by reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

"by reference to" is a correct expression that is commonly used in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that something is being used as a point of comparison or for further examination. For example, "Data from the past two years was studied by reference to industry standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be excused by reference to Israeli military behaviour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stop setting goals by reference to other companies.

Harvard Business Review

This becomes evident by reference to particular instances which occur.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

§ 720.9 Misbranding by reference to filing or to statement number.

Cornell University

§ 710.8 Misbranding by reference to registration or to registration number.

Cornell University

The issues are illustrated by reference to published papers.

Maturitas

Their effectiveness was evaluated by reference to homogenous packages.

Composite Structures

This is defined by reference to "colour, race, nationality or ethnic or national origins".

The Guardian - Opinion

One purpose of explaining behavior by reference to "basic human psychology" is to naturalize it.

The New Yorker

I especially object to having my character assassinated by reference to events from my past...

The New York Times

Democrats have little or no clear identity except by reference to what conservatives say about them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by reference to" to clearly indicate when you are using another source, standard, or concept to explain or evaluate something. This ensures transparency and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by reference to" when a simpler phrase like "compared to" or "using" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex. Simplify when possible for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by reference to" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a point of comparison, justification, or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in connecting ideas to external standards or sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Academia

28%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by reference to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to connect ideas with external sources, standards, or points of comparison. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and utility across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in simpler contexts where clearer alternatives might suffice. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively leverage "by reference to" to enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with regard to

Indicates a direct connection or relevance to a specific topic or item.

in relation to

Emphasizes the connection or association between two or more things.

in connection with

Highlights a link or association, often in a formal or legal context.

with respect to

Indicates a specific area or aspect being considered.

in terms of

Defines the framework or criteria used for evaluation or description.

relative to

Shows how something is measured or understood in comparison to something else.

regarding

Directly addresses a topic or subject of discussion.

concerning

Similar to regarding, but can also imply worry or interest.

in the context of

Specifies the particular environment or situation being discussed.

pertaining to

Formally relates something to a specific subject or area.

FAQs

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

You can use "by reference to" to indicate that you are using a particular source or standard to explain or evaluate something. For example, "The data was analyzed "by reference to" industry benchmarks".

What are some alternatives to using "by reference to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "with regard to", "in relation to", or "in connection with". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to use "by reference to" or "with reference to"?

"By reference to" and "with reference to" are often interchangeable. However, "by reference to" may slightly emphasize the method or means of using the reference, while "with reference to" simply indicates a connection to the reference. Choose the one that best suits the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "by reference to" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "by reference to" in formal writing when you need to clearly indicate that your analysis, evaluation, or explanation is based on a specific external source, standard, or concept. This helps establish the validity and reliability of your claims.