35 Other Ways to Say “I Was Referred to You By” (With Examples)

When introducing yourself in a professional or personal context, selecting the right words can shape the way your message is received. Saying “I Was Referred to You By” someone shows trust, recommendation, and credibility, but repeating the same phrase can feel stiff or overused, making it harder to create a warm, approachable impression. Exploring alternatives and thoughtful variations in communication helps maintain a natural, respectful tone while still leaving the best impression.

What Does “I Was Referred to You By” Mean?

The phrase “I Was Referred to You By“ is used when you’re introducing yourself and acknowledging that someone else-often a mutual contact, colleague, or trusted person-recommended that you connect. It signals credibility, trust, and a bridge of connection, which often makes your message more likely to be welcomed.

When to Use “I Was Referred to You By”

You should use this phrase or one of its alternatives when:

• Reaching out to a professional contact through networking.
• Applying for a job where a referral increases your chances.
• Introducing yourself in sales or business development.
• Making personal introductions where a trusted connection adds weight.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “I Was Referred to You By”?

Yes-this phrase is considered both professional and polite. It shows respect for the person you’re reaching out to while giving context to your connection. However, using it too often or without variation can sound generic. Choosing an alternative can make your message more personalized and engaging.

Pros or Cons

Pros:

• Establishes trust quickly.
• Provides context for your outreach.
• Acknowledges and honors the person who referred you.

Cons:

• It can feel formulaic if overused.
• It may sound too formal in casual contexts.
• Lacks warmth if not paired with a thoughtful message.

I Was Referred to You By Synonyms:

• We were introduced through [Name].
• I learned about you from [Name].
• Your name came highly recommended by [Name.]
• I was guided to you by [Name].
• I heard about your work from [Name]
• I came across your details through [Name]
• I was connected to you by [Name]
• Through [Name], I had the pleasure of hearing about you.
• I was introduced to your work by [Name]
• I reached out on [Name]’s suggestion.
• We share a connection in [Name]
• [Name] thought I should get in touch with you.
• I’m reaching out at [Name]’s recommendation
• I was pointed in your direction by [Name]
• I understand we share a mutual connection in [Name]
• I first heard of you from [Name]
• I’ve been encouraged by [Name] to contact you.
• I discovered your profile through [Name]
• [Name] spoke very highly of you.
• I found my way to you thanks to [Name].
• I was referred to your expertise by [Name].
• I was told you’d be the right person to speak with by [Name].
• I was given your details by [Name].
• Your work was brought to my attention by [Name].
• I was sent your way by [Name].
• You were recommended to me by [Name].
• I was fortunate to be introduced to you by [Name].
• I found your information through [Name].
• [Name] connected us.
• I was told you could help me by [Name].
• I was lucky enough to be referred to you by [Name].
• I was introduced to your expertise through [Name]
• I received your contact from [Name].
• I was encouraged to connect with you by [Name].
• I came recommended to you through [Name].

We were introduced through [Name].

Meaning:
Highlights a direct introduction rather than just a referral.

Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes the mutual connection more warmly.

Example:
We were introduced through Sarah, who thought we might share some ideas about marketing strategies.

Best Use:
Networking or business introductions.

Worst Use:
Formal applications where you need a strict referral mention.

Tone:
Friendly, approachable, and personal.

I learned about you from [Name].

Meaning:
Shows that someone brought attention to the person’s work.

Explanation:
This alternative is more conversational than direct.

Example:
I learned about you from Michael, who spoke highly of your expertise in leadership training.

Best Use:
Professional networking, casual introductions.

Worst Use:
Legal or strict corporate contexts.

Tone:
Respectful and conversational.

Your name came highly recommended by [Name.]

Meaning:
Stresses the strength of the referral.

Explanation:
Ideal for showing respect for the recipient’s expertise.

Example:
Your name came highly recommended by John, who suggested I reach out about potential collaboration.

Best Use:
Business partnerships, job referrals.

Worst Use:
Informal or casual chats.

Tone:
Professional and admiring.

I was guided to you by [Name].

Meaning:
Suggests direction and intentional referral.

Explanation:
Works well when the referrer gives a clear path to connect.

Example:
I was guided to you by Laura, who thought you’d be the right person to discuss career growth opportunities.

Best Use:
Career coaching, mentorship outreach.

