a strong reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that clearly alludes to or indicates another idea, work, or concept. Example: "The novel contains a strong reference to classical mythology, enriching its themes and character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The architect says the project "has a strong reference to Russian constructivism, [which] gives the tower a strong vertical thrust similar to the one found in New York's Chrysler building".

The Guardian - Arts

Moreover, in this research community it was possible to observe a strong reference to Boyer's model (Boyer, 1990) on the academic profession.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

This was only observed for MI tasks that involved a strong reference to bodily information (i.e., first-person visual MI) [ 27].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

In the area of hospital care entitlements remain broad and general, although a strong reference to appropriateness criteria and the use of DRGs contribute to make benefits more explicit in this setting as well.

European Journal of Health Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Several donors of the gender theme group have been encouraging a stronger reference to gender within this process coupled with a commitment to subsequent funding.

Unicef

A forced Explanation relation causes a very strong reference to the subject, even in realized TOP sentences which might otherwise favor reference to the Goal.

Lingua Sinica

Designed by Vicki Mortimer with strong reference to the harem paintings of two English orientalists, John Frederick Lewis and David Roberts, the ochre colours and rich detail of costumes and interiors look handsome.

The Guardian - Music

"A lot strong references to some graphics of our fav 70 and 80s films like Colossus, War Games, Escape from New York, and many more.

Vice

There is a strong reference as well to Rene Magritte's self portrait "The Son of Man," which hides the face and features the motif of blue sky.

Huffington Post

In December 1989, William Ramirez, then Chief of the Main Library, wrote a memo objecting to the foreseen change "from a strong reference, research resource and service center to an undistinguished 'popular library.'" Many of Dowlin's employees have resisted the change, protecting books by hiding or falsely stamping them.

The New Yorker

Mature and desirable hardware, a strong reference design that leaves space for partners to innovate around, and all in step with Microsoft's current cloud strategy.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strong reference to", ensure the connection is evident to your audience, providing context or explanation if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong reference to" when the connection is subtle or tenuous; instead, opt for weaker terms like "a possible allusion" or "a hint of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong reference to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically following a noun or verb. It indicates that something clearly alludes to or is connected with another thing. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong reference to" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that serves to highlight clear and notable connections between different concepts or works. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is acceptable and applicable across diverse registers, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the connection is indeed evident and significant. If the link is less pronounced, consider using alternative phrasings such as "a clear allusion to" or "a notable link to". The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its reliability and effectiveness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear allusion to

Emphasizes directness and clarity in the reference.

a significant indication of

Highlights the importance and relevance of the reference.

a marked connection with

Focuses on the evident link or relationship.

an explicit mention of

Stresses the direct and overt nature of the reference.

a notable link to

Highlights the noteworthiness of the association.

a powerful evocation of

Emphasizes the strength and impact of the reference in bringing something to mind.

a direct tie-in with

Indicates a straightforward and unambiguous connection.

a considerable nod to

Implies a significant acknowledgement or recognition.

an overt homage to

Suggests a clear and intentional act of paying tribute.

a substantial echo of

Indicates a significant resemblance or reverberation.

FAQs

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

Use "a strong reference to" to indicate a clear and easily recognizable connection or allusion to something else. For example, "The film has "a strong reference to" classic film noir."

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

You can use alternatives such as "a clear allusion to", "a significant indication of", or "a marked connection with", depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when the connection is obvious and intentional. If the reference is subtle or debatable, consider using a weaker phrase.

Is there a difference between "a strong reference to" and "a weak reference to"?

Yes. "A strong reference to" indicates a clear and obvious connection, while "a weak reference to" suggests a subtle or less evident connection. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the strength of the link.