as a general reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a general reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something serves as a broad guideline or source of information rather than a specific or detailed instruction. Example: "You can consult the manual as a general reference for troubleshooting common issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Control (C): Pure medium as a general reference.

Nature

In addition, the Visuddhimagga contains a detailed description of Buddhist meditative techniques and can be regarded as a general reference work on Theravada doctrine.

Britannica

The second edition marks a great advance as a general reference with in-depth technical information that is accessible to a broad audience.

Cornell University

The Physical Chemist's Toolbox is recommended not only as a general reference, but also as a textbook for two-semester graduate courses in physical and analytical chemistry.

Stanford University

In addition to a textbook for advanced graduate students, it can also serve as a general reference to researchers and sophisticated practitioners.

Princeton University

The following book can be used as a general reference to the biological topics discussed in class: Human Molecular Genetics, 4th edition.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

This volume serves as both a general reference and specific treatise for various scientific and engineering disciplines involving multiphysics simulation and porous materials.

Springer

In fact, this approach has been described as equivalent to using a general reference textbook as a diagnostic tool, which complemented by functional assays, may provide a complete molecular diagnosis.

F1000Research

About the worst that's been said of the book is that it's more useful as a general-reference volume than as a recipe go-to, which — given the cooking world's overabundance of recipes and its shortage of genuinely useful reference books — is actually sort of a compliment.

The New Yorker

A more varied experience of return directions might allow the animal to learn that the evening sun's direction could be used as a more general reference, still in a time-limited way, but with different homing tasks requiring different flight angles to the sun.

Animal Behaviour

However, it is also useful as a general purpose reference work, especially for learners who wish to follow Gaelic current-affairs.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a general reference", ensure that the source you are referencing provides a broad understanding of the topic, not specific, in-depth details.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on sources used "as a general reference" for critical decision-making. Always supplement with more specific and detailed information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a general reference" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the purpose or manner in which something is used. It clarifies that a source is intended for broad informational purposes, not for specific, in-depth analysis. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Academia

30%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a general reference" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something serves as a broad source of information, suitable for gaining a preliminary understanding of a topic. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the referenced material indeed provides a comprehensive overview rather than specific, in-depth details. Remember to supplement general references with more detailed sources for critical decision-making to avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for background knowledge

Stresses the provision of foundational understanding.

for basic information

Focuses on the fundamental informational aspect.

as a broad overview

Highlights the comprehensive, yet not detailed, nature of the reference.

as a fundamental guide

Emphasizes the role of providing a base guide

for introductory guidance

Emphasizes the introductory nature and guidance provided.

for general orientation

Highlights the aim of providing a sense of direction or familiarity with a topic.

for a preliminary understanding

Focuses on gaining an initial grasp of the subject.

as an overall framework

Highlights the role in setting up a frame of reference.

as a starting point

Indicates the beginning phase of information gathering.

for initial consultation

Focuses on seeking advice or information at the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "as a general reference" in a sentence?

You can use "as a general reference" to indicate that something serves as a broad source of information. For example: "Consult the manual "as a general reference" for basic troubleshooting."

What are some alternatives to using "as a general reference"?

Alternatives include "for background knowledge", "for basic information", or "as a broad overview", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use something "as a general reference"?

It's appropriate when you need a broad understanding of a topic before diving into specific details, or when providing foundational information for others.

What is the difference between using something "as a general reference" versus as a specific guide?

Using something "as a general reference" implies that it provides a broad understanding, while a specific guide offers detailed instructions or information on a particular aspect.