an official reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an official reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a source or document that is recognized as authoritative or legitimate in a particular context. Example: "For accurate information on the policy changes, please consult an official reference provided by the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Because there is no formal control over submissions – and therefore their accuracy – JurisPedia cannot be used by students as an official reference tool.

Cornell University

In the 1970's, Czeslaw knew that the Soviet authorities in Poland were beginning to rehabilitate his reputation when an official reference work alluded to him -- unmistakably, though not by name -- as one of several poets in his generation who were of no particular significance.

The New York Times

Firefox OS seems like it's had a number of different and distinct launch-type occurrences, but for what it's worth this is the first time an official "reference device" has been made available.

TechCrunch

A report was eventually published on the site, and I'm now an official reference to Hamad Hassab's story and journey on the Titanic.

Vice

All units from a given protein project have uniform base credit, which is determined by benchmarking one or more work units from that project on an official reference machine before the project is released.

Wikipedia

Additionally, an official reference assay method was used to estimate the accuracy of the proposed method.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In an official character reference, the lieutenant wrote that Specialist Hernandez's "hard work and leadership capabilities easily make him one of the best paratroopers in the platoon".

The New York Times

Earlier this year, a rare official reference to his whereabouts described him as "working in Urumqi".

The Guardian

Specifically, an administration official, referenced a forecast that predicted supply would outpace demand by 400,000 barrels per day in 2019.

Forbes

These derived costs fit nicely to the official reference costs of €1,730 for an ICU day in The Netherlands, which is based on a global top-down approach.

Critical Care

The first official reference to the attack is a short information report by a Transfield client services officer, just before 6.30pm in May 2015.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an official reference", ensure the source is indeed recognized and accepted within the relevant field or context. Provide specific details about the reference to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming a source is authoritative simply because it claims to be "official". Always verify the source's legitimacy and reputation before citing it as "an official reference".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an official reference" functions as a noun phrase acting as a determiner and a noun. It indicates a specific kind of reference that holds authoritative or sanctioned status. Ludwig examples show its use in academic, scientific, and news contexts to denote reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an official reference" denotes a source that is authoritative and recognized within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, appearing across various reputable sources, including scientific journals, news outlets, and academic publications. When using this phrase, ensure the cited source is genuinely credible and that specific details are provided to enhance its trustworthiness. While not extremely common, "an official reference" is a valuable phrase for emphasizing the reliability of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formal reference

Replaces "official" with "formal", emphasizing the structured and documented nature of the reference.

an authorized reference

Substitutes "official" with "authorized", highlighting the sanctioned or approved status of the reference.

a sanctioned reference

Uses "sanctioned" instead of "official", stressing the approval or endorsement by an authority.

a recognized authority

Replaces "reference" with "authority", shifting the focus to the source's acknowledged expertise.

a validated source

Emphasizes that the reference has been confirmed or proven accurate.

an accepted standard

Highlights that the reference is commonly agreed upon as a model.

a definitive guide

Suggests that the reference provides comprehensive and authoritative information.

a reliable resource

Focuses on the dependability and trustworthiness of the reference.

a government publication

Specifies that the reference is produced by a governmental body.

a certified document

Indicates that the reference has been formally verified or authenticated.

FAQs

How can I use "an official reference" in a sentence?

You can use "an official reference" to cite authoritative sources. For instance, "The researcher cited "an official reference" from the EPA to support their findings".

What are some alternatives to saying "an official reference"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a formal reference", "an authorized reference", or "a validated source", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an official reference" in informal writing?

While "an official reference" is generally suitable for formal contexts, it can also be used in informal writing when emphasizing the reliability or authority of a cited source.

What makes a source qualify as "an official reference"?

A source qualifies as "an official reference" when it is recognized as authoritative and legitimate within a particular domain or field, often due to its endorsement by an organization, institution, or governing body.