evident reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evident reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a clear or obvious mention of something in a text or conversation. Example: "In her analysis, she made an evident reference to the previous studies that supported her argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The protesters got away with that one, but on March 19, the same group was dispersed by the police while walking through a park wearing T-shirts reading "Out Now," an evident reference to the president.

The New York Times

To cynical eyes, such cruel comparisons might have seemed all the more persuasive as the jubilee unfolded without evident reference to a figure who, in life and in death, once molded Britons' perceptions of the royal family — Diana, Princess of Wales, barely glimpsed in the officially approved commemorative footage, airbrushed out of the national memory.

The New York Times

She wrote that she had seen the mayor "at Gen. Mattis' home," an evident reference to a gathering at the Tampa house of Gen. James N. Mattis, who as the head of Central Command oversees all military operations in the Middle East.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He claims that Scientology has not influenced his work — there are no evident references in his movies — but his scripts often do have an autobiographical element.

The New Yorker

Social exclusion is evident in reference to the housing area.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Contrary to previous observations on Rac3KO mice, we found here that Rac1N mutants had evident spatial reference memory defects in the water maze.

Cerebral Cortex

The present study's clinical and educational implications are most evident in reference to the cultural background, as the concept of HRQOL is well explored in the western societies.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Regardless of which treatment was chosen, there were some patients who expressed a general non-specified dislike for it, 2a,2b although this seemed more evident in reference to hypnotherapy, homeopathy and suppositories.2c,2d,2e Many individuals held fixed preconceptions against such non-mainstream therapies which they did not expand upon.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The contrast in styles was sharply evident in references to the fund-raising scandals.

The New York Times

The self-evident truths reference comes from our Declaration of Independence.

The Economist

Analyses measured degree of interdisciplinarity evident in references cited and identified subject areas cited, determined whether this literature was concerned with users' cognitive processes and with system design and use, and identified research methods used.

Library & Information Science Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for "evident reference" when you want to emphasize the obviousness of a connection or allusion within your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "evident reference" when the reference is already overwhelmingly clear from the surrounding text. Redundancy can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evident reference" functions as a noun phrase, where "evident" modifies the noun "reference". It describes a mention or allusion that is easily perceived or understood. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts to highlight the clarity of a connection.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

52%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evident reference" is a phrase used to describe a clear and easily noticeable mention or allusion. While grammatically correct and understandable, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's relatively rare in occurrence. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the reference is indeed clear to your audience to avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "clear allusion" or "obvious mention" might be suitable depending on the context. Overall, "evident reference" is a valid but uncommon phrase best reserved for situations where emphasizing the clarity of a reference is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear allusion

Emphasizes the directness and unambiguity of the reference.

obvious mention

Highlights the ease with which the reference can be identified.

explicit citation

Focuses on the directness and formality of the reference.

noticeable indication

Highlights the visibility or ease of noticing the reference.

apparent connection

Stresses the link that the reference makes obvious.

plain implication

Underscores the simplicity and directness of what is implied.

unmistakable suggestion

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the suggestion.

patent insinuation

Highlights the obviousness and often negative nature of the reference.

conspicuous link

Focuses on the prominent and easily visible nature of the connection.

pronounced echo

Highlights the strong and clear resonance or repetition of an idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "evident reference" to point out a clear connection or allusion, as in "The author made an "evident reference" to Shakespeare in the opening paragraph".

What are some alternatives to saying "evident reference"?

Alternatives include "clear allusion", "obvious mention", or "explicit citation", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to describe a reference as "evident"?

It can be, if the reference is already glaringly obvious. Use "evident reference" when you want to underscore the clarity of a connection that might otherwise be missed.

What's the difference between "evident reference" and "subtle allusion"?

"Evident reference" suggests a clear and easily noticeable connection, while "subtle allusion" implies a more indirect or understated reference that requires deeper understanding to recognize.