clear reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear reference" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when the context of your sentence makes it clear that you are referring to a specific thing or idea. For example: "The quote provides a clear reference to the author's main point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A clear reference to Kanye?

The Guardian - Music

This was a clear reference to the prime minister.

The Guardian

La Republica said this was a clear reference to blackmail.

The Guardian

This seems a clear reference to a total solar eclipse.

Britannica

The King said Bahrain would stand against "foreign interference" a clear reference to Iran.

The Guardian

One of the tsar's sons carries an iPad – a clear reference to Putin's protege, Dmitry Medvedev.

The Guardian

One prohibition specifically targets "evil cults or superstition," a clear reference to Falun Gong.

The New York Times - Magazine

I think—I think he's crazy," a clear reference to the President.

The New Yorker

Customers no longer have clear reference prices, so they don't know when to pull the trigger.

Harvard Business Review

Nor is negating Congress’ clear reference to chapter 35 required by the policy behind the statute.

Cornell University

This is a clear reference to the NATO action in Libya.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, always cite your sources when making a "clear reference" to another author's work to avoid plagiarism.

Common error

Avoid assuming a reference is "clear" when it may only be obvious to you. Consider your audience's background knowledge and provide necessary context to ensure understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear reference" functions as a noun phrase, where 'clear' modifies 'reference'. It's used to identify instances where a direct and easily understood connection exists between two things, such as a text and its source, or an event and its inspiration. Ludwig AI validates this by showing numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear reference" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to indicate a direct and easily understood connection between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds frequent use across diverse contexts from news and media to academic writing. When employing this phrase, prioritize clarity and provide adequate context for your audience. While alternatives like "explicit mention" or "obvious allusion" exist, "clear reference" provides a balanced and versatile option for conveying direct connections in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicit mention

Emphasizes the directness and unambiguity of the reference.

obvious allusion

Highlights the indirect but easily recognizable nature of the reference.

unmistakable indication

Focuses on the reference as a sign or signal that cannot be misinterpreted.

direct citation

Stresses the verbatim inclusion of a source or statement.

plain statement

Underscores the simplicity and lack of ambiguity in the reference.

evident connection

Highlights the easily perceived link between two things.

unambiguous pointer

Focuses on the role of the reference in directing attention to something else.

readily apparent connection

Adds emphasis on the ease with which the reference can be understood.

easily identifiable link

Highlights how simple is to spot the connection or reference.

transparent implication

Emphasizes that the reference is evident and easily understood without need of major mental jumps.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear reference" to indicate that something directly alludes to or mentions something else. For example, "The author makes a "clear reference" to Shakespeare in the first chapter."

What are some alternatives to "clear reference"?

Some alternatives include "explicit mention", "obvious allusion", or "direct citation" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "clear reference" or "obvious reference"?

While both are acceptable, "clear reference" emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the reference, while "obvious reference" emphasizes how easily noticeable it is. The better choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

What's the difference between a "clear reference" and an "indirect reference"?

A "clear reference" is direct and easily recognizable, while an "indirect reference" is more subtle and requires interpretation to understand its connection.