is in reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the subject or topic that something pertains to or relates to. Example: "The article is in reference to the recent changes in environmental policy and their impact on local communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

My question is in reference to gravitational lensing.

Harvard University

This is in reference to whether referencing implies agreement.

Cornell University

(Their name is in reference to the vertical position the riders attempt while pulling off wheelies).

The New York Times

It is in reference to natural persons, however, that the term finds most frequent use.

Britannica

It is unclear whether the Independent report above is in reference to her.

The Guardian

One of the most common questions we get asked is in reference to expungements.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He could be noxiously bigoted, as he is in references to his black daughter-in-law.

The New York Times - Books

The only time the word "environment" shows up is in references to environmental regulations as a potential bottleneck to investment.

The Guardian - Opinion

This first was in reference to his confession.

The New York Times

The comment was in reference to an infamous story run by The Sun in 1986.

The Guardian - Tech

This was in reference to Alba's newfound steeliness in the role of Nancy Callahan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is in reference to" when you want to clearly indicate the specific subject or topic being discussed. It ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "is in reference to" in simple sentences where a more direct verb like "refers" or "relates" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in reference to" functions as a prepositional phrase that connects a subject to the topic or subject matter it pertains to. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its role in specifying what something relates to, whether it's a study, a name, or a comment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is in reference to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig, it serves to establish a clear connection between a subject and the specific topic it pertains to. While it is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a range of writing styles. For clarity and precision, ensure that the subject and reference are distinct, and that its use isn't needlessly verbose where simpler alternatives like "refers to" or "relates to" would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pertains to

Focuses on relevance or connection to a specific subject.

relates to

Emphasizes a connection or association between things.

refers to

Highlights the act of pointing to or alluding to something specific.

alludes to

Suggests an indirect reference or hint.

concerns

Indicates that something is about or deals with a particular subject.

is about

States the subject matter directly.

deals with

Implies a more detailed or thorough handling of a subject.

is connected to

Highlights the link or association between two or more things.

bears upon

Suggests a direct relevance or impact on something.

is relevant to

Emphasizes the importance or applicability of something to a particular situation.

FAQs

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

Use "is in reference to" to specify the topic or subject matter. For example, "This study "pertains to" the effects of climate change on coastal communities".

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

You can use alternatives like "refers to", "relates to", or ""pertains to"" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "is in reference to" or "refers to"?

While both are correct, "refers to" is often more concise and suitable for most contexts. "Is in reference to" can be used when you want to emphasize the connection or relevance more explicitly.

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

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to clearly and explicitly state the subject or topic being addressed, especially when precision is important. For example, "The clause "pertains to" the legal definition of 'reasonable doubt'".