make reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

"make reference to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is being referred to, such as an idea, article or other source. For example: "This article makes reference to several past studies on the same topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We make reference to that.

The Guardian - Film

It's going to make reference to structure.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ramsden replied: "Yes, I did make reference to that.

The Guardian - Sport

They are certainly meant to make reference to the exedrae of Augustus' forum.

Yale University

There are numerous testimonies that make reference to the improvisation capabilities of these musicians.

Columbia University

In particular we'll make reference to our complex exponentials in the discrete-time case.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

11 March 2001 note: I make reference to an "email virus" in the above.

University of California, Berkeley

Make reference to a topic you discussed or an interest you share.

Columbia University

All of these contain moral lessons and religious lessons, and make reference to customary law.

Cornell University

I can think of numerous instances where composers make reference to other composers in their music.

Harvard University

You even make reference to the Princeton professor Thomas Kuhn and a paradigmatic shift.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make reference to" when you want to formally indicate that you are alluding to a specific source, idea, or concept. This phrase is suitable for academic papers, reports, and other formal writing contexts.

Common error

While "make reference to" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it. In many cases, simpler alternatives like "refer to" or "mention" can make your writing more concise and direct. Overuse can lead to writing that sounds stilted or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make reference to" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an act of alluding to or mentioning something specific. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used expression. For instance, "This article makes reference to several past studies."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

43%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make reference to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate alluding or mentioning something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While acceptable across various contexts, it is most prevalent in academic, news, and scientific domains. Simpler alternatives like "refer to" or "mention" may be preferred for conciseness. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in indicating what is being referenced. Ludwig examples show its versatility in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refer to

This alternative is shorter and more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

make mention of

This alternative is very similar in meaning but slightly more formal.

mention

This alternative is a more direct and simple way of saying "make reference to".

allude to

This alternative is more concise and often implies an indirect reference.

speak of

This alternative is a more general way of indicating the subject of discussion.

cite

This alternative is typically used when formally acknowledging a source of information.

make an allusion to

This alternative is more literary and suggests a subtle or indirect reference.

draw attention to

This alternative emphasizes the act of highlighting or focusing on something.

touch upon

This alternative suggests a brief or superficial reference.

hint at

This alternative implies a subtle or indirect suggestion.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "make reference to"?

You can use simpler alternatives such as "refer to", "mention", or "cite" depending on the context. They are all less verbose and often preferred in modern writing.

How do I properly use "make reference to" in a sentence?

Ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being referenced. For example: "The author makes reference to several key studies in the field."

Is "make reference of" grammatically correct?

No, the correct preposition to use with "make reference" is "to", not "of". The proper phrase is "make reference to".

When is it appropriate to use "make reference to" instead of "refer to"?

While "refer to" and "make reference to" are often interchangeable, "make reference to" can add a slightly more formal tone, making it suitable for academic or professional writing. However, "refer to" is generally more concise and widely accepted.