Linking Words And Phrases
Key phrases
With reference to
Talking/speaking of/about
Regarding
As regards
As far as … is concerned
As for
By announcing the subject in advance, these expressions focus attention on what is going to be said.
With reference to
With reference to is a very formal expression. It is used mainly at the beginning of business letters.
With reference to your letter of 18 June, I am pleased to inform you that …
Speaking/talking about/of
These expressions are used to make a link with what has just been said. It can help a speaker to change the subject.
‘I saw John and Mary today. You know she is -’ ‘Talking of John, did you know he is going to get married?’
As regards and as far as … is concerned
As regards and as far as … is concerned usually announce a change of subject by the speaker or writer.
There are no problems about production. As far as marketing is concerned, I think the best thing is to …
It is incorrect to leave out ‘is concerned’ after ‘as far as …’
As for
As for often suggests lack of interest or dislike.
I have invited Peter and John. As for, Mark, I don’t care if I never see him again in my life.