it makes no reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it makes no reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something does not mention or allude to a particular subject or topic. Example: "The report is comprehensive, but it makes no reference to the recent changes in policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It makes no reference to any link with WikiLeaks.

The Guardian

He was watching the race with a French visitor – it makes no reference to Davison's actions.

The Guardian

It makes no reference to whether a detainee can have a lawyer.

The New York Times

It makes no reference to Cosby or the women whose sexual assault lawsuits were pending at the time.

The Washington Post

Like most of the speeches, the song stands out in modern Iran because it makes no reference to religion.

The New York Times

It makes no reference to - or acknowledgement of - Palestine or the West Bank (using the biblical names of Judea and Samaria for the West Bank).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It made no reference to the disaster but simply performed with its usual near-manic intensity, drawing the audience into its art form and into a larger, unstated cause.

The New York Times - Arts

It made no reference to Mr. Karzai's request.

The New York Times

It made no reference to the living wage.

Independent

It made no reference to applying any such provision to individual investors.

The New York Times

But it made no reference to the circumstances of the shooting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject (the 'it' in the phrase) is clearly defined and that the reader understands what is being examined for the missing reference.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it makes no reference to" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it doesn't mention" or "it leaves out" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it makes no reference to" functions as a clause element serving as a negative declarative, indicating the absence of a specific detail or topic within a given subject. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it makes no reference to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the absence of a specific topic or detail. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedias, showing a tendency towards neutral to formal contexts. When aiming for more casual communication, consider alternatives such as "it doesn't mention" or "it leaves out". The key takeaway is to ensure clarity about the subject being examined and the significance of the missing reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it doesn't mention

Simplifies the phrase by using the verb 'mention' instead of 'makes no reference to'.

there is no reference to

Restructures the sentence to start with 'there is' for a slightly different emphasis.

it contains no mention of

Rephrases to focus on the absence of 'mention' within something.

it doesn't allude to

Changes the verb to 'allude' which implies a less direct mention.

it omits any reference to

Uses 'omits' to indicate exclusion and 'reference' to maintain the topic.

it fails to acknowledge

Emphasizes a lack of recognition or consideration.

it overlooks

Similar to disregards, it implies neglect or failure to notice something important.

it disregards

Uses 'disregards' to suggest a deliberate overlooking of something.

it avoids any discussion of

Indicates a deliberate effort to not talk about a particular subject.

it skirts around the issue of

Suggests that a topic is carefully avoided without directly addressing it.

FAQs

How can I use "it makes no reference to" in a sentence?

Use "it makes no reference to" to indicate that something does not mention a specific topic. For example, "The report is comprehensive, but "it makes no reference to" the recent changes in policy".

What are some alternatives to "it makes no reference to"?

You can use alternatives like "it doesn't mention", "it omits", or "it fails to acknowledge" depending on the context. For example, instead of saying "The article makes no reference to the study", you could say "The article "it doesn't mention" the study".

Is "it makes no reference to" formal or informal?

"It makes no reference to" leans towards the formal side. In informal settings, consider using simpler phrases like "it doesn't mention" or "it leaves out".

What is the difference between "it makes no reference to" and "it makes no mention of"?

While both phrases are similar, "it makes no reference to" often implies a more deliberate or significant omission. "It makes no mention of" is a more general statement of absence. They are mostly interchangeable but nuances can exist. The main difference is that the former uses reference and the latter mention.