Worst Use:
Overly casual settings.

Tone:
Formal yet thoughtful.

I heard about your work from [Name]

Meaning:
Points to the recipient’s achievements rather than just the referral.

Explanation:
This alternative brings in admiration for the person’s skills or reputation.

Example:
I heard about your work from David, who mentioned your impactful projects in environmental research.

Best Use:
Complimenting professionals, networking.

Worst Use:
Direct job applications require a formal referral.

Tone:
Appreciative and warm.

I came across your details through [Name]

Meaning:
Acknowledges that the connection came through a specific source.

Explanation:
Neutral yet professional.

Example:
I came across your details through Maria, who suggested I connect regarding partnership opportunities.

Best Use:
Business outreach.

Worst Use:
Informal conversations.

Tone:
Polite and straightforward.

I was connected to you by [Name]

Meaning:
Suggests that the person actively connected you two.

Explanation:
Emphasizes a direct bridge made by the referrer.

Example:
I was connected to you by Emma, who thought our work aligned.

Best Use:
Networking, collaborations.

Worst Use:
Formal legal introductions.

Tone:
Neutral-professional.

Through [Name], I had the pleasure of hearing about you.

Meaning:
Adds warmth by including pleasure.

Explanation:
Ideal when you want to sound appreciative.

Example:
Through Jacob, I had the pleasure of hearing about your teaching methods.

Best Use:
Warm introductions, professional compliments.

Worst Use:
Strict job applications.

Tone:
Polite, warm, and respectful.

I was introduced to your work by [Name]

Meaning:
Acknowledges the person’s professional contributions.

Explanation:
Instead of focusing only on a referral, this highlights awareness of their work.

Example:
I was introduced to your work by Anna, who shared your recent article on leadership.

Best Use:
Professional settings, networking.

Worst Use:
Casual chats where work isn’t relevant.

Tone:
Respectful and professional.

I reached out on [Name]’s suggestion.

Meaning:
Credits the referrer’s advice as the reason for contact.

Explanation:
This sounds polite and shows respect for the mutual connection.

Example:
I reached out on James’s suggestion, as he believed we’d have a great conversation about design trends.

Best Use:
Networking, informational interviews.

Worst Use:
Formal job applications.

Tone:
Warm and courteous.

We share a connection in [Name]

Meaning:
Emphasizes the mutual link rather than just a one-way referral.

Explanation:
This helps establish common ground quickly.

Example:
We share a connection in Rachel, who thought we should connect on our shared interest in community outreach.

Best Use:
LinkedIn introductions, networking.

Worst Use:
Very formal correspondence.

Tone:
Friendly, approachable.

[Name] thought I should get in touch with you.

Meaning:
Indicates that the contact was encouraged by someone trusted.

Explanation:
It shows that the outreach is intentional, not random.

Example:
Maria thought I should get in touch with you regarding nonprofit collaboration opportunities.

Best Use:
Business or project outreach.

Worst Use:
Cold applications without prior context.

Tone:
Respectful and professional.

I’m reaching out at [Name]’s recommendation

Meaning:
A classic alternative to the main phrase.

Explanation:
Keeps it formal while sounding polished.

Example:
I’m reaching out at David’s recommendation to learn more about your team’s research work.

Best Use:
Career introductions, professional emails.

Worst Use:
Informal settings.

Tone:
Formal and polished.

I was pointed in your direction by [Name]

Meaning:
Suggests guidance toward expertise.

Explanation:
Works when someone guides you to the right person.

Example:
I was pointed in your direction by Claire when I asked about branding strategies.

Best Use:
Consulting, advice-seeking.

Worst Use:
Job referrals.

Tone:
Neutral but appreciative.

I understand we share a mutual connection in [Name]

Meaning:
Spotlights the shared relationship.

Explanation:
Builds instant trust by mentioning mutuality.

Example:
I understand we share a mutual connection in Mark, who mentioned your expertise in policy.

Best Use:
Networking, professional circles.

Worst Use:
Strict application forms.

Tone:
Polite, friendly.

I first heard of you from [Name]

Meaning:
Acknowledges where the first impression came from.

Explanation:
Adds authenticity to your introduction.

Example:
I first heard of you from Susan, who spoke highly of your financial literacy workshops.

Best Use:
Professional admiration.

Worst Use:
Cold business pitches.

