ability to refer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to refer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to mention or direct attention to something or someone. Example: "The researcher demonstrated a remarkable ability to refer to relevant studies in her analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Ms. Hamann said she did not have the legal ability to refer the case and transfer her subpoena authority.

The New York Times

As was noted above, the absence of this ability to refer to a class of entities is typical of a name.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The simple question is whether she had the legal ability to refer, why she didn't and whether there was an intent to cover up," John McArdle, Mr. Bruno's spokesman, said.

The New York Times

As comptroller, Mr. DiNapoli has broad authority to audit state and local government spending and the ability to refer to the attorney general "any indictable offense" uncovered by those audits.

The New York Times

In his 2014 budget, Mr. Obama did propose new restrictions on doctors' ability to refer patients for radiation therapy and certain other treatments in which the doctors have a financial interest.

The New York Times

Does assessment by a multidisciplinary team, or assessment by a community nurse with the ability to refer to other professionals, reduce further falls in recurrent fallers?

Australian Journal of Physiotherapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Brief introductory essays defending the ability of language to refer to reality are relatively common in early-modern Neo-Confucianism.

SEP

One key component of integrated community approaches is a well functional referral system which has the ability to send referred cases to higher-level facilities [ 4].

BMC Health Services Research

The purpose of this study was to evaluate its feasibility, inter-observer agreement and its ability to stratify referred women according to the chance of malignancy, tumour size and follow-up procedures.

European Radiology

For example, in item 2, the American form of PAM 13 uses the terms "health" and "ability to function", referring to the capability of a patient to reach positive outcomes by having an active role in his health management.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Most eating champions are lean, and many contend that having fat on your stomach actually impedes its ability to expand, referring to it as the "band of fat theory".[3] Also, exercising will keep your eating regimen from jeopardizing your health.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to refer" in a professional context, ensure that the individual or entity actually possesses the necessary authority or resources to make the referral effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to refer" if the subject lacks the logistical support or official mandate to complete the referral process. Be specific about the scope and limitations of this ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to refer" functions as a noun phrase, specifically describing a capacity or competence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to refer" describes the capacity or competence to direct something or someone to another entity and is considered grammatically correct according to Ludwig AI. With a common usage frequency, it appears predominantly in scientific reports and news articles, indicating its suitability for both neutral and professional contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the subject possesses the genuine means to follow through effectively. Alternatives include "capacity to mention" and "power to designate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to mention

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing the inherent potential to mention something.

power to designate

Substitutes "refer" with "designate", highlighting the authority to specify or point out.

authority to direct

Emphasizes the official or legal right to guide or point someone towards something.

skill in referencing

Focuses on the expertise or proficiency in making references.

competence to cite

Highlights the capability and qualification to quote or mention sources.

right to recommend

Implies the privilege to suggest or endorse something for consideration.

entitlement to forward

Stresses the legal or moral claim to pass something on to someone else.

option to suggest

Indicates a choice or possibility to propose something.

facility to indicate

Highlights the ease and convenience of pointing something out.

prerogative to delegate

Emphasizes the exclusive right or privilege to assign something to another.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to refer" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to refer" when describing someone's capacity to mention or direct attention to something or someone. For instance, "The doctor's "ability to refer" patients to specialists is crucial for comprehensive care".

What's a good alternative to "ability to refer"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "capacity to mention", "power to designate", or "skill in referencing".

Is "ability to refer" formal or informal?

"Ability to refer" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between it and alternatives such as "authority to direct" or "option to suggest".

What does it mean to have the "ability to refer" someone?

Having the "ability to refer" someone means possessing the capacity or authority to direct that person to another individual, resource, or service, often for specialized assistance or further action.