be referred

USAGE SUMMARY

"be referred" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in passive voice to indicate that someone or something has been recommended or directed to a certain person or place. Example: After her initial evaluation, the patient will be referred to a specialist for further treatment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His death will be referred to the Queensland coroner.

The Guardian

"They have to be referred by someone at the hotel".

The New York Times - Travel

Instead she'll be referred to a different clinic.

The Guardian

Students would be referred to Elmhurst Hospital Center.

The New York Times

Every case must be referred for my personal decision".

The Guardian

It said the suspects would be referred to the courts.

The New York Times

Henceforth, I shall be referred to as the subject.

The New York Times

They say to be referred to as "Mrs".

The New York Times

Any comparisons with the Labour party will be referred upwards.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Complex queries will be referred to trained advisers.

The Guardian

It rankles him to be referred to as staff.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be referred", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the referring and to whom or what the subject is being referred. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using the active voice when the passive voice is required with "be referred". For example, instead of saying "The doctor will refer the patient", say "The patient will be referred by the doctor" or "The patient will "be referred" to a specialist".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be referred" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being directed or recommended. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, ranging from medical referrals to legal proceedings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Be referred" is a versatile passive verb phrase widely used to indicate direction or recommendation, particularly in formal contexts. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it's grammatically correct and frequently encountered in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedic content. The phrase effectively communicates the transfer of responsibility or attention, as evidenced by various examples. When using "be referred", clarity is crucial; ensure the context specifies the initiator and recipient of the referral. While alternatives like "be directed" or "be recommended" exist, "be referred" provides a neutral yet professional tone for communicating redirection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be recommended

Emphasizes the positive endorsement or suggestion of someone or something.

be directed

Implies a more forceful or official instruction to go to a specific place or person.

be delegated

Suggests the assigning of a task or responsibility to another person.

be sent

Suggests a transfer of someone or something from one place to another, often for a specific purpose.

be transferred

Indicates the movement of someone or something from one position or location to another.

be guided

Implies assistance and direction along a path or process.

be channeled

Suggests that something is directed through a specific path or system.

be rerouted

Suggests changing the direction or path of someone or something.

be passed on

Indicates the transfer of information, responsibility, or an item to another party.

be handed over

Implies the formal transfer of control or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "be referred" in a sentence?

The phrase "be referred" is typically used to indicate that someone or something is directed or recommended to a particular person or place. For example: "The case will "be referred" to the public prosecutor".

What are some alternatives to "be referred"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be directed", "be recommended", or "be sent" instead of "be referred".

Is it better to say "be referred" or "get referred"?

"Be referred" is generally more formal and grammatically precise. "Get referred" is acceptable in informal contexts, but "be referred" is preferred in professional or academic writing.

What is the difference between "be referred" and "refer"?

"Refer" is an active verb, meaning to direct someone or something. "Be referred" is the passive form, indicating that someone or something is being directed by someone else. For example: "The doctor will refer the patient" (active) versus "The patient will "be referred" to a specialist" (passive).