a useful reference point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful reference point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that serves as a helpful benchmark or standard for comparison or understanding. Example: "The study provides a useful reference point for future research in this field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Guidelines provided a reference to ensure that oncologists were not missing an important issue, served as a handy summary enabling quick access, and was used as a useful reference point in conversations with patients.

Cancer Medicine

Nevertheless, there are no studies using three-dimensional modality to find a useful reference point and measurement yet.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Still, it's a useful reference point.

The New York Times

The lanky minarets were a useful reference point as they marked the centre of the city's shoreline.

The Guardian

The Stasi archives are a useful reference point for researchers tackling the challenge, though perhaps more for the scale than the sophistication of the shredding.

The New York Times - Tech

There may be a personal attachment to the object as being a significant or personal part of a life as well as a useful reference point.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Also since under such conditions the MM equation is exact from a deterministic point of view, it provides a very useful reference point versus which to accurately compute deviations due to intrinsic noise.

BMC Systems Biology

But the group is honest and technically competent, so its evaluation provides a very useful reference point.

The New York Times

This structure is a very useful reference point for determining acetabular version and may participate in modulating the elastic deformation of the bony acetabulum.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Simple changes to a smart institutions model provide useful reference points to suit specific contexts.

Journal of Economic Structures

These physical products have also served as useful reference points for the company's methods and digital aesthetic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a useful reference point", ensure it provides clear context and aids understanding or comparison within your writing. Provide sufficient information so the reader understands why it's useful.

Common error

Avoid using "a useful reference point" when the reference offers little practical value or is not clearly connected to the topic. Ensure the reference genuinely enhances understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful reference point" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something serving as a helpful standard for comparison or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a useful reference point" is a common phrase used to describe something that serves as a helpful standard for comparison or understanding. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in science, news media, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the reference indeed adds value and clarity to your content. Related phrases include "a valuable benchmark" and "a practical guideline", offering alternative ways to convey a similar idea. Remember to avoid overstating the usefulness of the reference and confirm that it's relevant to the overall topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a handy point of reference

Replaces "useful" with "handy", implying convenience and accessibility.

a helpful point of comparison

Replaces "reference" with "comparison" and "useful" with "helpful", emphasizing the act of comparing.

a valuable benchmark

Substitutes "reference point" with "benchmark", indicating a standard for evaluation.

a practical guideline

Replaces "reference point" with "guideline", focusing on its function as a guide.

a good point of orientation

Changes "reference" to "orientation", stressing direction and understanding.

a key indicator

Replaces "reference point" with "indicator", emphasizing its role in signaling information.

an important consideration

Shifts the focus to the importance of the point as something to consider.

a relevant touchstone

Substitutes "reference point" with "touchstone", suggesting a standard of quality or genuineness.

a significant marker

Replaces "reference point" with "marker", emphasizing its role as a point of identification.

a central concept

Replaces "reference point" with "concept", focusing on its role as a core idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful reference point" to indicate something that helps in understanding or comparison. For example, "The previous study serves as "a useful reference point" for our current research."

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

Some alternatives include "a valuable benchmark", "a practical guideline", or "a helpful point of comparison", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a useful reference point" or "a relevant reference point"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a useful reference point" emphasizes practicality and helpfulness, while "a relevant reference point" stresses the pertinence or connection to the subject matter. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

In what contexts is "a useful reference point" commonly used?

"A useful reference point" is frequently used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to establish a basis for comparison, analysis, or further development. It's used in situations where clarity and understanding are key.