made a passing reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made a passing reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone briefly mentioned or alluded to something without going into detail. Example: "During the meeting, she made a passing reference to the upcoming project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Ahsan made a passing reference to the ongoing talks resuming this week.

The Washington Post

It's not the first time the race organisers' media team has made a passing reference to Native Americans as Indians.

The Guardian - Sport

She made a passing reference to climate change in her opening statement but that, by and large, was it.

Independent

In his memoir, Hebborn made a passing reference to a portrait for "a mafia boss", writing that he produced "preliminary studies closely watched by four silk-suited gunmen".

The Guardian - Arts

Last week, in an article about the struggles of mid-list authors, I made a passing reference to "the glory days of the net book agreement".

The Guardian - Books

He made a passing reference to concerns about New York's antiquated system of voting, but offered no plans to address those concerns.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He also makes a passing reference to the shooting of Mr. Sterling.

The New York Times

The male-female workplace dynamic has been so thoroughly strip-mined that all you have to do these days is make a passing reference to it.

The New York Times - Arts

His own program should tell him otherwise: he makes a passing reference to a computerized kitchen of the future from the 1960's that looked great, made logical sense but never caught on.

The New York Times - Arts

The playwright makes a passing reference to Jack and Jill, a once quasi-secret black organization, scarcely heard of among whites, whose chapters met mainly at the homes of black elites and served to foster what often became lifelong alliances.

The New York Times

"The Rapture of Vachel Lindsay" makes a passing reference to Wallace Stevens's "venereal soil", and The Hotel Oneira confirms Kleinzahler once again as among the most delightful flowerings of American poetry in our times.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made a passing reference" to introduce a topic or detail without delving into it deeply. This is effective when you want to acknowledge something without making it the primary focus.

Common error

Avoid using "made a passing reference" too frequently in a single piece of writing. It can make your writing seem less engaging and suggest a lack of depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made a passing reference" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a detail or topic without providing extensive elaboration. It signifies that something was mentioned briefly or indirectly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made a passing reference" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a brief or indirect mention of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and it appears frequently in news media and scientific sources. When writing, use this phrase when you want to acknowledge a topic without delving into it deeply, but avoid overusing it. Consider alternatives like "mentioned in passing" or "briefly alluded to" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentioned in passing

Focuses on the act of mentioning, emphasizing brevity.

briefly alluded to

Highlights the indirect nature of the reference.

touched upon lightly

Emphasizes the delicate and superficial handling of the subject.

casually referred to

Indicates an informal and relaxed manner of referencing.

made a fleeting mention of

Stresses the short duration of the reference.

gave a cursory nod to

Implies a minimal and perfunctory acknowledgement.

hinted at indirectly

Focuses on the subtle and veiled nature of the reference.

referred to tangentially

Indicates a connection that is not direct or central.

dropped a hint about

Highlights the subtle imparting of information.

remarked upon briefly

Highlights a short, verbal commentary.

FAQs

How can I use "made a passing reference" in a sentence?

You can use "made a passing reference" to indicate that someone briefly mentioned something without going into much detail. For example, "During the presentation, she "made a passing reference" to the budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to "made a passing reference"?

Alternatives include "mentioned in passing", "briefly alluded to", or "touched upon lightly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "made only a passing reference"?

Yes, "made only a passing reference" is grammatically correct. The inclusion of "only" emphasizes the brevity and lack of elaboration on the subject.

What is the difference between "made a passing reference" and "discussed in detail"?

"Made a passing reference" implies a brief, often indirect mention, while "discussed in detail" suggests a thorough and comprehensive examination of the topic.