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Quizzes > English & Grammar

Re meaning in memo: what it is and how to use it

Quick, free quiz on re in memo and memo format. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Lynsey FoxUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art memo and block letter quiz illustration with envelope pen highlight of Re term on golden yellow background

This quiz helps you learn what 'Re' means in a memo and use it correctly in concise memo headers and subject lines. You will practice spotting clear purposes, proper block style, and common pitfalls in short work messages. For more practice, explore the memo format quiz and the memos vs letters quiz.

What does "Re:" mean in a memo heading?
Revised
Reply
Received
Regarding
In business memos, "Re:" is short for "regarding" or "in reference to," indicating the subject of the memo. It tells the reader what the memo is about at a glance. This usage is standard in block memo formats and helps organize communication.
Which heading label introduces the subject line of a memo?
From:
CC:
Re:
To:
Memo heading labels typically include To, From, Date, and Re. The label "Re:" introduces the subject or topic of the memo. It's equivalent to the email "Subject:" line in digital communications.
In a standard memo heading, "Re:" is placed immediately after which line?
To:
Date:
CC:
From:
The conventional order in a memo header is To, From, Date, and then Re. Placing "Re:" after the Date line clearly separates the memo metadata from the subject. This format is widely taught in business communication courses.
The function of "Re:" in a memo is most similar to which element in an email?
Attachment field
Signature block
Subject line
CC line
In memos, "Re:" serves exactly the same purpose as the Subject line in an email. It tells the recipient the topic or purpose of the message. While email has a dedicated "Subject:" label, traditional memos use "Re:" to denote this field.
When you see "Re: Project Update" at the top of a memo, what does it signify?
The memo is requesting a project update
The memo is a reply about a project update
The sender received the project update
The memo's subject is the project update
The phrase following "Re:" defines the memo's subject matter. "Re: Project Update" means the memo is about the project update itself. It does not inherently request or confirm receipt - it simply states topic.
The abbreviation "Re" in memos comes from which language?
French
Spanish
Latin
Greek
"Re" is derived from the Latin term "in re," which means "in the matter of." This legal shorthand was adopted into business writing for concise subject labeling. Its Latin origin explains why it doesn't directly translate to an English word.
Which of the following correctly replaces "Re:" in a more modern memo format?
Topic
Header
Subject
Regarding
Many organizations have shifted from "Re:" to the more explicit label "Subject:" in memo headings. This change helps avoid confusion with email reply indicators. Both serve the same function but "Subject:" is clearer to all audiences.
Which of these is NOT one of the standard memo headings?
Vol:
Subject:
From:
To:
Standard memo headings include To, From, Date, and Subject (or Re). "Vol:" is not a recognized heading in memo format. Including nonstandard labels can confuse the reader and disrupt document consistency.
What does "Re:" stand for when used before a case name in legal memos?
In response to
Revised edition
In the matter of
Regarding reply
In legal writing, "Re:" comes from "in re," which translates to "in the matter of." It's used to reference the subject case or issue directly. This usage predates email and business memos.
What is the correct standard sequence for memo headings?
Re, To, From, Date
To, Re, From, Date
To, From, Date, Re
From, To, Date, Re
Most business?writing guides prescribe the order: To, From, Date, and then Re (Subject). This structure helps readers quickly identify recipients, origin, timing, and topic. Following a consistent format improves memo clarity and professionalism.
How many words should the phrase following "Re:" typically contain?
3 - 5 words
An entire sentence
One word
A full paragraph
Guidelines recommend keeping memo subject lines concise - usually around three to five words. This brevity ensures the topic is clear without overwhelming the heading. Overly long subject lines can reduce readability and impact.
Does "Re:" in memos function the same way as "Re:" in email threads?
Only in legal memos
Yes, both mean reply
No, memos use it for subject only
Only in internal memos
In email, "Re:" is prepended by the system to show a reply. In memos, however, "Re:" is a static heading label indicating the topic, not a reply marker. Confusing the two can cause misinterpretation of document intent.
What is the more modern alternative to "Re:" in memo headings?
Topic:
Regarding
Reference
Subject:
Many companies now favor the explicit label "Subject:" over "Re:" for clarity and to avoid email?style confusion. Both serve the same role but "Subject:" is more intuitive, especially for readers unfamiliar with Latin abbreviations. This shift is noted in modern business communication guides.
Which capitalization style is recommended for the phrase after "Re:"?
All lowercase
Title case
Sentence case
ALL UPPERCASE
Title case is often recommended for memo subjects: capitalize major words to enhance readability and formality. Sentence case may also be acceptable, but all uppercase can seem aggressive, and all lowercase appears unprofessional. Consistency is key across documents.
In a memo reading "Re: FYI," what does FYI stand for?
For Your Input
For Your Information
For Your Inquiry
For Your Inspection
FYI is a common abbreviation in business communications that stands for "For Your Information." It signals that the memo contains information for the recipient's awareness rather than an action request. Pairing FYI with "Re:" clarifies intent.
Which memo heading is optional rather than required?
To:
CC:
Date:
From:
To, From, Date, and Subject (Re) are mandatory memo headings. CC (Carbon Copy) is optional and used only when you want to copy other recipients. Including optional headings only when needed keeps the header concise.
When a memo is forwarded and adds "FW:" before the existing heading, how might it look?
FW: Re: Budget Review
FW: Budget Review
Budget Review - FW
Re: FW: Budget Review
When forwarding a memo with an existing "Re:" subject, the standard notation is "FW: Re: [Topic]." This preserves the original subject while indicating forwarding action. It parallels email forwarding conventions.
What does it indicate if a memo author uses "Re:" multiple times before the same word?
Required formatting
Redundant usage
Standard practice
Legal necessity
Repeating "Re:" multiple times (as in email replies) is redundant in a memo. Memos are standalone documents and don't nest replies. Best practice is to use a single clear subject line.
In French business memos, which heading replaces "Re:"?
Objet :
Concernant :
À propos de :
Sujet :
In French memo conventions, "Objet :" serves the same purpose as "Re:" or "Subject:" in English. It directly translates to "Subject." Using the local term ensures clarity for French-speaking recipients.
How should you handle multiple topics in one memo subject?
Write separate memos for each topic
Separate with semicolons
Combine phrases in one line
List on separate lines
Best practice is to address only one subject per memo. If you have multiple distinct topics, create separate memos to avoid confusion and ensure each issue gets proper attention. Combining topics can dilute focus and reduce effectiveness.
Which style guide specifically recommends using "Subject:" over "Re:" in professional documents?
Microsoft Style Guide
MLA Handbook
The Chicago Manual of Style
APA Publication Manual
Microsoft's Style Guide advises using "Subject:" instead of "Re:" for clarity and consistency in business documents. This guidance helps writers avoid ambiguity, especially in mixed digital and print workflows.
Which punctuation mark correctly follows "Re" in a memo header?
Semicolon
Comma
Period
Colon
A colon is the correct punctuation after "Re" in memo headings. It separates the label from the subject phrase. Using other punctuation like semicolons or commas would violate standard formatting rules.
The origin of "Re:" in business memos is best traced to which practice?
Military dispatches
Email replies
Legal case captions
Telegraph headings
"Re:" was adopted from legal case captions (e.g., "In re Smith") where it means "in the matter of." From there, it entered business memo usage to denote subject. Email systems picked up the notation but mean something different there.
If you omit "Re:" in a memo, which heading label maintains clarity for the subject field?
Topic:
Header:
Subject:
Regarding:
Using "Subject:" is the clearest alternative when you choose not to use "Re:". It clearly designates the memo's topic without relying on Latin abbreviations. Many modern style guides recommend this explicit label.
Which style manual allows lowercase "re:" in internal memos?
APA Publication Manual
The Gregg Reference Manual
AP Stylebook
MLA Handbook
The Gregg Reference Manual permits lowercase "re:" in certain internal documents to follow stylistic preferences. Most other guides either prescribe uppercase or "Subject:". Checking your organization's style manual is critical.
What is a potential risk of misinterpreting 'Re:' as 'Reply expected' in a memo?
Recipient confusion
Increased clarity
Faster response times
Legal liability for non-response
Misreading "Re:" as "reply expected" can confuse recipients about the memo's intent. They might think they need to respond rather than understand or act on the subject. Ensuring correct use and understanding avoids miscommunication.
In email notation, "Re?:" indicates multiple replies. Why is this redundant in memos?
Memos use emails for replies
Memos never have subjects
Memos cannot be replied to
Memos are standalone documents
Unlike emails, memos are standalone communications, not threaded conversations. There's no system?generated reply indicator, so repeating "Re:" is meaningless. A single subject line suffices.
What is incorrect about a memo header that reads "re: budget increase" in all lowercase?
Missing colon
Wrong heading order
Wrong subject format
Incorrect capitalization
Professional memos capitalize heading labels such as "Re:". Using lowercase can appear unprofessional and goes against standard formatting guidelines. Proper capitalization aids readability and consistency.
When is omitting the colon after 'Re' acceptable in memo headings?
When using Common Law case captions
When writing internal emails
Never
When multiple topics follow
In legal contexts following Common Law traditions, case captions use "Re" without a colon (e.g., In re Estate of Doe). Outside of that formal use, memos typically require the colon. Knowing jurisdictional conventions is essential for expert writers.
Identify the error in this memo heading: "RE; Quarterly Meeting"
Wrong punctuation mark
Wrong capitalization
Wrong heading placement
Incorrect subject line
The semicolon after "RE" is incorrect. Standard memo format uses a colon (RE:) to introduce the subject. Punctuation errors in headings undermine professionalism and clarity.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the meaning of "Re" in a memo -

