it refers to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it refers to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a reference to something previously stated. For example, "The Professor explained the concept in detail; it refers to the ideas presented in the last lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Young man: Tell me what the "it" refers to.

Forbes

It refers to his Ph.D".

The New Yorker

It refers to the old numbers.

The Economist

It refers to specific items.

The Guardian

It refers to a singular institution.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it refers to us, too.

The New Yorker

(It refers to the dead boys).

The New York Times

He said: "That's all it refers to.

The Guardian

It refers to the electrophysiological activity of the heart.

Measurement

It refers to an equilibrium of visual weights within composition.

Stanford University

It is recursive (meaning that it refers to itself).

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it refers to", ensure the "it" is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The study mentions several factors; it refers to socioeconomic status", specify: "The study mentions several factors; this analysis refers to socioeconomic status."

Common error

Avoid using "it refers to" when the antecedent of "it" is vague or missing. Rewrite the sentence to explicitly state what is being referenced. For example, instead of "The policy has many aspects, and it refers to fairness", specify "The policy has many aspects, and this policy refers to fairness."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it refers to" functions as a linking phrase. It connects a pronoun ("it") to a previously mentioned noun or idea, specifying what the "it" is referencing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it refers to" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that serves to clarify the meaning and context of a previously mentioned subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various writing styles, from neutral news reports to formal academic papers. While "it refers to" is widely accepted, ensure that the "it" is clearly defined to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as ""it relates to"", ""it pertains to"", and ""it alludes to"" can offer nuanced ways of expressing connection or reference. Remember to be mindful of clarity and context to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it relates to

Substitutes "relates" for "refers", indicating a connection or association.

it alludes to

Uses "alludes" instead of "refers", implying a less direct reference.

it indicates

Replaces "refers" with "indicates" implying a pointing towards something.

it pertains to

Employs "pertains" suggesting a relevance or connection to a specific subject.

it applies to

Replaces "refers" with "applies" to indicate applicability to a particular situation or case.

it implies

Uses "implies" suggesting a subtle or indirect reference.

it concerns

Uses "concerns" to highlight what the subject matter is about.

it addresses

Substitutes "addresses" indicating a direct engagement with a topic.

it signifies

Uses "signifies" which suggests meaning or importance.

it denotes

Employs "denotes", indicating a direct and specific meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "it refers to" in a sentence?

Use "it refers to" to connect a pronoun to a previously mentioned noun or idea. For example, "The document outlines several procedures; "it refers to" the safety protocols in detail".

What are some alternatives to "it refers to"?

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

Is it correct to say "that refers to" instead of "it refers to"?

Yes, "that refers to" is also correct. "It" is typically used when the referent is already known or obvious from the context, while "that" can be used to introduce a new reference or emphasize a specific one. For instance, "The first point is crucial; that refers to the core principle".

What is the difference between "it refers to" and "it implies"?

"It refers to" indicates a direct and explicit reference. "It implies", on the other hand, suggests an indirect or subtle meaning. For example, "The sign says 'No Parking'; "it refers to" cars", versus "His silence was telling; "it implies" disagreement".