made reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made reference to" is correct and often used in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to when someone has spoken or written about something, typically a past event or statement. For example, "The professor made reference to a famous article he wrote several years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In fact, neither the question, nor the answers which referred to 'sympathy', made reference to [Isis].

The Guardian

I have made reference to its characters.

The New York Times

KMD's samples made reference to racial unease.

The New Yorker

He also made reference to "the Popper legend" at times.

The New York Times - Books

She'd merely made reference to my daughter's skin tone.

The Guardian

The original version made reference to Ronan Kerr's "RUC choice".

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Weiner made reference to the episode on Twitter.

The New York Times

None of those spots made reference to Toyota's troubles.

The New York Times

Diamond made reference to the new boardroom directors installed after he left.

The Guardian - Business

The recommendations made reference to the educational grant but not to the panelists' ties to Unimed.

The New Yorker

She was wearing dark eye makeup that made reference to Cleopatra.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made reference to" when you want to indicate that someone has specifically mentioned or alluded to something in their speech or writing. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "made reference to" is correct, it can sound overly formal in simple contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "mentioned" or "referred to" when the level of formality doesn't require the longer phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made reference to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone has alluded to or specifically mentioned something. It often implies a deliberate act of drawing attention to a particular topic or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made reference to" is a versatile expression used to indicate that someone has alluded to or specifically mentioned something. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of this phrase. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "mentioned" or "referred to" may be preferred for more casual communication. As demonstrated by its prevalence in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, this phrase remains a valuable tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

referred to

Highlights the act of directing attention or connection to something specific.

made mention of

Similar to "mentioned" but slightly more formal.

mentioned

Emphasizes a simple, direct act of bringing something to attention, often without detail.

alluded to

Focuses on indirect suggestion rather than direct mention.

cited

Indicates a formal acknowledgment or quotation of a source or fact.

drew attention to

Emphasizes the act of highlighting or focusing on a particular aspect.

touched upon

Suggests a brief or cursory examination of a topic.

brought up

Suggests introducing a topic into a conversation or discussion.

spoke of

Indicates a general discussion or conversation about a subject.

hinted at

Implies a subtle or indirect suggestion of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "made reference to" to indicate that someone mentioned or alluded to something. For example, "The speaker "made reference to" the recent economic crisis during his speech".

What can I say instead of "made reference to"?

You can use alternatives like "mentioned", "referred to", or "alluded to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "referred to" or "made reference to"?

"Referred to" is generally more concise and direct. "Made reference to" can add a degree of formality but isn't always necessary.

What's the difference between "made reference to" and "mentioned"?

"Mentioned" is a more general term for bringing something up, while "made reference to" implies a more deliberate or specific connection to something previously stated or known.