concrete reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "concrete reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing specific, tangible examples or sources that provide clarity or support for a statement or argument. Example: "In her essay, she provided a concrete reference to the study conducted in 2020, which illustrated the impact of climate change on coastal cities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The payoff is philosophical indeed, giving concrete reference to abstract thought on meanings of destruction.

The New Yorker

The code establishes a concrete reference point, he said, for disciplining coaches and parents.

The New York Times

I never start a collection with some historical, social, cultural or any other concrete reference or memory.

The New York Times

Which is presumably their purpose, given that these abstract lumps, most often in concrete, reference the body, its physical mass and the space in which it moves.

The Guardian - Arts

Her art evokes an imaginative and emotional space, deftly balancing sure, concrete reference points with whimsical intimations of some other, larger, escapist universe.

The New York Times

The drum track seems to be stomping and clapping by Waits and the drummer, his son Casey, who are eventually joined by the sound of gunfire, which may be one concrete reference too far.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Several video monitors also show short films of dances and ceremonies, and a smattering of often stunning objects from the museum's African collections provides concrete references for some of the photographs.

The New York Times - Arts

How? Vala consistently made authentic, concrete references to the traits others most liked about themselves.

Huffington Post

Then, another ironic comment: "Tadao Ando has to get over concrete" — in reference to the Japanese architect — "does modern architecture have to be made of unfinished concrete?" For all his assertions that "I am very happy working for my European brands," there was a sense of frustration when Mr. Marino said: "My legacy isn't going to be a museum.

The New York Times

28-day compressive strenth of concrete under reference curing temperature.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

A total of 17 mixes were tested including one normal cement concrete as reference.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "concrete reference", ensure that the reference is not only tangible and specific but also easily accessible and understandable to your audience. This enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating there's a "concrete reference" without explaining what it refers to or its relevance. Always follow up with the specific details of the reference to ensure it serves its intended purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concrete reference" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It specifies that a reference is not vague or abstract but rather something definite and tangible.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "concrete reference" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a specific, tangible example or source cited to support a claim. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in writing. Its primary function is to provide clarity and strengthen arguments across various contexts, predominantly in science and news media, as supported by Ludwig's examples. While alternatives like ""specific example"" and ""tangible illustration"" exist, "concrete reference" effectively emphasizes the grounded and verifiable nature of the information presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific example

Replaces the general term 'reference' with 'example', emphasizing a particular instance.

tangible illustration

Substitutes 'concrete' with 'tangible' and 'reference' with 'illustration', highlighting something that can be easily perceived or understood.

clear instance

Replaces "concrete" with "clear", emphasizing understandability, and "reference" with "instance", focusing on a specific occurrence.

explicit mention

Changes "concrete" to "explicit", indicating direct and unambiguous communication, and "reference" to "mention", focusing on the act of bringing something up.

definite citation

Emphasizes the conclusive and authoritative nature of the reference.

factual basis

Focuses on the reference as a foundation of facts supporting a claim.

verifiable source

Highlights the reliability and confirmability of the reference.

empirical evidence

Emphasizes that the reference is based on observed or measured data.

practical application

Shifts focus to the real-world use or implementation of the reference.

real-world example

Highlights the reference as originating from actual experiences.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "concrete reference" in a sentence?

Use "concrete reference" to introduce specific examples, data, or sources that support your claims, making your argument more persuasive. For example, "The study provided a "concrete reference" to the impact of pollution on urban wildlife".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "concrete reference"?

You can use alternatives like "specific example", "tangible illustration", or "clear instance" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very concrete reference"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very concrete reference" can be redundant. "Concrete" already implies specificity and tangibility. Opt for stronger, more concise wording, or simply use ""concrete reference"".

How does "concrete reference" differ from "abstract reference"?

"Concrete reference" refers to a specific, tangible example or source, whereas "abstract reference" alludes to a concept or idea without providing a specific instance. The former is grounded in reality, while the latter is more conceptual.