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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Please reference
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"Please reference" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when asking someone to provide a source or citation for something. For example: "Please reference any facts or figures you include in your report."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Formal & Business
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
Please reference Robert Bouma in the memo.
News & Media
Please reference the source and send a notification to the corresponding author.
Science
Please reference Table 1 for timeline of events.> This case describes the unusual presentation of a patient in nonconvulsive status epilepticus attributed to cisplatin use.
Science
Please reference descriptions of maxillary arches in Dlx5 and Dlx6 single mutants, describe the expression of both genes in the maxilla and highlight the redundancy between these genes in arch patterning.
Science
Please reference How do I create a new MySQL database?
Wiki
Sigh… Above, please reference what girls between the ages of 10 and 30 think is cool.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
For more explanations about KPIs and fault causes in this paper, please refer to reference [6].
For further description about the key points of the F D relationship please refer to reference FEMA (2002).
Please refer to reference 18 for more representative images.
Science
Please refer to reference [ 18] for detailed information.
Science
For more detailed comparison between these two tools, please refer to reference [ 16].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "Please reference", always specify what should be referenced, such as a specific table, image, or external source.
Common error
Avoid using "Please reference" without specifying what needs to be referenced. A vague request can lead to confusion and make it difficult for the reader to find the relevant information.
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "Please reference" is to serve as a polite directive or request. It functions as an imperative phrase, instructing the reader to consult a specific source or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing examples where the phrase guides the reader to external materials or specific sections within a document.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
25%
Wiki
16%
Less common in
Formal & Business
8%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "Please reference" is a polite and grammatically sound imperative phrase used to direct readers to specific sources or information. According to Ludwig, it is commonly found in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify what the reader should reference. While the phrase is acceptable, considering alternatives like "kindly cite the source" or "provide the citation" may be appropriate depending on the desired tone and formality.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Kindly cite the source
Replaces "please reference" with a more formal request for citation.
Provide the citation
A direct command to provide the necessary citation.
Cite your sources
A general instruction to include source citations.
Mention the source
A less formal way of asking for the source to be identified.
Refer to the following
Indicates where to find related information, without explicitly mentioning a reference.
See the documentation
Directs the user to consult the documentation for more details.
Consult the manual
Suggests checking the manual for additional information.
Check the footnotes
Requests that the user check the footnotes for the cited source.
See the appendix
Indicates that additional information can be found in the appendix.
For further details, see
Suggests consulting a specific resource for additional information.
FAQs
How can I use "Please reference" in a sentence?
You can use "Please reference" to politely direct someone to a source of information. For example, "Please reference Table 1 for the data" or "Please reference the documentation for further details".
What is an alternative to saying "Please reference"?
Alternatives include "kindly cite the source", "provide the citation", or simply "cite your sources" depending on the context and level of formality.
When is it appropriate to use "Please reference"?
"Please reference" is appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, and professional communications where you need to direct the reader to consult a specific source or section for more information.
Is there a difference between "Please reference" and "Please refer to"?
While similar, "Please reference" is typically used when asking someone to provide a source, whereas "Please refer to" is used to direct someone to a specific part of a document or another resource. They can often be used interchangeably, but the nuance lies in whether you're expecting a citation or simply directing attention.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested