Is 're' pronounced 'ray' or 'ree'?

In British English, it is typically pronounced /riː/ ('ree'). In American English, it is often pronounced /reɪ/ ('ray'), especially in legal contexts where it follows the Latin.

Can I use 're' at the beginning of a spoken sentence?

No, it is highly unnatural and would sound very odd. Use 'regarding', 'about', or 'concerning' instead in spoken English.

In an email subject, does 'Re:' mean 'reply' or 'regarding'?

Historically, it stood for 'reply'. However, in modern usage, it is universally understood to mean 'regarding' or 'concerning' the following topic, even on the first message.

Is 're' considered outdated?

It is still common in business correspondence but is seen by some as jargon. Many style guides recommend clearer alternatives like 'Subject:' or simply using a clear subject line without a prefix.

re

UK/riː/US/reɪ/

Formal, written (especially business/legal correspondence)

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

Concerning; regarding; on the subject of.

Used to introduce the subject of a piece of writing, especially in business correspondence, memos, or email subject lines, meaning 'in the matter of'.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Not used in general spoken English. It originates from Latin 'in re' ('in the matter of') and is highly formulaic in modern usage.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage, though perhaps more common in American business English.

Connotations

Formal, business-like, efficient, sometimes perceived as old-fashioned or jargonistic.

Frequency

Common in both, but the trend is towards plainer alternatives like 'Regarding' or 'Subject'.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

Re:Re yourRe the

medium

Re aboveRe invoiceRe meeting

weak

Re recentRe ourRe attached

Grammar

Valency Patterns

RE: + Noun PhraseRe + Noun Phrase

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

In reference toWith reference to

Neutral

RegardingConcerningAbout

Weak

As toIn relation to

Vocabulary

Antonyms

Unrelated toAside from

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Re: (Used as a standalone prefix in written communication)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Standard in subject lines of emails and memos (e.g., Re: Project Update).

Academic

Very rare; used only in formal footnotes or citations in specific legal/historical contexts.

Everyday

Almost never used in spoken language. May be seen in formal written notes.

Technical

Used in legal and administrative documents where 'in re' indicates a case name (e.g., In re Smith's Estate).

Examples

By CEFR Level

Re your email, I have attached the document.
Subject: Re: Holiday dates

I am writing to you re the invoice number 4572.
Re our conversation, I've scheduled the meeting.

Re the contractual dispute outlined in your letter of the 15th, our legal team is reviewing the matter.
The memo, simply titled 'Re: Office Relocation', caused considerable discussion.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

RE: - Remember 'Regarding Email' or 'Relating to Everything'.

Conceptual Metaphor

TOPIC IS A SUBJECT HEADER (The topic is framed as a label on a communication).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not confuse with the Russian preposition 'об' or 'о' in general speech. It is a formal written marker, not a conversational preposition.
It is not the English prefix 're-' meaning 'again' (as in 'redo').

Common Mistakes

Using 're' in spoken sentences (e.g., *'I'm calling re the meeting').
Confusing it with 'reply' in email subjects, though 'Re:' now conventionally means 'regarding'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The secretary wrote ': Staff Meeting Agenda' at the top of the memo.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the use of 'Re:' most appropriate and natural?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: In British English, it is typically pronounced /riː/ ('ree'). In American English, it is often pronounced /reɪ/ ('ray'), especially in legal contexts where it follows the Latin.
: No, it is highly unnatural and would sound very odd. Use 'regarding', 'about', or 'concerning' instead in spoken English.
: Historically, it stood for 'reply'. However, in modern usage, it is universally understood to mean 'regarding' or 'concerning' the following topic, even on the first message.
: It is still common in business correspondence but is seen by some as jargon. Many style guides recommend clearer alternatives like 'Subject:' or simply using a clear subject line without a prefix.