Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[river1974]

Dear teachers:

(a) The report was sent to the general manager as per your instructions.
(b) The report was sent to the general manager per your instructions.

Is there any difference between the above two sentences?

Thanks.

[bud]

I believe they're synonymous, River.

[advoca]

But who the heck uses as per or per any more? These remarkable words went out with elastic sided boots.

Students of the world, unite! Down with such out-moded expressions.

[river1974]

I am not sure whether such expressions are out-moded, but I do see them often in business letters from our foreign clients. As for me, I prefer to use "based on" instead of "per".

[kurisuti]

I have heard them before, but these words are not used in spoken English, or in written except for very formal (usually business) writing.
"As per" sounds more definite, that the instructions sent were strictly what the person wanted. Just saying "per" sounds a little careless, but still respectful.

[advoca]

But as per is so dreadfully old fashoned and so very stuffy.

Do people really still use this ancient and portentious phrase in the 21st century? My God!

I have done what you wanted as per your instructions,

And I remain, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

Joshua Fuddle-duddle.

I strongly advise any student of English to have a giggle if they see this ancient phrase in a letter or e-mail but NEVER NEVER to use it themselves,

[admiral]

I haven't ever heared of this expression.
_________________
If I say "I love you" to someone, then I also have to say "I love inside you everyone else. I love the whole world because of you. I also love myself inside you"

[pugachevV]

Well it may be out of date, but it's still used in formal business letters, which is why many people are learning English. So it's a good idea to know what it means.

Advoca is not impressed, as per usual.

[advoca]

Yes. I have no doubt that you will find it in business letters, but do not be fooled into thinking it is good modern English.

I am trying to teach modern english and good english. (Isn't this the best for my students? Don't you want to learn today's English and not the English of yesteryear?)

I suggest that you should not copy the bad English that still is around. Understand it by all means, but I beg you, do not copy it or use it. People who know will think you old-fashioned and stuffy. Copy the best.

Yes, I am not impressed as usual (not as per usual)