passing reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"passing reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a brief mention or allusion to something that is not central to the topic. For example, "Although not discussed in detail, the report included a passing reference to the economic benefits of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MFL Fisher has a passing reference, but provides no guidance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With just passing reference to this "cloud," he was done.

The Washington Post

Then comes an anticapitalist rant that makes passing reference to a number of contemporary films.

The Guardian - Books

Emmett wasn't making just a passing reference to the catastrophe that hit New Orleans in 2005.

The Washington Post

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

The New York Times

Obama made only passing reference to what the US might be willing to commit to.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Though her passing reference to a "$6,000 toaster" did some of the work for him).

The Guardian

Only one passing reference is made to the midterm elections that were upcoming at the time.

The Guardian - Film

Unless I missed a passing reference, Ms. Moore leaves out her first husband altogether.

The New York Times

Two paragraphs later, Sebald picks up on Martin's passing reference to his nephew.

The New Yorker

The way Carter tells it, the passing reference floored his investigator: "'You can?' my guy asks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate the phrase into sentences using verbs like "make", "contain" or "include" to describe how a subject was treated in a text.

Common error

Avoid using "passing reference" if the source or fact is actually crucial to your thesis. If a topic requires deep analysis, calling it a "passing reference" may suggest your own research is shallow rather than the original author's mention being brief.

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "passing reference" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as the direct object of a sentence. As noted in Ludwig, it is most frequently used with the verb to make, although it can also appear as the object of to contain or to include. The adjective passing acts as a modifier to specify the brief and transitory nature of the reference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passing reference" is an essential tool for any writer looking to provide context without losing focus. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is both grammatically correct and highly favored in top-tier journalism and academic writing. Whether you are analyzing a legal document, a literary work or a news report, using "passing reference" clearly signals to your audience that a topic was acknowledged but intentionally kept on the periphery. It serves as a sophisticated way to manage information density, ensuring that your main points remain front and center while still giving a "fleeting nod" to relevant side details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief mention

Focuses more on the short duration of the comment within a larger work

incidental mention

Suggests the topic arose naturally but was not the primary focus of the discussion

casual allusion

Implies the reference was made indirectly or without significant weight

fleeting nod

Suggests a very quick, almost symbolic acknowledgment of a subject

cursory remark

Implies the comment was made hastily and without technical detail

tangential comment

Emphasizes that the topic is slightly related but ultimately off-topic

oblique reference

Focuses on the indirect or subtle nature of the mention rather than its length

offhand observation

Implies the comment was made without much prior thought or preparation

side note

Indicates information provided apart from the main text, often in a less formal tone

peripheral citation

A more academic way to describe an acknowledgment of a minor source

FAQs

What is the meaning of "passing reference"?

A "passing reference" refers to a brief mention or a quick acknowledgment of something that is not the main focus of a discussion. It is often used to show that a topic was touched upon but not explored in depth.

How to use "passing reference" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a minor detail in a report or speech. For example: "The CEO's speech was mostly about growth, with only a "passing reference" to the recent layoffs."

What can I say instead of "passing reference"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "brief mention", "incidental mention", "fleeting nod" or "casual allusion".

Is "passing reference" formal English?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal, academic and professional writing. Ludwig AI confirms it is widely used in high-quality sources like The New York Times and Harvard University.