capable of referring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of referring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability of something, such as a word or phrase, to denote or point to something else. Example: "The term 'dog' is capable of referring to a specific breed or any member of the canine family."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Still, I don't find myself capable of referring to her as "Pym," like a cup of punch and Barbara was so unfailingly humble a woman she might have excused my colonial familiarity, or even found it funny.

The Guardian - Books

While names and other referential terms are hardly the only type of representational token capable of referring, linguistic tokens like these have long stood at the center of philosophical inquiries into the nature of reference.

SEP

A stage director capable of referring to the Met as a factory is the sort of fellow perfectly capable of dressing Tsar Boris in a tutu and making Price Shuisky up to look like Tammy Faye Baker.

Huffington Post

Although professionals claim to be mostly capable of referring people when necessary, they also regard the options for referral rather nontransparent and limited.

BMC Family Practice

Inaccurate perceptions among the group of doctors most accessible to the public and capable of referring patients to CT scans subsidised with unrestrictive MBS items runs the risk of inappropriate use.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I felt myself getting tired; I know what Debbie ran yesterday, and I know what she's capable of," Jones said, referring to Ferguson's leading time in Thursday's semifinals.

The New York Times - Sports

The platform capable of supporting 2D (refer to Figure 4) and 3D models can simulate most cellular behaviours and captured not only the differences in system evolution due to the differing initial/boundary conditions but the similarities as well.

Briefings in Bioinformatics

"Don't believe what the scientists say, 'That your body is too fat and your wings are too heavy and aerodynamically you are not capable of flying,' " Stringer implored, referring to the possibilities of building Rutgers into a national power.

The New York Times - Sports

Furthermore, pediatricians are capable of treating ASD by referring to interventional therapists without the need of involving another physician.

BMC Health Services Research

From a theoretical perspective, this study assessed whether the teachers were capable of identifying and properly referring students who required mental health attention.

BMC Public Health

If so, it is misguided; just after Drum is proven capable of fatherhood, Charlie again refers to his dog as "girl".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of referring", ensure the subject clearly possesses the ability or authority to make the reference. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of referring" too frequently in formal writing. Opt for more concise alternatives like "references" or "cites" to maintain a streamlined style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of referring" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its ability or potential to make a reference. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of referring" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe the ability of something to make a reference. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds its niche in scientific, news, and formal contexts, often highlighting the capacity or potential for citation or allusion. When using this phrase, consider whether a more direct alternative like "references" or "cites" might be more appropriate for a concise writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to reference

Replaces 'capable of' with 'able to', maintaining a direct synonymity.

able to allude to

Uses 'allude to' instead of 'referring', suggesting an indirect reference.

qualified to reference

Emphasizes the qualification or suitability for referencing.

in a position to cite

Highlights the situational ability to cite something.

competent to mention

Focuses on the competence to bring something up.

equipped to point to

Suggests having the necessary tools or knowledge to indicate something.

authorized to make reference to

Indicates that someone has the authority to refer to something.

prepared to connect with

Implies readiness to link or associate with something.

empowered to draw parallels to

Suggests having the power or ability to draw comparisons.

suitable to call attention to

Emphasizes appropriateness in highlighting something.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of referring" in a sentence?

Use "capable of referring" to describe something that has the ability to make a reference to something else. For example, "This software is capable of referring to multiple databases simultaneously".

What are some alternatives to "capable of referring"?

You can use alternatives like "able to reference", "able to allude to", or "competent to mention" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "capable of referring" or simply "referring"?

The choice depends on the context. "Referring" is more direct and suitable when the ability to refer is already implied. "Capable of referring" is useful when emphasizing the ability or potential to make a reference.

What is the difference between "capable of referring" and "referring to"?

"Capable of referring" describes the ability to refer, while "referring to" describes the act of making a reference. For example, "The index is capable of referring to any page in the book," versus "The author is referring to a specific event in history."