any reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing mentions or citations of a particular subject or topic within a text or conversation. Example: "In the report, any reference to previous studies must be properly cited to maintain academic integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Third, I couldn't find any reference to it on Wikipedia.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(I didn't see any reference to mastodons in his diary).

The New Yorker

The summit leaders' statement avoided any reference to Iraq.

The New York Times

Also gone is any reference to his 2001 mayoral campaign.

The New York Times

But its statement Wednesday omitted any reference to economic slack.

The New York Times

Four made any reference to the Arab spring.

The Guardian

We are searching for any reference to the Sborowitz family.

The Guardian

They didn't make any reference to the product.

The New Yorker

It avoids any reference to the supreme court ruling.

The Guardian

The text doesn't include any reference to counterprotesters.

The New York Times

Transcripts shall not include any reference to the +/- modifiers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "any reference to", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being referred to. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or examples.

Common error

Avoid using "any reference to" without specifying what exactly is being referenced. This can lead to confusion and weaken your writing. Be specific!

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any reference to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It typically indicates the presence or absence of a mention or allusion to a specific subject. Ludwig provides many examples showcasing its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "any reference to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the presence or absence of a mention or allusion to a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, from news and media to academia, with a generally neutral register. To ensure clarity, specify the subject of the reference to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like ""any mention of"" or ""any allusion to"" for nuanced expression. The phrase is very common and can be found in a large number of authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any mention of

Focuses specifically on the act of mentioning something, rather than a broader reference.

any allusion to

Suggests a more indirect or subtle reference.

any citation of

Implies a formal acknowledgement or quotation.

any indication of

Points to something that serves as a sign or hint.

any connection to

Highlights a link or association between two things.

any remark about

Emphasizes a specific statement or comment.

any note of

Implies brief or concise mention.

any sign of

Suggests evidence or an observable trace.

any regard to

Implies considering something during an action.

any consideration of

Focuses on giving thought to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "any reference to" to indicate the presence or absence of a mention of something in a particular context. For example, "The report avoids "any reference to the controversy"".

What are some alternatives to "any reference to"?

Alternatives include "any mention of", "any allusion to", or "any citation of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "any reference to" or "any mention of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "any reference to" is broader and can encompass indirect allusions, while "any mention of" specifically refers to direct statements.

How formal is the phrase "any reference to"?

"Any reference to" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding context than the phrase itself.