are referring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are referring" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when indicating that someone is mentioning or alluding to something in conversation or writing. Example: "In the previous section, we are referring to the main challenges faced by the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are "the photos in question" different from the ones the press are referring to?

The Economist

I think you are referring to a Daily Mail headline.

The Guardian

They are referring, however elliptically, to their neighbours.

The Guardian - Opinion

What people are referring to is large numbers.

The Guardian

But, as with photographs, we need to know who and what we are referring to.

The New York Times

I am assuming you are referring to Tawakkol Karman, who I wrote about in my story.

The New Yorker

I am not quite sure what specific criticism you are referring to?

Independent

The worriers are referring to the divide between Republicans and Democrats.

The New York Times

He said: "I think people are referring to it more and more.

Independent

There is the metaphysical comfort that we are referring to something.

The New York Times

Some baseball purists are referring to it in far less lofty terms.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are referring", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are referring" without a clear antecedent or explanation of what is being referenced. This can confuse readers and make your writing unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are referring" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of directing attention to something specific. Based on Ludwig AI, it signifies mentioning or alluding to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are referring" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate a connection to something already mentioned or understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific articles, but also appears regularly in Wiki content. For clarity, it's crucial to clearly define what you "are referring" to. Consider alternatives like "are mentioning" or "are alluding to" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are relating to

Emphasizes a connection or association with something else.

are mentioning

Focuses on the act of speaking or writing briefly about something.

are alluding to

Emphasizes indirect reference or suggestion, rather than direct mention.

are pointing to

Suggests that something serves as evidence or an indicator of something else.

are indicating

Focuses on pointing out or showing something, often indirectly.

are addressing

Highlights the act of dealing with or discussing a specific topic.

are touching on

Implies a brief or superficial discussion of a topic.

are citing

Highlights the use of something as evidence or support.

are denoting

Stresses the role of a word or symbol in representing something.

are designating

Implies a formal assignment or naming of something.

FAQs

How do I use "are referring" in a sentence?

Use "are referring" to indicate that you are mentioning or alluding to something specific. For example, "The documents they "are referring" to are confidential".

What can I say instead of "are referring"?

You can use alternatives like "are mentioning", "are alluding to", or "are relating to" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "are referring to" and "are relating to"?

"Are referring to" implies a direct mention or allusion, while ""are relating to"" suggests a connection or association. The best choice depends on whether you mean to indicate a direct reference or a broader connection.

Is it correct to say "are referring about"?

No, the correct phrasing is "are referring to". The preposition "to" is necessary to indicate the object of the reference.