cursory reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cursory reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when mentioning something briefly or superficially without going into detail. Example: "In her report, she made a cursory reference to the previous studies, but did not elaborate on their findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Not once does Damasio refer to it by this name, and he makes only very cursory reference to James's version of the theory.

The New York Times - Books

There's a cursory reference to poverty in the Tory general election manifesto.

The Guardian

"The only thing that you said about me was that I was an American," he added, now enjoying my cursory reference to him in the column.

The New York Times

Moreover, a federal court that heard a lawsuit by the Parkers rightly determined that a cursory reference to gay couples in classrooms "does not constitute 'indoctrination,' " as the Parkers had claimed.

The New York Times

In his capacity as a United Nations investigator, Mr. Falk issued a statement this month describing Israel's embargo on Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, as a crime against humanity, while making only cursory reference to Hamas's rocket attacks against Israeli civilian centers.

The New York Times

Other concepts relevant to the evolution of the species are not mentioned in any grade, except for one cursory reference to dinosaurs in the sixth grade.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For cancer, the only cursory references dealt with pain relief, Dr. Alfred G. Gilman said.

The New York Times

Other claims particularly the accusations of cartelisation and manipulation of the law are serious enough to deserve more evidence than the cursory references to "research" that are offered.

The Economist

And while the show makes only cursory references to behind-the-scenes figures, it does pause to honor Roone Arledge, who for many years embodied ABC's spirit as head of its sports and news divisions.

The New York Times

What interests him isn't the why and how of time travel — aside from almost cursory references to quantum physics and the idea of the "transmigration of souls," the question is hardly pondered at all — but the What If? "They say there are many worlds," Greta reflects early in the novel.

The New York Times - Books

Deeper issues got only cursory mention.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cursory reference" when you want to indicate that something was only briefly mentioned and not explored in detail. It's appropriate when summarizing or providing an overview.

Common error

Avoid using "cursory reference" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "brief mention" or "passing mention" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory reference" functions as a noun phrase where "cursory" modifies the noun "reference". It describes the nature of the reference, indicating its brevity and lack of detail. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cursory reference" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating a brief or superficial mention. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for formal and informal contexts, though more common in news and media. When using it, be mindful of its descriptive nature, highlighting the lack of detail. To avoid repetition, consider synonyms like "brief mention" or "passing mention". In summary, use "cursory reference" when you want to acknowledge something without a deep dive, ensuring variety and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief mention

Focuses on the shortness of the reference.

superficial reference

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the reference.

passing mention

Highlights that the reference is fleeting and not dwelled upon.

perfunctory mention

Suggests the reference was done as a matter of routine, lacking genuine interest.

slight reference

Indicates the reference is small in scope or importance.

casual reference

Highlights the informal nature of the reference.

fleeting reference

Similar to "passing mention", emphasizing brevity.

tangential reference

Suggests the reference is only indirectly related to the main topic.

quick citation

Highlights the speed and lack of detail in the reference.

minimal attention

Highlights the limited attention given to a specific subject.

FAQs

What does "cursory reference" mean?

A "cursory reference" is a brief and superficial mention of something, without detailed examination or explanation. It suggests that the subject was only touched upon lightly.

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

You can use "cursory reference" when describing how something was mentioned briefly. For example, "The report made a "cursory reference" to the environmental impact, but didn't go into specifics."

What are some alternatives to "cursory reference"?

Alternatives include "brief mention", "passing mention", or "superficial reference". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cursory reference" in formal writing?

Yes, "cursory reference" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to describe a brief or superficial mention. However, ensure that your language remains professional and clear.