just for reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just for reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you would like to indicate that a particular piece of information is being provided as a reference point, or as an example of something. For example, "This graph shows the average temperature for the past month—just for reference, last year it was much colder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

A great book, and not just for reference but for casual or sustained reading".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just for reference, an executive order is a decree of the President which has the full force of law.

The Guardian

Just for reference, if you want to know what I was reacting to, here's my original Dark Age post, and some further Cochrane quotation.

The New York Times

(But just for reference, Rangers Coach John Tortorella was fined $20,000 for cursing during a rant against the Penguins last week).

The New York Times

(And, just for reference, here's a surprisingly bad remix of the same track by Vampire Weekend's Chris Baio) Facebook Twitter Pinterest Finally, the mighty Mount Kimbie remix the inimitable Kelis.

The Guardian

That was when Franklin Roosevelt decided that the Great Depression was over, and he needed to get a grip on America's terrifying federal deficit (at the time about 4.5% of GDP. Just for reference, the current figure for Great Britain is 11.4%).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

For in-game stuff, a lot of stuff is just captured for reference.

TechCrunch

Many reports are just filed for reference and never read.

WikiHow

Just for future reference.

The New York Times - Sports

And just for your reference, there are four members of the team who interview in the regular cycle.

Harvard University

I've been debating whether to post this, but I guess I probably should just for future reference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just for reference" to offer extra details that enhance understanding but aren't essential to the core message. Position it parenthetically or at the end of a sentence to avoid disrupting the flow.

Common error

Avoid sprinkling "just for reference" in every other sentence. Too much supplementary information can clutter your writing and distract the reader from the main points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just for reference" functions as an adjunct, providing supplementary information to the main statement. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that the information is offered as a reference point or example. Examples in Ludwig show it adds context, comparisons, or reminders.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just for reference" is a common phrase used to introduce supplementary information, adding context or comparison to a main point. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to enhance understanding. Occurring frequently in news, science, and wiki contexts, this phrase should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy. When aiming for conciseness, consider more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate "just for reference" into your writing to provide valuable context without overwhelming your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by way of context

Shifts the focus to providing background or surrounding information.

as a point of comparison

Highlights the intention to draw parallels or contrasts.

for the sake of comparison

Similar to 'as a point of comparison', but emphasizes the act of comparing itself.

to give you an idea

Emphasizes the goal of providing a general understanding.

as a reminder

Focuses on bringing something already known back to mind.

for clarification purposes

Highlights the intention of making something clearer.

in order to contextualize

Formal and emphasizes placing something within a broader framework.

to provide some background

Explicitly states the intention to offer supplementary information.

for informational purposes

Directly states the provision of information as the primary goal.

in simple terms

Simplifies a concept for better understanding. It assumes that the reader does not know the topic and wants an easy explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "just for reference" in a sentence?

You can use "just for reference" to provide additional context or a related fact that helps the reader understand the main point better. For example, "The company's revenue increased by 15% this quarter; "last year's growth" was only 5% just for reference".

What are some alternatives to "just for reference"?

Alternatives include "by way of context", "as a point of comparison", or "to give you an idea". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "just for reference" in my writing?

No, it is not always necessary. Use it when the additional information significantly enhances the reader's understanding or provides valuable context. If the information is trivial or irrelevant, it's best to omit it.

What's the difference between "just for reference" and "for example"?

"Just for reference" provides related information or context, while "for example" introduces a specific instance or illustration of a general point. They serve different purposes in clarifying and elaborating on a topic.