Tone:
Genuine and warm.

I’ve been encouraged by [Name] to contact you.

Meaning:
Shows active encouragement from someone trusted.

Explanation:
Carries a positive sense of motivation.

Example:
I’ve been encouraged by Alex to contact you about grant opportunities.

Best Use:
Mentorship or advice-seeking.

Worst Use:
Informal situations.

Tone:
Motivated, respectful.

I discovered your profile through [Name]

Meaning:
Points to a profile discovery via referral.

Explanation:
Especially useful in online networking.

Example:
I discovered your profile through Henry, who thought we might have shared interests.

Best Use:
LinkedIn messages.

Worst Use:
Formal legal contexts.

Tone:
Friendly and professional.

[Name] spoke very highly of you

Meaning:
Places emphasis on the praise given by the referrer.

Explanation:
Compliments while giving context.

Example:
Julia spoke very highly of you and suggested I reach out.

Best Use:
Networking and collaborations.

Worst Use:
Formal resumes/applications.

Tone:
Warm and complimentary.

I found my way to you thanks to [Name].

Meaning:
Adds a personal touch to the referral.

Explanation:
Suggests a natural, warm connection.

Example:
I found my way to you thanks to Robert, who said you’re the best person to discuss career growth.

Best Use:
Mentorship outreach.

Worst Use:
Very formal situations.

Tone:
Personal and warm.

I was referred to your expertise by [Name].

Meaning:
Directly mentions expertise.

Explanation:
Adds respect for the person’s professional skills.

Example:
I was referred to your expertise by Ethan, who thought you’d have insight into this matter.

Best Use:
Professional inquiries.

Worst Use:
Social chats.

Tone:
Respectful and professional.

I was told you’d be the right person to speak with by [Name].

Meaning:
Establishes the person as a trusted authority.

Explanation:
Great for showing reliance on their credibility.

Example:
I was told you’d be the right person to speak with by Olivia regarding supply chain solutions.

Best Use:
Business and professional referrals.

Worst Use:
Informal introductions.

Tone:
Confident yet polite.

I was given your details by [Name].

Meaning:
Straightforward and factual.

Explanation:
Works when contact information is passed on.

Example:
I was given your details by Sarah to discuss an opening in your department.

Best Use:
Job applications, formal introductions.

Worst Use:
Casual networking.

Tone:
Formal and direct.

Your work was brought to my attention by [Name].

Meaning:
Focuses on the impact of their work.

Explanation:
Adds recognition and respect.

Example:
Your work was brought to my attention by Chris, who admired your leadership workshops.

Best Use:
Academic or professional networking.

Worst Use:
Casual notes.

Tone:
Professional, admiring.

I was sent your way by [Name].

Meaning:
Suggests a friendly referral.

Explanation:
Simple and approachable.

Example:
I was sent your way by Mark, who believed you could guide me in project management.

Best Use:
Informal networking.

Worst Use:
Highly formal letters.

Tone:
Friendly and approachable.

You were recommended to me by [Name].

Meaning:
Very direct acknowledgment.

Explanation:
Clear and polite alternative.

Example:
You were recommended to me by Laura, who valued your design insights.

Best Use:
Business and professional introductions.

Worst Use:
Too repetitive in casual use.

Tone:
Neutral-professional.

I was fortunate to be introduced to you by [Name].

Meaning:
Adds a sense of gratitude.

Explanation:
Great for sounding appreciative.

Example:
I was fortunate to be introduced to you by Anthony, who said we’d have much to share.

Best Use:
Mentorship, warm introductions.

Worst Use:
Overly formal settings.

Tone:
Appreciative, kind.

I found your information through [Name].

Meaning:
Straightforward acknowledgement of the source.

Explanation:
Neutral yet professional.

Example:
I found your information through Sophia, who thought you’d be helpful for my research.

Best Use:
Academic or professional.

Worst Use:
Social networking.

Tone:
Direct and polite.

[Name] connected us.

Meaning:
Emphasizes active connection.

Explanation:
Short and effective.

Example:
Rachel connected us because of our shared interest in sustainable fashion.

Best Use:
Networking platforms.

Worst Use:
Highly formal contexts.

Tone:
Friendly and casual.

I was told you could help me by [Name].

Meaning:
Centers on the recipient’s helpfulness.

