a clearer reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clearer reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is being made more understandable or specific in relation to a particular subject or context. Example: "The author provided a clearer reference to the historical events that influenced the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On November 24th, two weeks before its scheduled close, it received a letter from Cardinal Cicognani, Secretary of State, containing a last- minute amendment for Schema 13: Pope Paul, it appeared, wanted a clearer reference to the present doctrine of the Church banning artificial contraception.

The New Yorker

(Reflection Assignment, italics added) Despite these uncertainties and the attribution of source introduction as "detailed," Wes made changes in his final draft that created a dialogue between himself and the external voice as well as a clearer reference to his own beliefs.

Functional Linguistics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We are the Republic of Egypt, so refrain from comparing us to other countries in the region"—a clear reference to the Syrians.

The New Yorker

A clear reference to Kanye?

The Guardian - Music

This seems a clear reference to a total solar eclipse.

Britannica

This was a clear reference to the prime minister.

The Guardian

La Republica said this was a clear reference to blackmail.

The Guardian

The King said Bahrain would stand against "foreign interference" a clear reference to Iran.

The Guardian

One prohibition specifically targets "evil cults or superstition," a clear reference to Falun Gong.

The New York Times - Magazine

I think—I think he's crazy," a clear reference to the President.

The New Yorker

This is a clear reference to the NATO action in Libya.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clearer reference to", ensure that the original reference is already established or known to the audience. This phrase works best when building upon existing knowledge rather than introducing a completely new concept.

Common error

Avoid using "a clearer reference to" when the connection is still vague or requires significant interpretation. Ensure the reference is genuinely more understandable after your clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clearer reference to" functions as a modifier, specifically as a noun phrase functioning adjectivally. It typically precedes a noun that it modifies, providing additional information about the type of reference being made. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clearer reference to" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a reference is being made more understandable or explicit. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While relatively rare, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. To enhance clarity, ensure the original reference is already known to the audience. Related alternatives include ""a more explicit allusion to"" or ""a more defined mention of"". Remember to avoid overstating the clarity and ensure the reference is genuinely more understandable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more explicit allusion to

Replaces 'reference' with 'allusion' and 'clearer' with 'more explicit', emphasizing a more direct and overt connection.

a more defined mention of

Substitutes 'reference' with 'mention' and 'clearer' with 'more defined', highlighting a more precise and distinct reference.

a more specific pointer to

Replaces 'reference' with 'pointer', indicating a direct and focused connection; 'clearer' becomes 'more specific'.

a more detailed citation of

Changes 'reference' to 'citation' and 'clearer' to 'more detailed', emphasizing a more comprehensive and thorough reference.

a more direct indication of

Replaces 'reference' with 'indication', suggesting a sign or signal, and 'clearer' with 'more direct'.

a more obvious connection to

Substitutes 'reference' with 'connection' and 'clearer' with 'more obvious', emphasizing an easily perceived relationship.

a less ambiguous referral to

Replaces 'clearer' with 'less ambiguous' and 'reference' with 'referral', focusing on reducing uncertainty in the reference.

a more transparent link to

Changes 'reference' to 'link' and 'clearer' to 'more transparent', emphasizing an easily understood and visible connection.

a more readily apparent relation to

Replaces 'reference' with 'relation' and 'clearer' with 'more readily apparent', stressing the ease of noticing the relationship.

an easier to understand connection with

Rephrases the query to highlight the ease of understanding the connection, making it more accessible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clearer reference to" when you want to indicate that something is being made more understandable or specific in relation to a particular subject or context. For example, "The revised document provides "a clearer reference to" the relevant legislation".

What are some alternatives to "a clearer reference to"?

Alternatives include "a more explicit allusion to", "a more defined mention of", or "a more specific pointer to" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a clearer reference to"?

It is appropriate when you are improving upon a previous reference, making it more easily understood or directly applicable. It suggests an enhanced level of clarity compared to the original.

What's the difference between "a clear reference to" and "a clearer reference to"?

"A clear reference to" indicates that something is easily understood, while ""a clearer reference to"" implies that something has been made more understandable than before. The latter suggests an improvement in clarity.