“Just to confirm” is a good tool in many emails. It allows you to check certain facts or details with the recipient before you take them further. There are a few better options out there, though. This article will explore some of the better ways to say “just to confirm.”
The preferred synonyms are “to clarify,” “this is to confirm,” and “to be clear.” You can use these to check information or go over certain details with people. It’s a good way of making sure you’re both on the same page before you end up doing something wrong.
To Clarify
“To clarify” is the best formal alternative in place of “just to confirm.” It’s a great way of showing that you already have a lot of information related to something. “Clarifying” that information allows you to pick up on the finer details to make sure you have it correct.
If you know the general idea behind something, you will only need to “clarify” a few minor issues.
For example, let’s say you know you have a business lunch coming up. You know where it is held, and you know who is attending. However, you might have either forgotten or not been told when it is happening. “To clarify” allows you to check this minor detail.
- Dear Madam Winters,
- To clarify, you did want me to get straight on with this work, didn’t you? I wanted to make sure I could start immediately.
- All the best,
- Jon Hopkins
- Dear Mr. Smith,
- To clarify, I won’t be alone when I’m working through this project, correct? I think it would be useful to have someone else help out.
- Kind regards,
- Matthew
This Is To Confirm
“This is to confirm” is a decent replacement for “just to confirm.” Removing the “just” is a good way of making your email sound more certain and formal. “This” refers to the contents of the email, which can change depending on what you’re emailing them about.
- Hey Martin,
- This is to confirm that you want me to complete all of this before the end of the day. I just want to make sure it’s all good before sending it off.
- Thank you,
- Dean
- Hello Suzanna,
- This is to confirm that we’re still meeting later this evening. I would like to run a few things by you if that’s okay.
- See you later,
- Mr. Harrison
To Be Clear
“To be clear” is another great formal choice. It allows you to make a few things “clear” with the recipient before a plan or activity takes place. If you’re a bit hazy on certain areas, “clearing” things up will allow you to make sure you know what to expect.
It also doesn’t come across as forgetful or lazy. “To be clear” implies that you already know a lot of the information. There may only be a few things that need “clearing” up.
- Hey team,
- To be clear, it was not my fault that this issue has been taken further. I was not in control of who was able to look into this.
- Apologies for any inconvenience it may have caused,
- Mr. Applegarth
- Dear Angelo,
- To be clear, we are going to be working on this together until Tuesday, correct? I think we can set up some times to get this done.
- Let me know when works best for you,
- Peter
To Be Sure
“To be sure” is very similar to “to be clear.” You can use “sure” in place of “clear” if you want to sound a bit more informal. We don’t recommend this with all formal emails, but it can work well when you’re more familiar with the people you’re emailing.
It’s best to keep this one in a more conversational tone. Use it when you’re talking to a colleague that you are very comfortable with. It might also work for your boss, though you have to make sure they don’t mind the odd bit of informality.
- Dear Mrs. Horwell,
- I am just checking with you to be sure about what you expect. You do want me to continue working on this project until the weekend, right?
- All the best,
- Greg
- Dear Sally,
- To be sure, do I have until the end of the day to get this done? I have a few ideas that will work well, but I’ll need time to do them.
- Thank you so much,
- Marge
I’m Writing This Email To
“I’m writing this email to” is a standard way of starting an email to check on something. It’s very common for most formal emails because it makes your intentions clear from the very first line.
The only issue with it is that some people disagree with using “I’m writing this email.” That should already be fairly obvious, considering that someone has just received the email that you have “written.”
While it’s not always ideal to use this phrase at the start of an email (or a letter, for that matter), it’s still useful. It still allows you to say something like “to check” or “to confirm” to help you make sure of a few details.
- Dear sir,
- I’m writing this email to check a few things with you. I would like to know whether you are able to give me a bit of support with these issues.
- All the best,
- Sam
- Dear Mr. Parker,
- I’m writing this email to confirm with you that it is happening tonight. Is there anything specific that you would like me to bring along?
- Thank you,
- Hannah
So We’re Clear
“So we’re clear” is a solid choice that is a bit of an informal extension to “to be clear.” You can use it to show that you already have a decent understanding of the events or situations that you might be discussing.
“So we’re clear” shows that you already have a lot of information. You might need just a little bit extra, or you might just want to confirm a few minor details. That’s how “so we’re clear” functions.
- Dear ma’am,
- So we’re clear, will we be working on this project together until completion? I’m excited to get a chance to work closely with you on this.
- Kindest regards,
- Mrs. Matthews
- Hey Terry,
- So we’re clear, there are a few things that need to be sorted out before Friday. I would like you to check the list to start getting some of it done.
- Thanks so much,
- Julia
To Reiterate
“To reiterate” is a decent phrase you can use when you are trying to clarify some information. It gives you a chance to run something by someone by “reiterating” what they might already know.
Generally, “reiterate” works best when you’re certain that you’ve told someone something. “Reiterating” implies that you are repeating something that you’ve previously said.
It cannot be used if this is the first time they’re hearing this information.
- Dear Tom,
- To reiterate, this is not the first time a situation like this has occurred. I want you to make sure that it does not happen again.
- Best regards,
- Kim Walters
- Dear Mr. Rogers,
- To reiterate, you are not the only person that has come to me with this issue. I am doing everything I can to get it fixed before we open.
- Best wishes,
- Mrs. Jackson
To Confirm
“To confirm” is a solid choice for most formal emails. You should be able to use it when you want to check with someone what certain plans might be. Believe it or not, removing “just” already turns the email into a much more formal tone!
You will often use “to confirm” with someone that has set up a plan. You will direct it to them to give them a chance to tell you what the specifics of the plan might be.
That way, you can understand more about it and make sure you meet all the relevant criteria that may apply.
- Hey team,
- To confirm, only three of you are supposed to come in on Friday. You can decide amongst yourselves which three that will be.
- Thank you,
- Tom
- Dear Mrs. Carter,
- To confirm, there are only two spaces left for today’s meeting. I know it’s an interesting one, so I really need your names before it starts.
- All the best,
- Trixie
To Make Sure We’re On The Same Page
“To make sure we’re on the same page” is a great choice in most formal emails. It’s also a good way of setting up a conversational rapport with your colleagues or employees. You might want to use this if you’re a boss emailing your employees.
It works well because it puts you on the same level as everyone else. Using the idiom “same page” shows that you want to be part of the team (even if you’re officially ranked above them).
It helps your team to understand that you’re both trying to achieve the same things from whatever the plans might be.
- Dear all,
- To make sure we’re on the same page, I will be running a meeting in two hours. Please meet me then in the conference room.
- Thank you,
- Michael
- Hey guys,
- To make sure we’re on the same page, I have left a few leaflets on the counter in the staffroom. Take a look when you get a chance.
- Kindest regards,
- Abbie
You may also like: Please confirm receipt of this email – Usage (with examples) + Alternatives
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
