a mere reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is only a slight mention or indication of a larger concept or idea. Example: "The article is not a comprehensive analysis; it is merely a reference to the broader topic of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In short, at least some of what we see at the Chelsea Art Museum is a mere reference to more expansive and hard-to-package projects and careers, and these I plan to follow with particular attention.

The New York Times

Since OECD Guideline 408 [18] in contrast to the more recent OECD guidelines does not provide clear objectives, it is doubtful whether a mere reference to this guideline as provided by Monsanto suffices EFSA's new standards on study objectives.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The inclusion criteria were frequently poorly described, and in some cases were limited to a mere reference to geographic origin (Baranowska 1995; Karp and Robertson 1977; Schramel et al. 1988).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

His definition explicitly grants a role to the legal dimension of RRI, complementing the mere reference to the normative orientation of innovation.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Aristotelian "for the most part" judgments imply much more in terms of law-like or natural connections than can be captured by mere reference to relative frequencies.

SEP

At the center of all this activity, less than a direct source but more than a mere reference — and largely invisible — was Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968).

The New York Times - Arts

"Peoples lives are being shattered and destroyed by a mere allegation," Trump tweeted, in an apparent reference to Porter.

Huffington Post

After all, the mere mention of the word "Reds" is a clear reference to the Communist and Republican forces vanquished by Franco and his right-wing forces in a brutal war for control of the country.

The New York Times

Despite all the insults and abuse laid at his door for his off-the-runway antics, the only time Mr. Jacobs really seems ruffled is when critics deride him as a mere stylist of references, to Yves Saint Laurent or Comme des Garçons.

The New York Times

On the one hand, Kant had relied on personality in distinguishing rational being from mere things, by reference to the former's capacity for self-government or autonomy.

SEP

However, as Scott de Martinville's invention has, in time, become a mere historical reference point, the internet is still developing and changing, which means the world is still learning to develop and change with it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere reference to" when you want to downplay the significance or depth of the connection between two topics or ideas. It's effective for highlighting that something is mentioned only briefly and without extensive detail.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere reference to" when the connection you're describing is actually significant or central to the topic. This phrase can diminish the importance of the information and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere reference to" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something is only mentioned briefly or superficially. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It highlights the limited extent of the connection or information provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mere reference to" is a phrase used to indicate that something is only briefly mentioned, without significant detail. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and usability. It's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you're accurately representing the depth of information provided and avoid overstating the importance of the connection. Alternatives such as "a passing mention of" or "a slight allusion to" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a passing mention of

Replaces "reference" with "mention", implying a brief and perhaps insignificant note.

a slight allusion to

Uses "allusion" instead of "reference", suggesting a more subtle and indirect connection.

a brief citation of

Substitutes "reference" with "citation", implying a formal acknowledgement but still minimal.

a simple pointing to

Replaces "reference" with "pointing", indicating a basic and direct, yet limited, connection.

a cursory nod to

Emphasizes the brevity and superficiality of the reference.

a fleeting glimpse of

Highlights the transient and insubstantial nature of the reference.

a tangential connection to

Focuses on the indirect and peripheral nature of the relationship.

a remote association with

Stresses the distant and tenuous link.

a peripheral regard to

Indicates a side note that is not essential to the central focus.

a basic acknowledgment of

Highlights the basic level of the reference, indicating it lacks detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mere reference to" to indicate that something is only briefly mentioned or alluded to, without significant detail. For example, "The report included a mere reference to the ongoing investigation."

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

Alternatives include "a passing mention of", "a slight allusion to", or "a brief citation of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is only briefly or superficially mentioned, and not discussed in detail. It's useful for setting expectations about the level of detail provided.

What's the difference between "a mere reference to" and "a detailed explanation of"?

"A mere reference to" suggests a brief mention, while "a detailed explanation of" implies a thorough and comprehensive discussion. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of depth of coverage.