cross-reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross-reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where one is referring to information that relates to or supports another piece of information, often in academic or technical writing. Example: "To ensure accuracy, please cross-reference the data in this report with the original source documents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

For a richer experience, cross-reference "B.Y. T.

The New York Times - Style

But there's no cross-reference point.

The Guardian - Sport

But Torre does not cross-reference the scoreboard.

The New York Times - Sports

It relegated the massacre to a cross-reference.

The Guardian

Experts recommend carrying two field guides to cross-reference.

The New York Times - Travel

But cross-reference (n. and v). is conversational English.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Let's cross-reference all that with the common traits of the four "murderous" star signs.

Vice

So I could actually sort of cross-reference their answers and get at stuff that way.

Vice

It is useless because those with multiple data sets can easily cross reference them and undo the anonymisation," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

You could also cross reference past history with other similar offers from partners that extends the current experience even further.

The Guardian

Cross reference: "The Therapeutic Alliance: The Essential Ingredient for Psychology".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documentation, use "cross-reference" to guide readers to related sections or topics for a deeper understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "cross-reference" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "refer to" or "check" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross-reference" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb, indicating a connection between different parts of a text or database. As Ludwig confirms, it is commonly used to guide readers to related information, ensuring clarity and coherence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

16%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cross-reference" is a versatile term used to connect related information, serving both as a noun and a verb. As Ludwig underlines, it’s grammatically correct and commonly employed across various domains, especially in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While suitable for formal writing, avoid overuse in informal contexts. Alternatives like "refer to", "compare with", and "check against" may offer better clarity in certain situations. Using "cross-reference" effectively enhances the structure and understanding of complex information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Refer to

Focuses on directing attention to another source of information, without necessarily implying comparison.

Check against

Emphasizes verifying information by comparing it with another source.

Compare with

Highlights the act of examining similarities and differences between two or more things.

Relate to

Indicates a connection or association between two or more things.

Correlate with

Suggests a statistical relationship or connection between two or more variables.

Link to

Implies a direct connection or association, often used in digital contexts.

Associate with

Indicates a connection or relationship, often used in less formal contexts.

Tie in with

Suggests a connection or integration, often used in business or marketing contexts.

Draw a parallel

Highlights similarities between different things.

Establish a connection

Focuses on creating a relationship or link between different elements.

FAQs

How can I use "cross-reference" in a sentence?

You can use "cross-reference" to indicate that you are directing the reader to another part of the text or another source for more information. For example, "Please cross-reference the appendix for detailed data."

What are some alternatives to using "cross-reference"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "refer to", "compare with", or "check against".

Is it appropriate to use "cross-reference" in formal writing?

Yes, "cross-reference" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, technical, or professional contexts. It indicates a clear and organized connection between different pieces of information.

What's the difference between "cross-reference" and "reference"?

"Reference" is a general term for mentioning or alluding to something. "Cross-reference" specifically means to refer from one part of a text or database to another, allowing readers to compare or connect related information. You simply "reference" a source, but you "cross-reference" one section of a document with another.