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
a good reference for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a good reference for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing sources of information or examples that support a particular point or topic. Example: "This book serves as a good reference for understanding the principles of economics."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
News & Media
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
60 human-written examples
"That's a good reference for me".
News & Media
A good reference for UNIX in general.
Academia
The results are a good reference for the subsequent drilling.
There's a website called dutchfootsteps.com that you can use as a good reference for a walk.
News & Media
SGI's site is a good reference for the C++ standard library.
Academia
Does anybody know of a good reference for that ship and it's transfer with the Gripsholm?
Academia
Our findings suggest that the proposed taxonomy is a good reference for evaluating topographic map literacy.
The analyses in this work provide a good reference for designing materials processing in metallic alloys.
It can be provided as a good reference for EV motor drive system design.
Science
A good reference for understanding his the interface of technology and law can be understood from historical perspective.
Academia
The work presented in this paper could be a good reference for process design in radial backward extrusion.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a good reference for", ensure the reference material is credible and relevant to the topic. Clearly state why it is a valuable source of information.
Common error
Avoid relying solely on one "good reference for" a complex topic. Cross-reference information with multiple sources to ensure a comprehensive and balanced understanding.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a good reference for" serves as an adjective phrase identifying something that provides reliable information or support. It is used to highlight the value of a particular source, suggesting that it is beneficial for understanding or learning about a specific subject. Examples from Ludwig show its broad applicability across diverse fields.
Frequent in
Science
44%
Academia
20%
News & Media
14%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a good reference for" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a reliable and valuable source of information. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across academic, scientific, and media contexts. While alternatives like "a valuable resource for" or "a useful guide for" exist, "a good reference for" remains a common and effective choice. Remember to ensure the reference is credible and relevant, and avoid over-reliance on single sources for a comprehensive understanding. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively use "a good reference for" in your writing to guide your audience towards insightful and trustworthy information.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a helpful resource for
Replaces "good" with "helpful" emphasizing the utility of the reference.
a valuable guide for
Substitutes "reference" with "guide" focusing on its instructional purpose.
a useful source for
Emphasizes the practicality of the reference as a source of information.
an excellent starting point for
Highlights the reference's suitability as an initial point of investigation.
a reliable basis for
Focuses on the dependability of the reference for forming a foundation.
a solid foundation for
Illustrates that the reference is stable and can be trusted to ground someone's work.
a key resource regarding
More formal, replaces "good reference" with "key resource".
a dependable tool for
Substitutes "reference" with "tool", highlighting its functionality.
a respected authority on
Highlights the reference's credibility and expertise in a particular area.
an informative text about
Replaces "reference" with "text", indicating its comprehensive nature.
FAQs
How can I use "a good reference for" in a sentence?
You can use "a good reference for" to indicate a reliable source of information. For example, "This textbook is a good reference for understanding quantum physics".
What are some alternatives to "a good reference for"?
Some alternatives include "a valuable resource for", "a useful guide for", or "a reliable source for", depending on the specific context and the type of information you are providing. Consider also "a helpful resource for".
Is it better to say "a good reference for" or "a useful reference for"?
Both phrases are acceptable and largely interchangeable. "A good reference for" is slightly more general, while "a useful reference for" specifically emphasizes the practical value of the reference.
When should I use "a good reference for" versus "a good resource for"?
While both terms can often be used interchangeably, "reference" typically implies a specific source of information (like a book or article), whereas "resource" is broader and can include tools, websites, or even people. Consider using also "a valuable guide for".
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