Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
be referred upon
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "be referred upon" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a commonly used expression and may confuse readers. Example: "The matter will be referred upon to the appropriate committee for further review."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Academia
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
The limited provision of smoking cessation treatment in community-based psychiatric services, to which many patients are likely to be referred upon discharge, highlights the need for integrated post-discharge smoking cessation treatment for smokers with a mental illness [ 32, 33].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Specifically, offenders should not only receive comprehensive assessments, but the results of these assessments should inform case plans, and the information in the case plan should be conveyed to the local treatment provider agency to which the offender is referred upon release.
Science
Of the 713 examinations that were considered abnormal by radiographers only, 122 were referred upon review by two screening radiologists.
Science
Each Swedish administrative region has a single pediatric surgery clinic to which all hypospadias cases are referred upon discovery.
The following cases may be referred to as decisions upon the principle within which the defendants contend that the present case falls: Jones v. Gooday (8 M. & W. 146), Walton v. Fothergill (7 Car. & P. 392), Boyce v. Bayliffe (1 Camp. 58) and Archer v. Williams (2. C. & K. 26).
Academia
The optimal proportion of patients diagnosed with cancer who should be referred for genetic assessment for high or moderate risk was calculated to be 0.06, that is, 6% of all patients diagnosed with cancer in Australia should be referred for genetic assessment, based upon the best available evidence.
Science
Upon activation, these cells would undergo morphological and functional alteration and then be referred to as macrophages.
This is likely to be an underestimate of the actual incidence in the community since children with a low birth weight were initially not included, and some children who were born very ill may have been referred immediately upon delivery and could therefore not be asked to participate in the cohort.
Science
A total of 271 people were referred, based upon the ocular pathology.
We will not be referring to it in assignments or depending upon it to cover holes in the lectures.
Women with BMD and a negative HPV test result were offered cytology at 6 and 18 months and were referred to colposcopy upon abnormal cytology (⩾BMD) during these follow-up visits.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use the more common and grammatically correct phrase "be referred to" instead of "be referred upon" in formal writing.
Common error
Avoid using "upon" after "referred" as it is not standard English. Always use "to" as the correct preposition: "referred to".
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "be referred upon" is typically intended to function as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is being directed or sent to a specific entity or destination. However, it is grammatically incorrect and rarely used in standard English.
Frequent in
Science
33%
Academia
33%
News & Media
34%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "be referred upon" might appear in some contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI also confirms this assessment. It is best practice to use the more common and accepted phrase "be referred to" instead. While sources like BMC Public Health, Health & Justice, and British Journal of Cancer contain examples of this phrase, its overall usage is rare. Therefore, to ensure clear and effective communication, especially in formal or professional settings, avoid using "be referred upon" and opt for its grammatically sound alternative.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
be directed to
Replaces "referred upon" with a more common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase.
be sent to
Focuses on the action of sending something to a destination.
be directed towards
Emphasizes the direction in which something is being sent.
be channeled to
Suggests a specific pathway or route for the referral.
be guided to
Implies assistance or guidance in the referral process.
be submitted to
Focuses on the act of formally submitting something for review or action.
be passed on to
Highlights the transfer of responsibility or information.
be forwarded to
Implies the act of sending something to a subsequent destination.
be rerouted to
Indicates a change in the original referral path.
be consigned to
Suggests a more formal or official transfer.
FAQs
What is the correct preposition to use with "referred"?
The correct preposition to use with "referred" is "to". For instance, it should be "referred to", not "referred upon".
What can I say instead of "be referred upon"?
You can use alternatives like "be directed to", "be sent to", or "be forwarded to" depending on the context.
Is "be referred upon" grammatically correct?
No, "be referred upon" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct phrase is "be referred to".
What's the difference between "be referred to" and "be referred upon"?
"Be referred to" is the standard and grammatically correct phrase, while "be referred upon" is generally considered incorrect and rarely used.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested