by reference to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by reference to the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts to indicate that something is being considered or evaluated in relation to another thing. Example: "The decision was made by reference to the guidelines established in the previous report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Daniels is defending himself by reference to the first amendment, guaranteeing free speech.

The Guardian - Music

This somewhat surprising fact may be explained by reference to the historical development already traced here.

Britannica

Spokesmen often justify the government's murky behaviour by reference to the awfulness of the Tigers.

The Economist

The analogy may be illustrated by reference to the Magnus effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

GDP is typically measured by reference to the shape of the economy in a "base" year.

The Economist

The point of a double portrait is to understand both sitters by reference to the other.

Independent

"Reducing her housing benefit by reference to the number of bedrooms puts at risk her ability to stay there.

The Guardian

It can only be identified by reference to the political creeds and policies of other par ties.

The Guardian

The remote maintenance system is illustrated by reference to the implementation in a process control rig.

Control Engineering Practice

The results were analysed and discussed by reference to the IPA Grid.

Tourism Management

The approach is illustrated by reference to the sulphuric acid process.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the reference point is clearly established before using the phrase to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "by reference to the" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "regarding" or "about" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by reference to the" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates that something is being considered, understood, or evaluated in relation to a specific standard, source, or context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

22%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by reference to the" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is being considered or understood in relation to a specific context or standard. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. It's commonly used in formal and scientific writing, as well as in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "regarding" or "in relation to" may be more appropriate. The most frequent contexts where you can find it are science, news & media and academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with reference to

This alternative is more formal and places emphasis on directing attention to something specific.

in relation to

This alternative highlights a connection or association between two things.

regarding

This alternative is a more concise and general way to indicate the subject of discussion.

concerning

This alternative is similar to "regarding" but may imply a more direct connection.

pertaining to

This alternative suggests relevance or connection to a particular subject or matter.

in connection with

This alternative emphasizes a link or relationship, often within a broader context.

in terms of

This alternative focuses on a specific aspect or criterion for consideration.

with respect to

This alternative indicates a specific area or factor being considered.

relative to

This alternative highlights a comparison or proportional relationship.

as regards

A slightly archaic alternative similar to "regarding" and "concerning".

FAQs

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

Use "by reference to the" to indicate that something is being considered or evaluated in relation to something else. For example, "The results were analyzed "by reference to" the IPA Grid".

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

You can use alternatives such as "with reference to", "in relation to", or "regarding" depending on the context.

Is "by reference to the" formal or informal?

"By reference to the" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

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

While both phrases are similar, "with reference to" is generally more common and can be used in a broader range of contexts, while "by reference to the" often implies a more direct and specific evaluation.