has reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

"has reference to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a formal context to refer to something that has been or could have been previously mentioned. For example: This clause has reference to other portions of the agreement.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Nothing has reference to me, the looker.

The Guardian - Books

This act plainly has reference to sects.

Harvard University

The notation 'INS' when used herein has reference to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Cornell University

Spinner's remark has reference to the nation's newly awakened environmental awareness, which, happily, has included an understanding of the value of estuarine resources.

The New York Times

"Following on from your old football-inspired albums question, Iron Maiden's Somewhere in Time has reference to West Ham beating Arsenal 7-3 on the album cover," begins Paul Baker.

The Guardian - Sport

The term cycle has reference to the different leaves which are included in the complete circuit of the spiral --- that is to say, those leaves from the first to the one which stands right above it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It has references to terrorism, war and other forms of violence.

The New York Times

"Chas has references to the 1950s, with a bit of 'I Love Lucy.' The show has that zany, lighthearted spirit".

The New York Times - Arts

The centerpiece is a festival-float cornucopia that has references to sex, violence and the materialistic American dream (Smith).

The New York Times - Arts

In this OG, the Main class (node 0) has references to two Box objects (nodes 1 and 3).

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

But it kind of has references to different things and different parts of my life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has reference to", ensure the connection you're making is clear and unambiguous. Provide enough context so your audience can easily understand the relationship between the subjects you're linking.

Common error

Avoid using "has reference to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "refers to" or "relates to" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has reference to" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a related concept or idea. It signifies a relationship, allusion, or connection between two elements, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has reference to" is a formal phrase used to indicate a connection, allusion, or relationship between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, particularly in academic, legal, and technical contexts. While grammatically sound and commonly used, it should be avoided in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "refers to" or "relates to" are more appropriate. With its frequent appearance in sources like Cornell University and The New York Times, understanding its proper usage ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refers to

Directly indicates a subject or topic being discussed, omitting the auxiliary verb.

relates to

Indicates a connection or association, simplifying the original phrase.

pertains to

Suggests a direct relevance to a specific subject, providing a formal tone.

is connected to

Emphasizes the link between two subjects, using a more explicit connection.

alludes to

Suggests an indirect reference or mention, changing the nuance slightly.

concerns

Focuses on the subject matter, making the phrase more concise.

is applicable to

Highlights the relevance or suitability of something, changing the emphasis.

bears upon

Indicates a significant influence or effect on something, shifting the focus.

has bearing on

Focuses on the impact or relevance of something on a particular issue.

is relevant to

Highlights the importance or pertinence of something in a given context.

FAQs

What does "has reference to" mean?

The phrase "has reference to" means that something relates to, alludes to, or concerns a particular subject or topic. It indicates a connection or association between two things.

How can I use "has reference to" in a sentence?

You can use "has reference to" to indicate that something relates to a specific topic. For example, "This clause "refers to" other portions of the agreement".

What are some alternatives to "has reference to"?

Some alternatives to "has reference to" include "relates to", "pertains to", or "concerns", depending on the specific context.

Is "has reference to" formal or informal?

"Has reference to" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, it's often better to use simpler alternatives like "refers to" or "is about".