initial reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing or mentioning something for the first time in a discussion or text. Example: "In the initial reference to the study, the author highlights the key findings that support the main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Avoid using it as the initial reference to the school.

University of California, Berkeley

Do not use it as the initial reference to the school.

University of California, Berkeley

But, Mr. Retter wrote in his introduction, "it was not an index as that word is commonly understood, because one had to know the location of the initial reference to find the others".

The New York Times

Russia, who has so far supported the government of President Bashar al-Assad, backed the document after insisting that an initial reference to sanctions be dropped.

BBC

It was not immediately clear who had thrown them or if they had caused any injuries, the agency said, correcting an initial reference to "fire bombs".

BBC

After the coarse scanning, the sample of TW which results in the greatest hit ratio is used as an initial reference to execute the second step that consists of a fine-grained scanning carried out as Fig. 11 illustrates.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Internal emails revealed that initial references to al-Qaida were removed.

The Guardian - Film

(1) From an initial reference symbol-to-antenna allocation pattern a limited number of candidate allocation patterns are formed offline, known both to the transmitter and receiver.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Following the approach of continuum mechanics, we replace the discrete molecular structure of materials by a continuously distributed set of material points which undergo mappings from the initial (reference), Ω0, to current, Ω, configuration: x↦y(x).

Materials Theory

The initial reference is to a corps of post players that provide an interior strength that has long been lacking in the program, run now by first-year coach Doug Oliver.

Los Angeles Times

Initial references were to Taiwan, but the term now also encompasses Tibet and Xinjiang, the restive western region.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initial reference to" when you want to specifically highlight that you are discussing the first time something is mentioned or cited in a particular context. This is especially useful in academic or technical writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "initial reference to" when you are not actually discussing the very first mention of something. If you are referring to a later mention, use terms like "subsequent reference" or "later mention" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial reference to" functions as a noun phrase, often used to specify the first instance where something is mentioned or cited. It serves to identify and draw attention to the point of origin for information or ideas, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial reference to" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to highlight the first mention or citation of something. While deemed correct and usable according to Ludwig, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring you are indeed referring to the very first instance. Alternatives like "first mention of" may offer simpler phrasing. Its use is more common in scientific and news contexts, reflecting a need for precision. Remember that clarity and context are key when incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first mention of

Focuses on the act of mentioning something for the first time, emphasizing the introduction of a topic.

original citation of

Highlights the origin of a quote or reference, emphasizing its initial source.

initial alluding to

Emphasizes an indirect or suggestive mention in the beginning.

early indication of

Suggests an early sign or signal, rather than a direct reference.

preliminary remark about

Indicates an introductory comment or statement.

opening statement regarding

Implies a formal and direct presentation.

introductory note on

Describes a brief, often written, introduction to a subject.

first acknowledgment of

Focuses on the act of recognizing something for the first time.

initial pointing to

Suggests something directs attention or indicates something else in the beginning.

initial connecting with

Highlights an early association or link between ideas.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial reference to" to point out the first time a topic or source is mentioned. For example, "In the "initial reference to" the study, the author highlights the key findings."

What are some alternatives to "initial reference to"?

Alternatives include "first mention of", "original citation of", or "preliminary remark about". Consider using "first mention of" for a simpler phrasing.

When is it appropriate to use "initial reference to"?

It's appropriate when you are specifically discussing the very first time something is mentioned in a text or conversation. It emphasizes the introduction of the topic.

What's the difference between "initial reference to" and "subsequent reference to"?

"Initial reference to" refers to the very first mention, while "subsequent reference to" indicates later mentions of the same topic or source. Using "subsequent reference to" correctly maintains clarity.