explicit reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"explicit reference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used when explicitly mentioning something or referring to it in a direct manner. For example, "The author makes an explicit reference to Christmas in the first paragraph of the novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It also included an explicit reference to land-grabbing.

The Guardian

The more explicit reference to Jay Z, however, comes later.

The Guardian - Music

They made explicit reference to the fact of her pregnancy.

The New York Times

Popper claimed he'd never made any explicit reference to the war.

The Guardian - Books

There isn't any, really, though explicit reference is made to a brief affair.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nowhere in Cardinal Baum's letter is there an explicit reference to homosexuality.

The New York Times

But except for the text in the show's catalog, there is scant explicit reference to it.

The New York Times - Arts

The ASA acknowledged that the ad made no explicit reference to death or violence.

The Guardian

Seigl's erudition allows Oates to make explicit reference to Greek religious concepts of hubris and nemesis.

The Guardian - Books

The new law will just drop the explicit reference to courts.

The New York Times

A more explicit reference to those violent times is the Hogan stand.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explicit reference", ensure that the reference is clear and easily identifiable by your audience to avoid any ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "explicit reference" when a simpler term like "mention" or "refer" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal and repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "explicit reference" is as a noun phrase, typically functioning as the object of a verb or the subject complement. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it indicates a direct and clear mention of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explicit reference" is a frequently used noun phrase that indicates a clear and direct mention of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its prevalent use in News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember that clarity is key: ensure that your "explicit reference" is easily identifiable by your audience, and avoid overuse to maintain a natural writing style. Consider alternatives like "direct mention" or "clear citation" when appropriate. The phrase serves to remove ambiguity and ensure that the reader or listener understands exactly what is being referred to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct mention

Focuses on the act of directly naming or referring to something.

specific allusion

Highlights the use of a particular indirect reference, more literary.

clear citation

Emphasizes the act of quoting or citing a source unambiguously.

unequivocal indication

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the reference.

overt statement

Highlights the openness and lack of hidden meaning in the reference.

express declaration

Emphasizes the formal and forceful nature of the reference.

precise specification

Focuses on the detailed and accurate nature of the reference.

pointed remark

Highlights a direct and often critical reference.

plain assertion

Stresses the simplicity and straightforwardness of the reference.

definite allusion

Indicates a clear, though indirect, reference to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "explicit reference" to indicate a clear and direct mention of something, such as "The report makes an "explicit reference" to the company's financial struggles".

What is a good alternative to "explicit reference"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "direct mention", "clear citation", or "specific allusion".

Is it better to use "explicit reference" or "implicit reference"?

The choice between "explicit reference" and "implicit reference" depends on whether the reference is direct and clear (explicit) or indirect and implied (implicit). Use ""explicit reference"" when the reference is stated directly.

What's the difference between "explicit reference" and "general reference"?

"Explicit reference" denotes a clear and specific mention, while "general reference" refers to a broader or less defined mention. For example, an "explicit reference" might cite a particular study, whereas a general reference might simply allude to research in the field.