With reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

"With reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that has been mentioned previously, or when you want to introduce a topic in a letter, essay, or other piece of writing. For example: "With reference to our conversation last week, I wanted to follow up with some additional information..."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With reference to the article "You Don't Surf?

The New York Times

With reference to the licence conditons, some were standard.

The Guardian

With reference to which word? 15) Whose was the most popular Instagram post of 2014?

The Guardian - Tech

With reference to martial arts, those trained in the basics can call themselves yellow belts.

The Guardian - Business

With reference to the paper (N.

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

With reference to Table 1, obtains the information bits: (4).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

With reference to cytokines measured, we used an ELISPOT assay.

Biology Direct

Terroir is most frequently invoked with reference to wine.

The New York Times - Arts

The lumen is evaluated with reference to visual sensation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But there's often no suggestion that he's making decisions with reference to that process.

The New Yorker

Eagleman goes on to explore some of them, particularly with reference to the criminal justice system.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with reference to" when you want to formally acknowledge a source, a previous statement, or a specific point that is relevant to your current discussion. This adds credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "with reference to" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "regarding" or "about" when the situation allows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with reference to" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a connection to a specific subject, source, or prior statement. This introductory element serves to establish context or justification for the subsequent information or argument. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is used to link ideas and acknowledge sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with reference to" is a versatile prepositional phrase predominantly used to establish connections to sources, previous statements, or relevant information in formal contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to introduce context, justify arguments, and enhance the credibility of writing, particularly in scientific, academic, and professional domains. While alternatives like "in relation to" or "regarding" exist, they may lack the specific nuance of direct citation or acknowledgement found in "with reference to". Be mindful of its formal tone, and use it judiciously in appropriate settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in relation to

This alternative is shorter and more direct, suitable for contexts where brevity is preferred.

regarding

This alternative is a single word, making it concise and often used in formal contexts.

concerning

This alternative emphasizes the topic being discussed or considered.

with regard to

This phrase is a more formal alternative, often used in official or academic writing.

pertaining to

This alternative suggests a direct relevance or connection to the subject matter.

in connection with

This alternative emphasizes the link or association between the discussed topic and another element.

in respect to

This alternative is similar to "with respect to" and implies a specific aspect or viewpoint is being considered.

relative to

This alternative is often used in scientific or technical contexts to indicate a comparison or ratio.

anent

This is an archaic alternative, rarely used in modern English, that means "concerning" or "about".

vis-à-vis

This alternative is borrowed from French and suggests a comparison or relationship between two things.

FAQs

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

You can use "with reference to" to introduce a topic or source that is relevant to your discussion. For example, "With reference to the study by Smith (2020), the results suggest..."

What are some alternatives to "with reference to"?

You can use alternatives like "in relation to", "regarding", or "concerning" depending on the context.

Is "with reference to" formal or informal?

"With reference to" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or official writing. Use simpler alternatives in informal contexts.

What is the difference between "with reference to" and "with regard to"?

Both "with reference to" and "with regard to" are formal phrases used to introduce a topic. However, "with reference to" often implies a more direct link to a specific source or statement, while "with regard to" is a more general way of introducing a topic.