grammaticality - Using the expression "the same" for a previously mentioned item
I frequently use "the same" as in the following sentence.
I need the details of XYZ project. Could you please send me the same as soon as possible?
Is this grammatically correct? I have not been corrected till now, but I have not seen the usage from native speakers very much either.
Update:
Seems like my example sentence was ambiguous. Hope the following sentence is better.
I need the documents for the meeting. Could you please send me the same as soon as possible?
Answer
The first time I saw it was from an Indian colleague in 2009, and I've only ever seen it in emails or instant messages from Indian colleagues since.
An example:
The document is dated 25/06/08/ Is there any updation to the same?
Another:
could u tell me the command for executing the unit test from command line or any link or ppt .. for the same
As a British English speaker from the UK, I found it a bit strange at first, but I've got used to it now. However, I wouldn't advise using "the same" in this way as it might not be understood by people not familiar with it. Instead, when the context is clear, use a simple "it" or "them". If the context isn't clear, state explicitly what you mean.
So I would change your (updated) example:
I need the documents for the meeting. Could you please send me the same as soon as possible.
To:
I need the documents for the meeting. Please could you send them to me as soon as possible?
Also note the second sentence is a question, so ends with a question mark.
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