for later reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for later reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something in order to remember it for future use. For example: I'm going to save this information for later reference.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Number each photograph for later reference.

The New York Times

You can also comment on posts and bookmark your favorite content for later reference or download.

Harvard University

At the successful completion of each round, have the student write the title on the board for later reference.

The New York Times

As you see movies during the year, do you keep an ongoing list of standout performances for later reference?

The New York Times

But this heart rate monitor, the company's least expensive, cannot store any heart rate information for later reference or to calculate an average.

The New York Times - Tech

"As an orchestral pianist, you watch what the conductor does, what works and what gets in the way, and you keep it in mind for later reference".

The New York Times

For later reference, the information of some nodes accessed from the DOM tree already generated has been also kept using the concept of their virtual nodes.

Journal of Systems and Software

Rather than immediately using the photocopied articles in his work, Dr. Chickering placed the copies in his files "to have them available for later reference as needed". Id.

Harvard University

Many of these make it possible to save participants' comments for later reference, and all can save the time it takes to attend an in-person meeting.

Cornell University

Clearly labeled pages make it straightforward to enter an expense, identify a merchant, tag the entry for later reference and so on.

The New York Times - Tech

"Flip" through each catalog's pages, easily search for terms or phrases, make notes for personal reference or sharing (by email or social media), and easily download a copy for later reference.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When taking notes, clearly label sections with keywords, so you can easily find what you need "for later reference".

Common error

While "for later reference" is useful, avoid using it excessively in a single document. Vary your language with synonyms like "for future consideration" or "to keep in mind" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for later reference" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, modifying a verb to indicate why something is being done. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where information is saved, recorded, or noted down with the intention of accessing it in the future.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

26%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for later reference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It serves as an adverbial phrase of purpose, indicating that something is being saved or recorded for future use. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, varying your language is recommended to avoid overuse. Top sources include The New York Times, TechCrunch, and The Guardian, demonstrating its prevalence in news, academic and technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for future consideration

Focuses on the act of thinking about something in the future, rather than just referencing it.

to keep in mind

Highlights the act of remembering something, often for a specific reason or purpose.

for future use

Emphasizes the practical application of something at a later time.

to be filed away

Suggests a more formal or organized method of storing information.

for safekeeping

Implies protecting something valuable for retrieval when needed.

for record-keeping purposes

Highlights the importance of documentation and maintaining accurate records.

for archival purposes

Emphasizes long-term preservation and historical significance.

to earmark

Suggests setting something aside or designating it for a specific purpose later on.

for future perusal

Focuses on the act of reading or examining something at a later time.

down the line

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, suggesting something will be relevant at a later point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "for later reference" in a sentence?

You can use "for later reference" to indicate that something is being saved or recorded for future use. For example, "The meeting was recorded "for later reference"".

What are some alternatives to "for later reference"?

Alternatives include "for future consideration", "to keep in mind", or "for future use", depending on the specific context.

Is "for later reference" formal or informal?

"For later reference" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What's the best way to organize information "for later reference"?

The best approach depends on the type of information. Consider using tagging systems, dedicated folders, or note-taking apps like Evernote to easily retrieve information "for later reference".