fresh and natural.
AlternativeBest Used InFormalityAs requestedEmailsHighAccording to your requestFormal lettersHighFollowing your requestBusiness writingHighBased on your requestCustomer serviceMediumAs you requestedEveryday emailsMediumIn response to your requestOfficial communicationHighPer your requestAmerican business EnglishMediumAs requested earlierFollow-up emailsMedium
Choosing different expressions makes your communication sound more natural.
Examples in Everyday Communication
Here are practical examples.
Business Email
Hello Sarah,
The updated proposal has been attached following your request.
Please let me know if you need any changes.
Best regards,
James
Customer Service
The replacement product has been shipped based on your request.
Human Resources
Your leave balance has been updated according to your request.
School
The corrected worksheet has been shared as requested.
Banking
Your account statement has been emailed following your request.
Healthcare
Your appointment has been rescheduled according to your request.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many learners make small mistakes when using this expression.
Mistake 1: Repeating it too often
❌ Following your request, the report has been updated following your request.
Better:
✔ The report has been updated as requested.
Mistake 2: Using it in casual conversations
Friends usually don’t speak this way.
Instead of:
❌ I bought pizza according to your request.
Say:
✔ I got the pizza you asked for.
Mistake 3: Adding unnecessary words
Avoid:
❌ Kindly please find attached according to your request.
Better:
✔ Please find the attached file as requested.
Mistake 4: Using it without a request
Don’t use it if nobody actually asked for something.
Incorrect:
❌ I sent the file following your request.
(If no request existed.)
Benefits of Using This Phrase Correctly
Using professional language offers many advantages.
Builds trust
Readers know you completed their request.
Improves clarity
The purpose of the email becomes obvious.
Sounds professional
It creates a polished business image.
Saves time
Readers quickly understand why they received the message.
Creates better customer experience
Customers appreciate clear communication.
Some additional benefits include:
- Better workplace communication
- Fewer misunderstandings
- More professional emails
- Clear documentation
- Improved client relationships
Real-Life Examples
Let’s look at practical workplace situations.
Example 1: Job Application
A recruiter asks for additional certificates.
Reply:
The requested certificates have been attached for your review.
Example 2: Client Project
A client asks for design changes.
Reply:
The latest design has been updated based on your feedback.
Example 3: School
A teacher requests a revised assignment.
Reply:
I have uploaded the revised assignment following your comments.
Example 4: Online Shopping
A customer requests a refund.
Reply:
Your refund has been processed according to your request.
Example 5: IT Department
An employee requests software access.
Reply:
Access has been granted as requested.
Tips for Writing Better Professional Emails
Instead of relying on one expression every time, mix your wording.
Helpful tips:
- Keep sentences short.
- Mention the completed action first.
- Use polite language.
- Avoid unnecessary formal words.
- Proofread before sending.
- Be specific.
- Mention attachments clearly.
- End with an invitation for further questions.
Example:
Hello David,
I’ve attached the updated budget report you requested.
Please let me know if any additional revisions are needed.
Thank you.
This sounds friendly and professional.
Similar Expressions You Should Know
English offers many similar expressions.
According to
Used for rules, instructions, or information.
Example:
According to company policy, employees must wear ID cards.
Based on
Shows something was created using certain information.
Example:
The report was prepared based on survey results.
In response to
Often used in formal writing.
Example:
We are writing in response to your email.
Following
Means after something happened or because of something.
Example:
Following your meeting, the schedule was updated.
Upon
A formal word meaning immediately after.
Example:
Upon receiving your payment, we will ship the order.
Knowing these expressions makes your writing more varied.
Best Practices for Professional Communication
To make your emails stand out:
- Write a clear subject line.
- Begin with a greeting.
- State the purpose quickly.
- Mention completed actions clearly.
- Use polite closing remarks.
- Keep paragraphs short.
- Check grammar and spelling.
- Avoid repeating the same phrase in every email.
Professional writing should always be clear before being formal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this expression grammatically correct?
Yes. It is grammatically correct and widely used in business English.
2. Is it too formal?
It is formal but appropriate for workplaces, schools, and official communication.
3. Can I use it in casual conversations?
Usually no. Simpler phrases sound more natural with friends.
4. What is the best alternative?
“As requested” is one of the most common and natural alternatives.
5. Is “per your request” correct?
Yes. It is especially common in American business English.
6. Should I use it in every email?
No. Repeating the same wording makes writing feel repetitive. Mix different alternatives.
7. Is it polite?
Yes. It politely acknowledges that you completed someone’s request.
8. Can students use it?
Yes. It works well in formal emails to teachers, universities, or school offices.
Conclusion
This common business expression is a professional way to show that you completed an action because someone asked for it. It appears frequently in workplace emails, customer support messages, official letters, and business communication because it clearly connects the action with the original request.
Although it is correct and useful, good writing becomes stronger when you also use alternatives like as requested, following your request, based on your request, or in response to your request. Mixing these expressions keeps your communication natural while maintaining a professional tone.
By understanding where this phrase fits, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing the examples in this guide, you can write clearer emails, improve workplace communication, and sound more confident in professional English.