be referred to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be referred to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone or something is mentioned or discussed in connection with something. For example: "The seven deadly sins must often be referred to in religious discussions."

✓ 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

Instead she'll be referred to a different clinic.

The Guardian

Students would be referred to Elmhurst Hospital Center.

The New York Times

Complex queries will be referred to trained advisers.

The Guardian

It rankles him to be referred to as staff.

The New York Times

The case will be referred to the public prosecutor.

The Guardian

He will now be referred to the BHA's disciplinary process.

The Guardian - Sport

So, what social change might be referred to here?

The Guardian - Opinion

They say to be referred to as "Mrs".

The New York Times

Anywhere else this would be referred to as gangsterism.

The Guardian

It said the suspects would be referred to the courts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be referred to" when you want to indicate that something or someone is mentioned or directed elsewhere for information, assistance, or further action.

Common error

Avoid using "be referred to" when you mean "refer to." The former indicates passive action (being mentioned), while the latter is an active verb (to mention). For instance, don't say "The manual should be referred to for more details" when you mean "Refer to the manual for more details."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be referred to" functions primarily as a passive construction. It indicates that a subject is being directed, mentioned, or designated in relation to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be referred to" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that a subject is being directed, mentioned, or designated in relation to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While it has a neutral to formal register, it is essential to use it accurately, avoiding confusion with the active voice "refer to". Consider related phrases like "be directed to" or "be mentioned to" for nuanced expression. When writing, remember that effective usage involves clearly indicating the relationship or connection between the subject and the entity to which it is being referred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be directed to

Indicates a redirection or guidance towards something or someone else.

be mentioned to

Focuses on the act of being spoken about or alluded to.

be designated to

Emphasizes the act of officially assigning a role or title.

be sent to

Indicates a transfer or forwarding of someone or something.

be guided to

Highlights the aspect of receiving assistance or direction.

be forwarded to

Suggests the passing on of information or a person to another entity.

be connected to

Indicates a link or association with someone or something.

be attributed to

Focuses on assigning a quality or characteristic.

be classified as

Refers to categorizing something under a specific type.

be known as

Highlights the common name or title used to identify something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be referred to" to indicate that something or someone is directed to another source for information or assistance. For example, "Complex queries will "be referred to" trained advisers".

What's a good alternative to "be referred to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be directed to", "be mentioned to", or "be sent to", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "refer"?

It depends on the context. "Refer to" is active (e.g., "Refer to the manual"), while "be referred to" is passive (e.g., "The manual should "be referred to""). Choose the voice that best suits the sentence's emphasis.

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

"Refer to" is an active verb meaning to mention or direct attention to something. "Be referred to" is a passive construction, meaning to be mentioned or directed to something else. For example, "Please refer to the documentation" versus "The issue will "be referred to" the appropriate department".