Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it is in reference to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it is in reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the subject or context of a particular statement or piece of information. Example: "The article discusses climate change; it is in reference to the recent environmental policies implemented by the government."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
It is in reference to natural persons, however, that the term finds most frequent use.
Encyclopedias
Why is it, then, that every time the urban commons is mentioned it is in reference to a community garden?
News & Media
According to a translation from Arabic to French by Mediapart (and from French to English by The New York Times) the document reads, in part, that it is in reference to "approval to support the campaign of the presidential candidate, Nicolas Sarkozy, for an amount valued at fifty million euros".
News & Media
It is in reference to the creation account in Genesis 2 again, where the woman was created to rescue the man from his solitude.
News & Media
I often hear the term "American exceptionalism", but it is in reference to returning to the past and not the future.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
YOU: I think the last time I heard it was in reference to Jean Harris.
News & Media
It was in reference to today's match between Liverpool and Manchester United, which has, in recent years, descended from keen rivalry into poisonous enmity.
News & Media
Rather it was in reference to a report, which the website attributed to the Daily Mail, that morris dancers "may stage flashmob-style protests" after being left out of the opening ceremony.
News & Media
It was in reference to NapQuest, a relatively awesome initiative at Aol/ Huffington Postthat includes a small room with a massage chair, a shelf full of books, complete with a full-fledged dentist-style reclining chair and a sleep sound machine.
News & Media
It was in reference to Starling – to their encounter in The Silence of the Lambs.
Wiki
So why do we still feel so comfortable asking the question when it's in reference to Tommy Wiseau?
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "it is in reference to", ensure that the subject you are referring to is clear to the reader to avoid confusion. For example, provide context or a specific name.
Common error
Avoid using "it is in reference to" in simple sentences where a more direct phrase like "it concerns" or "it relates to" would be more effective. For example, instead of saying "The email is in reference to the meeting", try "The email concerns the meeting".
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it is in reference to" functions as a connector that specifies the subject or context to which a statement, action, or idea relates. It serves to provide clarity and direct the reader's attention to the specific topic under discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct phrase.
Frequent in
News & Media
45%
Encyclopedias
15%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Science
15%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it is in reference to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that serves to clarify the connection between a statement and its context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various situations, mainly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki, while its usage is neutral to formal. When writing, ensure clarity and avoid overuse in simple sentences. Alternatives such as "it pertains to" or "it relates to" can be used for conciseness. Understanding these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively and appropriately.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it pertains to
Changes the wording to a more concise and formal option.
it relates to
Offers a more general alternative with a slightly broader scope.
it concerns
Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the subject matter.
it alludes to
Suggests an indirect or subtle reference.
it bears on
Indicates relevance or connection to a particular topic.
it's connected with
Uses a more informal and conversational tone.
it applies to
Focuses on the applicability or relevance of something.
it has to do with
Employs a more common and less formal expression.
it's with regard to
Introduces a formal phrase highlighting the aspect under consideration.
it touches upon
Implies a brief or superficial mention.
FAQs
How can I use "it is in reference to" in a sentence?
Use "it is in reference to" to specify what something relates to or concerns. For example, "The article discusses climate change; it is in reference to the recent environmental policies implemented by the government."
What are some alternatives to "it is in reference to"?
You can use alternatives like "it pertains to", "it relates to", or "it concerns depending on the context.
When is it appropriate to use "it is in reference to"?
It's appropriate when you want to explicitly state the subject or context being discussed. However, avoid overuse in simple sentences where shorter phrases would be more concise.
Is "it is in reference to" formal or informal?
"It is in reference to" is generally considered neutral to formal. For more informal situations, you could use alternatives like "it has to do with".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested