obvious reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"obvious reference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or phrase that is easily recognizable or understood by most people. For example: "His comment about the 'awesome sauce' was an obvious reference to something from a popular tv show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obvious reference to Imran Khan.

The New York Times

"Cripperella" is an obvious reference.

The New York Times

That was an obvious reference to Fox and Lewis.

The New York Times - Sports

It was an obvious reference to President Clinton's personal conduct.

The New York Times

The pillars, meanwhile, are an obvious reference to tombstones.

The New York Times - Arts

Consider Botha as the most obvious reference point.

Independent

And Goya was an obvious reference, specifically with regards to the character of the Pale Man.

The Guardian - Film

There is no obvious reference to the infiltration in the Macpherson report published in 1999.

The Guardian

"Incrementalism is dead," Ruffalo declared – an obvious reference to Clinton's supposedly more pragmatic policy platform.

The Guardian

His thoughts on the difficulties of implanting democracy, with Iraq his obvious reference, are particularly gloomy.

The Guardian - Books

Pete Parsons, Bungie's COO prefers to distance the game from these obvious reference points.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious reference" to ensure your audience immediately grasps the connection you're highlighting. Avoid overusing it in close proximity to maintain writing flow.

Common error

Don't use "obvious reference" when the connection requires deep knowledge or is open to interpretation. Opt for phrases like "possible allusion" or "potential connection" for more nuanced interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious reference" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as a clear and easily recognizable connection or allusion, as showcased in numerous Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obvious reference" is a commonly used phrase that serves to clearly point out an easily recognized connection or allusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media sources. While alternatives like "clear allusion" or "evident connection" exist, "obvious reference" maintains a balance of neutrality and formality suitable for various writing contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the reference truly is apparent to your intended audience, and avoid overuse to maintain writing flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear allusion

Focuses on the act of alluding clearly, rather than the reference itself being obvious.

evident connection

Highlights the connection aspect, suggesting a link that is easily seen.

unmistakable allusion

Emphasizes that the allusion cannot be mistaken for anything else.

plain implication

Indicates that the message is implied clearly and directly.

transparent connection

Stresses the clarity and ease of seeing the relationship or link.

readily apparent reference

Adds emphasis on how easily noticeable the reference is.

easily understood reference

Focuses on the reference being simple to comprehend.

patent insinuation

Uses "insinuation," which suggests a more subtle or indirect way of hinting at something.

noticeable connection

Highlights the act of noticing and observing the connection

unhidden implication

Stresses that implication is out in the open, nothing hidden

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious reference" to point out a clear connection or allusion, such as, "The character's name was an "obvious reference" to a historical figure."

What can I say instead of "obvious reference"?

Alternatives include "clear allusion", "evident connection", or "unmistakable allusion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very obvious reference"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very obvious reference" can be redundant. "Obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity. Consider using "particularly obvious reference" if you need to emphasize the point, or simply rely on ""obvious reference"".

When is it appropriate to use "obvious reference" in writing?

Use ""obvious reference"" when the connection being made is easily recognized by the intended audience, and explicitly stating it adds clarity or emphasis.