as a reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a reference to" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it in a sentence to indicate being reminded of something or to compare a concept to something else. For example, "I thought of my grandmother as a reference to a different era when life was simpler."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The description should not be taken as a reference to the actual Diddo Ramm.

The New York Times - Style

"So I wanted to do that, too, as a reference to them".

The Guardian - Music

As a reference to its Web site correctly noted, it is Sundevich, not Sundevitch.

The New York Times

He meant this as a reference to the bureaucrats in Brussels who run the European Union, but it was taken by many as a reference to the many new Britons who are neither right nor white.

The New Yorker

An uncoated tool model is used as a reference to compare the results.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The single cylinder response was used as a reference to highlight the interference effects.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

It uses the retinal configuration as a reference to express every quantity in the cortical configuration.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

The aLDFA of the healthy contralateral side was used as a reference to the normal value.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

The second Ti electrode serves as a reference to measure its sensitivity to the target gas.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The cranial base was used as a reference to perform superimpositions (Fig. 3).

Progress in Orthodontics

Therein, the curve of manual optimization is utilized as a reference to compare achieved gains.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a reference to", ensure the connection you're making is clear and relevant to your audience. Avoid using it as a vague or ambiguous connection.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "as a reference to" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more straightforward alternatives like "because of" or "related to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a reference to" functions as a prepositional phrase. It introduces a noun or noun phrase, indicating that the subject is being related to or connected with something else, often for explanation or clarification, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "as a reference to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to link a subject with another element for clarification or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for establishing connections across diverse sources. Its register leans towards neutral to formal, making it appropriate for professional and academic settings. When writing, ensure the connection made is clear and relevant. Consider more direct alternatives in casual conversation. Ludwig's examples illustrate its varied applications, reinforcing its utility in academic, news, and scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a means of referencing

This phrase emphasizes the act of referencing.

in relation to

This alternative uses different prepositional choices while keeping a similar formal tone.

making an allusion to

This alternative clearly indicates an indirect reference.

with respect to

This option offers a more formal and somewhat distanced way to establish a connection.

alluding to

This phrase shifts from a prepositional construction to a participial phrase, emphasizing the act of alluding.

drawing a parallel with

This option specifically suggests a comparison or similarity.

in connection with

This option provides a slightly broader way to link something without necessarily implying direct reference.

by way of illustrating

This alternative is more verbose and highlights an illustrative purpose.

hinting at

This phrase implies a subtle or indirect connection.

bearing in mind

This alternative conveys that something should be considered while relating to other topic.

FAQs

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

Use "as a reference to" to connect a subject with something that explains or clarifies it. For example, "The artist included a hidden symbol as a reference to his earlier work."

What phrases are similar to "as a reference to"?

Similar phrases include "in relation to", "with respect to", or "alluding to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "as a reference to" formal or informal?

"As a reference to" leans toward the formal side. In casual contexts, consider alternatives like "because of" or "related to".

What is the difference between "as a reference to" and "in regard to"?

"As a reference to" implies a specific connection or allusion, while "in regard to" is a more general way of indicating what you're discussing or considering.