a useful reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a source of information that provides helpful context or guidance on a particular topic. Example: "The textbook serves as a useful reference for students studying advanced mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two-stage mechanism would provide a useful reference for practical use of the consortium in black liquor treatment.

Plosone

Some appeared to find this a useful reference whereas others rarely referred to it.

BMC Psychiatry

Still, it's a useful reference point.

The New York Times

A useful reference source citing, 1,797 annotated items.

Yale University

Also, we don't become a useful reference guide to the story at large.

The Guardian

If nothing else, this makes "The Iraq War" a useful reference book.

The New York Times - Books

It is also a useful reference for similar structures.

Fourth International Conference on Advances in Steel Structures Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Advances in Steel Structures 13–15 June 2005, Shanghai, China

Optimization results may provide a useful reference for designers.

Ocean Engineering

These results provide a useful reference for further optimization design.

Fusion Engineering and Design

For many people, this is enough to dismiss it as a useful reference source.

Princeton University

However, it can serve as a useful reference to go back to when doing the exercises.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a useful reference", ensure the context clearly indicates what the reference is being used for and why it is considered useful. Providing specific examples or details can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "a useful reference" without explaining its specific benefits. Always provide context or examples to support your claim of usefulness, otherwise the statement may lack credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful reference" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "reference". It describes the reference as being helpful or beneficial. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a useful reference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a helpful source of information, according to Ludwig AI. It's suitable for diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia, though it maintains a formal tone. When using this phrase, providing context or examples to demonstrate the reference's usefulness strengthens its impact. Alternative phrases like "a helpful resource" or "a valuable source" can add variety to your writing. Remember to substantiate claims of usefulness with specific details to enhance credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a helpful resource

Replaces "useful reference" with a more general term for something that provides assistance.

a valuable source

Emphasizes the importance and worth of the reference material.

a handy guide

Suggests the reference is convenient and easy to use.

an informative document

Highlights the educational aspect of the reference.

a practical manual

Implies the reference is focused on real-world applications.

a reliable aid

Stresses the trustworthiness of the reference.

a significant tool

Indicates the reference plays an important role.

a go-to resource

Suggests the reference is the first place to look for information.

a key point of reference

Highlights the importance of the reference for specific details.

an essential guide

Emphasizes the necessity of the reference.

FAQs

How can I use "a useful reference" in a sentence?

You can use "a useful reference" to describe a source that provides helpful information or guidance. For example: "This book serves as "a useful reference" for students studying history."

What are some alternatives to saying "a useful reference"?

Alternatives include "a helpful resource", "a valuable source", or "a handy guide", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a useful reference source"?

While not strictly redundant, "a useful reference source" can be shortened to ""a useful reference"" for conciseness, as "reference" already implies it is a source of information.

When is "a useful reference point" the most appropriate phrase to use?

"A useful reference point" is best used when describing something that serves as a benchmark or standard for comparison, rather than a general source of information. For example: "The study provided "a useful reference point" for future research."