a referendum on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a referendum on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a vote in which the electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal or issue. Example: "The upcoming election will serve as a referendum on the government's handling of the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a referendum on socialism".

The New Yorker

A referendum on the EU.

The Guardian

"We have a referendum on our hands.

The Guardian

"It will be a referendum on Barack Obama".

The New York Times

"It was a referendum on Musharraf.

The New York Times

This is a referendum on tolerance.

The New York Times

There is a referendum on electoral reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a referendum on American power".

The New York Times

"This was a referendum on property taxes".

The New York Times

You want a referendum on the EU.

The Guardian

Then a referendum on the constitution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a referendum on", ensure the subject of the referendum is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a referendum on the proposed tax increase" rather than just "a referendum".

Common error

Avoid using "a referendum on" to describe situations that are not formal votes or public opinions collected through structured processes. Saying "the party was a referendum on bad taste" is an incorrect metaphorical usage; instead, use a more fitting term like "an example of."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a referendum on" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, introducing the subject or issue that is being put to a direct vote of the electorate. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts, consistently linking it to votes on specific topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a referendum on" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a direct vote by the electorate on a specific issue. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. The Ludwig AI confirms its validity. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure that the subject of the referendum is clearly defined. While generally neutral in register, it is more suited for formal contexts than informal conversation, and should be avoided as a metaphorical descriptor. Consider alternatives such as "a vote regarding" or "a public ballot concerning" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vote regarding

Emphasizes the act of voting or making a decision on a specific matter.

a public ballot concerning

Highlights the public's participation through a formal voting process.

an election pertaining to

Focuses on the electoral aspect and its relevance to a particular issue.

a plebiscite addressing

Uses a more formal term for a direct vote, emphasizing the topic being addressed.

a poll concentrating on

Suggests a survey or opinion poll focused on a specific subject.

a public survey about

Highlights the collection of opinions from the public on a particular topic.

a decision concerning

Focuses on the outcome or resolution of a matter through a decision-making process.

an assessment of

Indicates an evaluation or judgment of something, rather than a direct vote.

an evaluation regarding

Emphasizes the process of judging the value or quality of something.

a gauge of public opinion on

Focuses on measuring the public's sentiment or views on a specific issue.

FAQs

How is "a referendum on" used in a sentence?

"A referendum on" typically introduces the subject being voted upon, as in, "The election is seen as "a referendum on the government's policies"".

What's the difference between "a referendum on" and "a vote on"?

"A vote on" is a broader term referring to any instance of voting, while "a referendum on" specifically refers to a direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or issue.

What can I say instead of "a referendum on"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a public ballot concerning", "an election pertaining to", or "a plebiscite addressing".

When is it appropriate to use "a referendum on"?

Use "a referendum on" when discussing a direct vote by citizens on a specific issue, policy, or constitutional change.