a reference to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reference to him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that alludes to or mentions a specific person. Example: "In her speech, she made a reference to him that highlighted his contributions to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The paragraph referring to Jonathan Head was amended on Thursday 16 December 2010 at 8.49am, removing a reference to him being expelled.

The Guardian

"VandeHei thinks that's a reference to him".

The New York Times - Magazine

In the Wallace & Gromit Christmas special last year, I built in a reference to him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Almost every Google search of the area yields a reference to him.

The New York Times

You don't yet understand who Jabba the Hutt is, even though there is a reference to him..

The Guardian - Film

There is a reference to him in Eugene Onegin: Lensky, reciting his verse, is said to sound 'like Delvig when he's dining drunk'.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The friend added, "There are some irreconcilable elements that remain unreconciled in him"—a reference to Thiel's being both Christian and gay, two facts that get no mention in his public utterances and are barely acknowledged in his private conversations.

The New Yorker

Wilson had reintroduced segregation into the federal workplace and as such all reference to him was an offensive act of microaggression to the protesters.

The Guardian

"And I remember coming back to him," Mr. Tynan recalled, the reference to "him" a given.

The New York Times - Arts

The Game has stated that this song is a tribute to Tupac Shakur, with a direct reference to him, saying "I got California love fuckin bitches to that Pac shit".

Wikipedia

As a result, his influence is probably overstated: only one of the 12 defence secretaries under whom he served makes more than a perfunctory reference to him in his memoirs, notes Michael Desch, a professor at the University of Notre Dame.The problem with the hagiographic treatment of Mr Marshall, say those outside his circle, is that it is hard to check the often classified facts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a reference to him" when you want to indicate that someone or something alludes to a specific person, whether directly or indirectly.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience will automatically understand the specific connection or implication of the "reference to him". Provide sufficient context to clarify the nature and significance of the reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reference to him" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as an object or complement within a sentence. It indicates that something contains an allusion or mention of a specific male individual. As Ludwig AI explains, this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reference to him" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a mention or allusion to a specific male individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, with a higher frequency in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing enough context to identify the person being referenced. Consider alternatives like "an allusion to him" or "a mention of him" for slight variations in meaning. Avoiding ambiguity and ensuring contextual clarity are key to effective communication with this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an allusion to him

Replaces "reference" with "allusion", suggesting a more indirect mention.

a mention of him

Uses "mention" instead of "reference", providing a more straightforward alternative.

a citation of him

Employs "citation" to highlight a formal or documented reference.

an indication of him

Substitutes "reference" with "indication", implying a hint or sign related to him.

a note about him

Replaces "reference" with "note", suggesting a brief or casual mention.

an acknowledgement of him

Uses "acknowledgement" instead of "reference", focusing on recognizing or admitting his existence or contribution.

a word about him

Implies a brief comment or statement concerning him.

a statement regarding him

Replaces "reference" with a more formal phrase.

an excerpt related to him

Suggests a specific part of a text concerns him.

a quotation involving him

Emphasizes that a quote directly involves him.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reference to him" to indicate that someone or something mentions or alludes to a specific person. For instance, "The book contains "a reference to him" in the chapter about famous authors."

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

Alternatives include "an allusion to him", "a mention of him", or "a citation of him", depending on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a reference of him" or "a reference to him"?

"A reference to him" is the correct and grammatically standard phrasing. "A reference of him" is not idiomatic and should be avoided.

How can I make sure the reference is clear when using "a reference to him"?

To ensure clarity, provide enough context around the phrase to make it obvious who "him" refers to. You might say something like, "The speaker made "a reference to him", the former president, when discussing economic policy."