Saying “I was referred to you by” is correct—but it can sound repetitive, overly formal, or awkward if you use it too often, especially in emails, LinkedIn messages, or professional introductions.
Whether you’re reaching out to a recruiter, client, professor, doctor, or business contact, using a more natural alternative can make your message feel smoother, more confident, and more human.
In this article, you’ll discover 33+ professional, polite, and natural alternatives to say “I was referred to you by”, along with clear meanings, correct usage tips, and real examples. These options work perfectly for students, professionals, freelancers, and ESL learners.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use these alternatives when:
- You’re emailing or messaging someone for the first time
- You want to sound professional but not robotic
- You’re writing on LinkedIn, WhatsApp, or email
- You want to acknowledge a mutual connection politely
- You want to avoid repeating the same phrase in formal writing
⚠️ Avoid overly casual or funny versions in legal, academic, or high-stakes professional situations unless the tone is already informal.
33+ Other Ways to Say “I Was Referred to You By”
Below are clear, natural alternatives you can use confidently.
1. I was introduced to you by…
Meaning: Someone formally connected you.
Usage: Professional emails or meetings.
Tip: Works well in formal settings.
Example: I was introduced to you by Sarah Ahmed from marketing.
2. I was recommended to reach out by…
Meaning: Someone suggested contacting them.
Usage: Networking or job inquiries.
Tip: Sounds polite and proactive.
Example: I was recommended to reach out by Mr. Khan.
3. A mutual contact suggested I contact you
Meaning: You share a common connection.
Usage: LinkedIn or email.
Tip: Keeps it neutral and professional.
Example: A mutual contact suggested I contact you regarding this role.
4. I got your contact from…
Meaning: Someone shared their details.
Usage: Semi-formal communication.
Tip: Avoid in very formal emails.
Example: I got your contact from Ali Raza.
5. I was advised to contact you by…
Meaning: Someone guided you toward them.
Usage: Academic or professional contexts.
Tip: Sounds respectful.
Example: I was advised to contact you by my supervisor.
6. Your name was shared with me by…
Meaning: Someone mentioned them as a resource.
Usage: Polite introductions.
Tip: Soft and non-pushy.
Example: Your name was shared with me by a former colleague.
7. I was directed to you by…
Meaning: Someone pointed you to the right person.
Usage: Corporate environments.
Tip: Great for internal communication.
Example: I was directed to you by the HR team.
8. I was put in touch with you by…
Meaning: Someone connected both parties.
Usage: Emails and referrals.
Tip: Friendly yet professional.
Example: I was put in touch with you by Ahmed.
9. I came across your contact through…
Meaning: Indirect referral.
Usage: Neutral and safe option.
Tip: Use when referral is informal.
Example: I came across your contact through a colleague.
10. I learned about you from…
Meaning: You heard about them via someone.
Usage: Casual-professional.
Tip: Good for first messages.
Example: I learned about you from a mutual friend.
11. I was connected to you by…
Meaning: Formal connection was made.
Usage: LinkedIn or email.
Tip: Sounds modern and clean.
Example: I was connected to you by my manager.
12. I’m reaching out at the suggestion of…
Meaning: Someone encouraged you.
Usage: Polite outreach.
Tip: Great for cold emails with referrals.
Example: I’m reaching out at the suggestion of Dr. Ali.
13. I was encouraged to contact you by…
Meaning: Someone motivated you to connect.
Usage: Academic or career emails.
Tip: Sounds appreciative.
Example: I was encouraged to contact you by my mentor.
14. I was referred to you through…
Meaning: Formal referral.
Usage: Business and healthcare.
Tip: Very professional.
Example: I was referred to you through our HR department.
15. I received your details from…
Meaning: Someone shared contact information.
Usage: Neutral communication.
Tip: Keep it brief.
Example: I received your details from Ms. Fatima.
16. Someone suggested I reach out to you
Meaning: Indirect recommendation.
Usage: Friendly professional tone.
Tip: Doesn’t name immediately.
Example: Someone suggested I reach out to you for guidance.
17. I was pointed in your direction by…
Meaning: Casual referral.
Usage: Informal professional chats.
Tip: Avoid in strict formal emails.
Example: I was pointed in your direction by a colleague.
18. I was asked to contact you by…
Meaning: Someone instructed you.
Usage: Workplace communication.
Tip: Shows authority.
Example: I was asked to contact you by my supervisor.
19. I heard about you through…
Meaning: Indirect introduction.
Usage: Casual or networking.
Tip: Safe and flexible.
Example: I heard about you through a mutual connection.
20. Your contact was shared with me by…
Meaning: Someone provided information.
Usage: Polite emails.
Tip: Sounds respectful.
Example: Your contact was shared with me by the admissions office.
21. I was informed that you’re the right person to contact
Meaning: Someone guided you.
Usage: Professional emails.
Tip: Avoid overusing.
Example: I was informed that you’re the right person to contact.
22. I was guided to you by…
Meaning: Directional referral.
Usage: Academic or professional.
Tip: Sounds thoughtful.
Example: I was guided to you by my department head.
23. I was connected with you through…
Meaning: Formal introduction.
Usage: Email or LinkedIn.
Tip: Clean and professional.
Example: I was connected with you through LinkedIn.
24. I was recommended you by…
Meaning: Someone endorsed them.
Usage: Professional outreach.
Tip: Slightly informal.
Example: I was recommended you by a colleague.
25. I was told to reach out to you by…
Meaning: Direct instruction.
Usage: Work or academic contexts.
Tip: Straightforward.
Example: I was told to reach out to you by HR.
26. I was referred your way by…
Meaning: Casual referral.
Usage: Friendly professional tone.
Tip: Avoid in legal writing.
Example: I was referred your way by a former client.
27. I was made aware of you by…
Meaning: Someone informed you.
Usage: Formal writing.
Tip: Sounds polished.
Example: I was made aware of you by the faculty office.
28. I was introduced to your work by…
Meaning: Focuses on expertise.
Usage: Academic or creative fields.
Tip: Shows interest.
Example: I was introduced to your work by my professor.
29. I received a referral from…
Meaning: Direct professional referral.
Usage: Business or healthcare.
Tip: Strong and formal.
Example: I received a referral from my manager.
30. I was connected based on a recommendation from…
Meaning: Formal endorsement.
Usage: High-level professional emails.
Tip: Sounds authoritative.
Example: I was connected based on a recommendation from leadership.
31. I was suggested your name by…
Meaning: Informal referral.
Usage: Networking.
Tip: Easy and natural.
Example: I was suggested your name by a colleague.
32. I was forwarded your contact by…
Meaning: Someone passed along details.
Usage: Email communication.
Tip: Neutral tone.
Example: I was forwarded your contact by the admin team.
33. I was asked to get in touch with you
Meaning: Instruction without naming.
Usage: Safe professional option.
Tip: Good when privacy matters.
Example: I was asked to get in touch with you regarding this matter.
Bonus: Short Professional Message Examples
- Hello, I was introduced to you by Ahmed Khan and wanted to connect.
- I’m reaching out at the suggestion of a mutual colleague.
- Your name was shared with me as the best person to contact.
- I was advised to contact you regarding this opportunity.
Final Writing Tips
- Match your phrase to the formality of the situation
- Name the referrer only when appropriate
- Keep the sentence short and confident
- Avoid repeating the same phrase in multiple emails
- When in doubt, choose neutral and polite wording
- Always sound respectful, not demanding
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