is a reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining that something alludes to or points to another concept, work, or idea. Example: "The title of the book is a reference to a famous poem that explores similar themes of love and loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is a reference to my work.

The New Yorker

Coniacian is a reference to Cognac.

The New Yorker

"There is a reference to Elizabeth I.

The Guardian

Candidate #1 is a reference to Trump.

The Washington Post

"That corn for me is a reference to Dalí.

The Guardian - Arts

The nickname is a reference to Mr. Fujimori's Asian ancestry.

The New York Times

This is a reference to his kids' generation.

The Guardian - Music

(Bric is a reference to Brazil, Russia, India, and China).

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This was a reference to WikiLeaks.

The New Yorker

(That's a reference to Ukip).

The Guardian

(There was a reference to Dick Cheney).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a reference to", ensure the connection between the subject and the referenced material is clear to your audience. Providing context can enhance understanding and prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "is a reference to" when the connection is too subtle or requires specialized knowledge that the reader may not possess. Instead, provide more explicit details to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a reference to" functions as a linking expression, connecting a subject with its source of inspiration or origin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically sound way to point out allusions or connections, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a reference to" serves as a crucial linguistic tool for establishing connections and allusions between different concepts or works. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across a wide range of contexts, primarily in news, academic, and wiki environments. To enhance clarity, it's important to ensure that the reference is easily understood by the intended audience. Alternatives like "refers to" and "alludes to" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refers to

This is a direct synonym, indicating a direct connection or designation.

makes reference to

More formal and emphasizes the act of specifically mentioning something.

is an allusion to

Similar to "alludes to", but explicitly uses the noun form of allusion.

alludes to

This is a more concise alternative, directly indicating an indirect reference.

points to

This signifies that something directs attention or indicates something else.

is suggestive of

This conveys that something hints at or brings to mind something else.

is indicative of

This phrase suggests that something serves as a sign or signal of something else.

is emblematic of

Implies that something serves as a typical example or symbol.

is a symbol of

This denotes that something represents or stands for something else.

is connected to

Suggests a relationship or link between two things.

FAQs

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

Use "is a reference to" to indicate that something alludes to or draws inspiration from another source. For example, "The painting's title "is a reference to" a famous poem".

What are some alternatives to "is a reference to"?

You can use alternatives such as "alludes to", "refers to", or "is indicative of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is a reference to" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "is a reference to" when you want to explicitly point out that something intentionally evokes or draws upon another work, idea, or concept. This is useful in literary analysis, art criticism, and historical discussions.

Is "is a reference of" grammatically correct instead of "is a reference to"?

No, "is a reference of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct preposition to use with "reference" in this context is "to". Therefore, the correct phrase is ""is a reference to"".