key reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an important source of information or a crucial point of reference in a discussion or document. Example: "In our research, the study by Smith et al. (2020) serves as a key reference for understanding the impact of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Key reference Princess Bride.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's still a key reference.

The New Yorker

Key reference Most references were to himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Traditional authority and key reference points have faced seismic crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

For both teams, a gap of 19 years was a key reference point.

The Guardian - Sport

They duly did, in what may prove a key reference point for this clash.

The Guardian - Sport

Key reference Henny Youngman, recycling "take my wife, please" to "take Obamacare, but not really".

The Guardian - Opinion

His mother Francisca, who occasionally appeared in his films before her death in 1999, was his key reference point.

The Guardian - Film

Rather, it has become a key reference point in understanding political change throughout the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Beach Boys became a key reference point for bands, most of them celebrating youth.

Independent

The latter is a key reference here, with Lee on hand as that film's pizza boy, Mookie, still at Sal's after 20 years.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key reference", ensure the referenced material is easily accessible and clearly relevant to your argument or analysis. Providing context for why it's a "key reference" enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid labeling something as a "key reference" if it only offers tangential support. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can mislead readers about the centrality of the source.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key reference" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies something as an important source of information or a critical point of comparison. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, commonly used to denote crucial information sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key reference" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that identifies a crucial source of information or point of comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase serves to highlight the significance of particular material within a discussion or analysis. While appropriate for formal writing, it is essential to avoid overstating the importance of references and ensure they are genuinely central to the topic. Alternatives include "essential resource" and "primary source" depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial point of reference

Emphasizes the importance of the reference as a benchmark or standard.

essential resource

Replaces "reference" with "resource", emphasizing the importance of the source as a valuable asset.

benchmark standard

Implies that the reference is a model against which others are measured.

primary source

Highlights that the reference is an original or first-hand account.

central document

Highlights the document's primary importance in a collection or context.

significant work

Focuses on the importance of the referenced material or study.

important citation

Highlights the act of citing a notable source of information.

leading authority

Suggests that the reference is from a well-known and respected expert.

seminal text

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the referenced material.

cornerstone of knowledge

Metaphorically positions the reference as a critical foundation for understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "key reference" in a sentence?

You can use "key reference" to point out an important source of information. For instance: "The study by Smith (2020) is a "key reference" for this research."

What's a good alternative to "key reference"?

Alternatives to "key reference" include "essential resource", "primary source", or "crucial point of reference", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "key reference" versus "additional reading"?

"Key reference" highlights a critical source essential to understanding a topic, whereas "additional reading" suggests supplemental materials for further exploration. Use "key reference" when the source is foundational.

Is it appropriate to use "key reference" in formal writing?

Yes, "key reference" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in academic papers, reports, and professional documents, as it clearly indicates a significant source of information.