obtain a reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"obtain a reference" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means to acquire or get a statement or endorsement from someone attesting to your character, qualifications, or abilities. Example: In order to apply for the job, I need to obtain a reference from my previous employer.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patients in whom EBUS-TBNA did not unequivocally show the presence of malignancy or an alternate benign diagnosis were referred for additional investigations including mediastinoscopy or thoracotomy to obtain a reference pathology result.

Clinical and Experimental Metastasis

A Monte Carlo simulation is then formulated for the reliability model to obtain a reference solution.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

In this work we first obtain a reference dataset of substantial size and quality.

Digital Investigation

FBCVD experiments were first performed to obtain a reference database for modelling.

Surface and Coatings Technology

A control trial was conducted to obtain a reference point measure of performance.

Sports Medicine - Open

In this second paper, we detail a procedure to obtain a reference ϕ time series from neutron monitor data.

Advances in Space Research

A very fine grid-scale is used to obtain a reference solution of the real problem, which is based on data from the Sellafield site.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

In this work, we present the followed process to obtain a reference architecture of a robot controller for a teleoperated service robot.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

For each original image, we encode the original image with QPREF to obtain a reference image of a certain quality grade.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

In order to obtain a reference of the performance of the transceivers implemented, we evaluated them over a non-vehicular environment.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

To obtain a reference point for the markers, a static trial was obtained before performing the protocol with the subject in quiet standing.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obtain a reference" in formal writing, ensure the context clarifies what kind of reference is being sought (e.g., a character reference, a professional reference).

Common error

Avoid using "obtain a reference" without specifying the type of reference needed. Clarify whether you're seeking a character reference, professional reference, or another specific kind to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain a reference" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. It indicates the action of acquiring a statement attesting to one's character or qualifications. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its usage in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain a reference" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of acquiring a reference or recommendation. As Ludwig demonstrates, its usage is prevalent in scientific and academic writing. While the phrase is generally suitable for formal contexts, remember to specify the type of reference when possible. Alternatives include "get a reference" and "acquire a reference", though the original phrase maintains a level of formality appropriate for many professional situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get a reference

Uses a different verb, 'get', which is a more informal synonym for 'obtain'.

acquire a reference

Replaces 'obtain' with 'acquire', emphasizing the process of gaining something.

secure a reference

Emphasizes the effort or process involved in getting the reference.

procure a reference

Uses the more formal 'procure' instead of 'obtain'.

request a reference

Focuses on the act of asking for the reference.

solicit a reference

Implies actively seeking out a reference.

seek a reference

Highlights the active search for a reference.

gain a reference

Focuses on the outcome of successfully getting a reference.

collect a reference

Suggests gathering multiple references.

gather a reference

Similar to 'collect', implying an accumulation of references.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtain a reference" to describe the action of getting a letter of recommendation or endorsement, such as: "I need to "obtain a reference" from my previous supervisor for the job application".

What's a more formal way to say "obtain a reference"?

A more formal alternative to "obtain a reference" is to use the term "procure a reference", which implies a more deliberate and official process.

Is "get a reference" the same as "obtain a reference"?

While both phrases mean to acquire a reference, "obtain a reference" is generally considered more formal than "get a reference". Choose the phrase that best suits the tone of your writing or conversation.

What documents might I need to "obtain a reference" for?

You might need to "obtain a reference" for job applications, college admissions, scholarship applications, or even for renting an apartment.