Explanation:
Good when seeking advice or guidance.

Example:
I was told you could help me by Lisa regarding job applications.

Best Use:
Mentorship, support-seeking.

Worst Use:
Strict business deals.

Tone:
Polite, seeking guidance.

I was lucky enough to be referred to you by [Name].

Meaning:
Expresses gratitude and fortune in being connected.

Explanation:
This variation highlights that the referral is seen as a valuable opportunity, making the introduction warmer.

Example:
I was lucky enough to be referred to you by Emma, who spoke so highly of your mentoring skills.

Best Use:
Mentorship requests, professional opportunities, and career networking.

Worst Use:
Highly formal business/legal contexts, where lucky may sound too casual.

Tone:
Grateful, warm, appreciative.

I was introduced to your expertise through [Name]

Meaning:
Directly acknowledges the person’s skills or authority.

Explanation:
This phrase highlights expertise, making it respectful and professional.

Example:
I was introduced to your expertise through Daniel, who admired your contributions in project management.

Best Use:
Professional introductions where you want to show respect.

Worst Use:
Casual social networking.

Tone:
Formal, admiring, respectful.

I received your contact from [Name].

Meaning:
Straightforward acknowledgment of where the contact info came from.

Explanation:
Keeps it short, clear, and factual, without extra emotion.

Example:
I received your contact from Sarah, who said you’re the right person to discuss marketing roles with.

Best Use:
Job applications, professional inquiries, and formal introductions.

Worst Use:
Overly casual conversations, where it might sound stiff.

Tone:
Direct, formal, and neutral.

I was encouraged to connect with you by [Name]

Meaning:
Shows that the referrer actively motivated you to reach out.

Explanation:
Signals positivity and that the outreach is backed by encouragement and support.

Example
I was encouraged to connect with you by Alex, who felt we’d collaborate well on non-profit initiatives.

Best Use:
Collaborative projects, networking opportunities.

Worst Use:
Cold corporate emails were encouraged, but might feel too informal.

Tone:
Friendly, professional, and motivated.

I came recommended to you through [Name].

Meaning:
Polished way of saying you were recommended by someone trusted.

Explanation:
Keeps it formal but softer than “I Was Referred to You By“.

Example:
I came recommended to you through Paul, who believed your expertise would be invaluable to my research.

Best Use:
Professional referrals, introductions, and academic networking.

Worst Use:
Informal or personal contexts.

Tone:
Polite, professional, and refined.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right way to say “I Was Referred to You By“ can make all the difference in how your message is received. Whether you’re writing a professional email, reaching out for networking, or simply acknowledging a recommendation, your choice of words shows thoughtfulness and respect. Using a variety of expressions not only keeps your communication fresh but also helps you adapt to different tones-whether you need to sound formal, casual, warm, or approachable.

Each alternative carries its own weight. Some phrases lean professional, while others feel more personal and conversational. The key is knowing who you’re speaking to and what you want to achieve. A formal introduction might call for I was introduced to you by, while a softer, more friendly approach could be A mutual connection suggested I reach out. Both serve the same purpose but carry different emotional tones.

The beauty of language lies in its flexibility. By experimenting with these 35 alternatives, you’ll never feel stuck using the same phrase again. Instead, you’ll be able to match your wording to your intent, making your conversations smoother and more impactful.

At the end of the day, the goal is simple: acknowledge the referral with gratitude, clarity, and respect. When you do that, your message doesn’t just get read-it resonates.

FAQs

Is it professional to say “I Was Referred to You By”?

Yes, it is. It’s widely accepted in business and networking contexts. Just make sure to mention the referrer’s name clearly and keep your tone polite and professional.

What’s a casual alternative to “I Was Referred to You By”?

A casual option could be: A friend suggested I get in touch with you. It feels light, warm, and friendly, perfect for personal or informal situations.

Should I always mention the name of the person who referred me?

Yes. Naming the referrer adds trust and context. Without it, your introduction may feel vague or incomplete. Always clarify who made the connection.

Can I use these alternatives in emails and messages?

Absolutely. These phrases work well in both written and verbal communication. Adjust the tone based on whether you’re writing a formal email or sending a casual message.

What’s the best alternative for networking events?

Try: I was introduced to you through [Name]. It’s respectful, clear, and fits perfectly in professional or semi-formal networking environments.