external reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "external reference" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a source of information or data that is located outside of the current context or document. It is often used in technical or academic writing. Example: "In order to support our argument, we have included external references from reputable sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An externally motivated person's behavior is most often driven to satisfy an external reference group.

International Journal of STEM Education

"He lacks external reference points.

The New Yorker

We were cut off from every form of external reference except the trail.

The New Yorker

Chen, C.-Y C.-Yal. Improvet alcestry Improvede using weights from externancestryence panels.

Nature

A dicot (tomato) was also included as non-Poaceae external reference.

Nature

It aspires to more democratic principles than many political systems because we have an external reference.

The New York Times - Science

The second one is an external reference clock.

The Definitive Guide to the ARM Cortex-M3

The result is a play of pure sound, without external reference, that gives us a glimpse of eternity.

The Guardian - Music

This section provides links to external reference documents, code, and websites used throughout the project.

Cornell University

He said: "I'm really pleased; it's good as an external reference.

Independent

As usual, a second external reference electrode is also dipped into the analyte solution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "external reference", ensure that the source is credible and relevant to your context. Always cite your references properly to avoid plagiarism.

Common error

Avoid building an argument solely on "external references" without providing your own analysis or interpretation. Use external sources to support, not replace, your own critical thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external reference" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a source of information, data, or standard that originates outside the immediate context. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in academic, scientific, and journalistic writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external reference" is a noun phrase commonly used to denote sources of information or standards located outside of the immediate context. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in scientific, academic, and journalistic writing to bolster arguments and establish credibility. While it is most prevalent in formal and scientific contexts, remember to avoid over-reliance on "external references" without providing your own analysis. Alternatives such as "outside source" or "independent verification" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outside source

Focuses on the origin of information being from an external entity.

external resource

Emphasizes the provision of something useful from an external entity.

independent verification

Highlights the act of confirming information through an external and unbiased party.

third-party validation

Specifies validation from an impartial external entity.

external data point

Highlights the use of an external data point for analysis or comparison.

secondary source

Indicates a source that is not primary or original.

external authority

Emphasizes credibility and expertise from an external source.

external benchmark

Implies an external standard used for comparison.

external validation

Focuses on confirming the accuracy through an external process.

outside counsel

Refers to external advice or guidance, often in a professional context.

FAQs

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

You can use "external reference" to indicate a source of information outside of the immediate context. For example: "The study used data from an "external reference" to validate its findings."

What are some alternatives to "external reference"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "outside source", "external resource", or "third-party validation".

Is it always necessary to include an "external reference" in academic writing?

While not always mandatory, including an "external reference" is generally good practice in academic writing to support your claims, demonstrate research, and give credit to original sources.

What's the difference between an "external reference" and an internal reference?

An "external reference" refers to a source of information located outside the current document or context, while an internal reference refers to a source within the same document, such as a previously mentioned section or figure.