    Learn what "Re" stands for and how it highlights the memo's subject to guide readers through business correspondence.

  2. Identify business block letter elements -

    Recognize the essential parts of block letter format - such as headings, salutations, and closings - to ensure professional presentation.

  3. Apply memo writing tips -

    Use targeted memo writing tips to craft clear, concise messages that effectively communicate within a corporate setting.

  4. Format letters using block letter standards -

    Master the block letter format by arranging text, alignment, and spacing correctly for formal business letters.

  5. Evaluate your business correspondence skills -

    Test your knowledge of memos and block letter format with interactive quiz questions and receive instant feedback.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understanding "Re:" in Memos -

    The phrase "what does Re in a memo mean" is answered by recognizing that "Re:" stands for "regarding," signaling the subject of the document (Purdue OWL). For example, "Re: Q3 Budget Review" immediately informs readers of the memo's focus, aligning with University of Michigan Business Communication standards.

  2. Essential Elements of Business Block Letters -

    Business block letters use left-aligned text, single spacing, and clear section headings, as outlined by Harvard Business Review. Including sender and recipient details at the top helps maintain professional structure and improve readability during official exchanges (Indiana University Online Writing Lab).

  3. Optimizing Memo Headings -

    Effective headings include Date, To, From, and Subject lines, following guidelines from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center. A structured heading like "To: Marketing Team; From: Jane Doe; Re: Product Launch Timeline" helps readers quickly locate key details.

  4. Concise and Clear Memo Writing Tips -

    Use bullet points for complex information and aim for a one-page length to maintain engagement, suggested by Harvard Business School's communication services. Starting with a brief purpose statement and ending with a clear call to action keeps memos focused and actionable.

  5. Sharpening Business Correspondence Skills -

    Test your knowledge with a free business correspondence quiz that covers "what does re in a memo mean," block letter format, and memo writing tips based on the Journal of Business Communication. Quizzes reinforce learning by simulating real-world scenarios and boosting confidence through active recall.

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