Make reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Make reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone should refer to a specific source or piece of information. Example: "In your report, please make reference to the latest research findings to support your arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Make reference to a popular internet prank.

Huffington Post

Make reference to existing hip hop artists if you're confused.

WikiHow

We make reference to that.

The Guardian - Film

Ramsden replied: "Yes, I did make reference to that.

The Guardian - Sport

Early notes make reference to a turbulent marriage.

The New Yorker

They do not make reference to the digital campaign.

The New York Times

Zoning ordinances in Westport and Wilton do make reference to residency preferences for affordable housing.

The New York Times

The tunes make reference to suburbs you've lived in, and characters you grew up with.

The Guardian - Music

Still, there are other pictures here that make reference to an encroaching human presence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Documents make reference to children, communities etc.

Unicef

Read their profile and make reference to it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve clarity, avoid overuse of the phrase "make reference to" in close proximity within your writing; vary your language by using synonyms like "cite", "refer to", or "allude to" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice unnecessarily when employing "make reference to". For instance, instead of writing "Reference was made to the study", write "The author made reference to the study" to create a more direct and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make reference to" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that a speaker or writer is drawing attention to a particular source, idea, or subject. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase introduces citations, allusions, or direct mentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make reference to" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to indicate that a speaker or writer is mentioning or alluding to something. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use in news, scientific, and general writing contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it is often more formal than its shorter alternative, "refer to". When writing, be mindful of context and consider using synonyms to avoid redundancy. Proper citation and clear articulation of references contribute to the credibility and clarity of written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Refer to

A more concise and direct way of expressing the act of directing attention to something.

Allude to

Implies a subtle or indirect reference.

Make allusions to

Similar to allude to, emphasizing indirect references.

Cite

Specifically used when mentioning a source of information.

Mention

A more general term for briefly noting something.

Point to

Suggests directing attention or indicating relevance.

Note

A concise term for mentioning or observing something.

Touch upon

Implies briefly discussing something.

Draw attention to

Emphasizes the act of making something noticeable.

Call attention to

Similar to "draw attention to", focusing on making something noticeable.

FAQs

What does "make reference to" mean?

The phrase "make reference to" means to mention or allude to something, often to provide support or context. It's similar to citing or referring to a source of information.

How can I use "make reference to" in a sentence?

You can use "make reference to" to indicate that something is being mentioned or alluded to. For example, "The author "makes reference to" several studies in her book." or "The speaker "made reference to" the recent economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "make reference to"?

Alternatives to "make reference to" include "refer to", "cite", "allude to", and "mention". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "refer to" or "make reference to"?

"Refer to" is generally more concise and direct. "Make reference to" is a more formal alternative. Both are correct, but "refer to" is often preferred in less formal contexts.