Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Got referred
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "Got referred" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
It can be used when discussing being directed to someone or something, often in a professional or networking context. Example: "I got referred to the hiring manager by a mutual friend who thought I would be a good fit for the position."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
13 human-written examples
The apartment was decent, though my room quite often got referred to as The Cell in emails sent home.
News & Media
First I got referred for person-centred therapy, in which a counsellor tried to get me to come to terms with my latent homosexuality.
News & Media
"The mystery is why this case got referred to the court in the first place," Scott Horton, a lawyer from New York who flew to Baghdad to help defend Mr. Hussein, said after the ruling.
News & Media
Joann Colucci, a caseworker for the Giordanos and an intake coordinator at SKIP of New York (Sick Kids Need Involved People), an advocacy group for families with chronically ill members, said she had seen cases in which families " never got referred into Medicaid, and they have $100,000 in debt or they have to mortgage their home".
News & Media
A set of studios, each with a composer and an engineer, it got referred to, Mills says, as "sounds nobody likes for plays nobody understands – all this very cerebral, in-your-head stuff for the Third Programme, and they'd ask us to create the sound of a spiritual miasma or something like that".
News & Media
He first went to his primary care physician, but eventually got referred to the hospital for a brain scan.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
47 human-written examples
I turned down — I could have double and triple what he's got," referring to Bush campaign contributions.
News & Media
So you get referred to Dr. Schneider".
News & Media
They just get referred to by their quad size.
News & Media
Their judgment heavily influences which patients get referred to surgeons.
News & Media
With each new story, I would get referred to another woman who had an amazing account.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "Got referred", consider your audience and the level of formality required. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations may benefit from using "Was referred" or "Received a referral".
Common error
Avoid using "Got referred" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "Was referred" or "Received a referral" to maintain a professional tone.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "Got referred" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject received a referral. As Ludwig AI points out, this passive voice is used to emphasize that the subject was the recipient of the action, not the initiator.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
30%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Reference
5%
Encyclopedias
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "Got referred" is a grammatically correct phrase that indicates someone received a referral or was directed to a particular resource. According to Ludwig AI, while usable in English, it leans towards informality. As such, it's most appropriate for casual or neutral contexts, as indicated by its frequency in news and media, scientific publications, and wiki content. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "Was referred" or "Received a referral" are more suitable. The choice between these options largely depends on the desired level of formality and the specific audience.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Was recommended
Emphasizes the act of receiving a recommendation.
Was directed
Focuses on being guided or pointed towards something.
Received a referral
Formal alternative, highlighting the receipt of an official referral.
Was sent to
Suggests a more active transfer from one entity to another.
Was connected with
Implies a connection being established between individuals.
Was put in touch with
Similar to "Was connected with", but with a focus on establishing contact.
Was guided towards
Highlights the aspect of guidance or direction.
Was pointed in the direction of
Emphasizes being shown the way.
Was advised to contact
Focuses on receiving advice to make contact.
Had an introduction to
Suggests a formal introduction or meeting was facilitated.
FAQs
How can I use "Got referred" in a sentence?
You can use "Got referred" to indicate that someone directed you to a person, resource, or service. For example, "I "got referred" to a specialist by my primary care physician."
What's a more formal way to say "Got referred"?
In formal contexts, consider using "Was referred" or "Received a referral" instead of "Got referred". These options are better suited for professional or academic settings.
Which is correct, "Got referred" or "Was referred"?
Both "Got referred" and "Was referred" are grammatically correct, but "Was referred" is generally considered more formal. The choice depends on the context and audience.
What does it mean to "Get referred"?
To "Get referred" means that you were directed or recommended to someone or something, often for assistance or further action. This typically involves a third party suggesting that you seek help or information from another source.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested