by reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"by reference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to something that you have already mentioned or something that someone else has already mentioned. For example, "I'm not sure what the exact details are, but I'm sure we can find the answer by reference to the original document."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Incorporation by reference (IBR).

Cornell University

Incorporation by reference.

Cornell University

Matter incorporated by reference.

Cornell University

§ 17.1 Incorporation by reference.

Cornell University

§ 59.110 Incorporations by Reference.

Cornell University

§ 1450.3 Incorporation by reference.

Cornell University

§ 36.4517 Incorporation by reference.

Cornell University

§ 503.13 Incorporation by reference.

Cornell University

§ 175.600 Incorporation by reference.

Cornell University

§ 1043.100 Incorporation by reference.

Cornell University

§ 65.13 Incorporation by reference.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or technical writing, use "by reference" to incorporate existing standards or documents, avoiding repetition and maintaining conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "by reference" without clearly specifying what is being referenced. Ambiguous references can confuse readers and undermine the clarity of your writing. Always provide sufficient detail for the reader to easily locate or understand the referenced material.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by reference" functions primarily as a prepositional modifier, indicating that something is understood or defined in relation to something else. Ludwig examples show its use in academic, scientific, and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

34%

News & Media

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by reference" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to efficiently allude to or incorporate external information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly encountered in academic, scientific, and news-related contexts, making it essential for professional and technical writing. To maximize clarity, always specify the referenced material when using "by reference" to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with reference to

This alternative is slightly more formal and explicitly indicates a connection or link to the referenced item.

in relation to

This phrase highlights the relationship between two things, emphasizing the connection.

referring to

This alternative is a more direct and active way of stating that something is being referenced.

in connection with

This phrase emphasizes a link or association with something else.

by way of reference

This alternative adds a slight emphasis on the method of referencing.

alluding to

This phrase suggests an indirect or subtle reference.

in regard to

This alternative is a more general way of indicating what something relates to.

with regard to

This phrase is similar to "in regard to" but slightly more formal.

in terms of

This alternative focuses on a particular aspect or perspective related to the reference.

regarding

A concise way to indicate the subject or topic being referenced.

FAQs

How can I use "by reference" in a sentence?

The phrase "by reference" is used to indicate that you are alluding to something previously mentioned or established. For example, "The model explains routine embedding "by reference to social processes"."

What's the difference between "with reference to" and "by reference"?

While similar, "with reference to" is generally more formal and explicitly indicates a connection. "By reference" can be slightly more concise and is often used to incorporate material into a legal or technical document.

What are some alternatives to "by reference"?

Some alternatives include "with reference to", "in relation to", or "referring to" depending on the context.

In what contexts is "by reference" commonly used?

"By reference" is commonly used in legal documents to incorporate external standards, in academic writing to refer to previous research, and in technical documentation to allude to specifications or guidelines.