provide a reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"provide a reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to give you an example or other proof to back up a statement or idea. For example, "If you want to back up your statement, please provide a reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These provide a reference for practical cases.

Advances in Space Research

Thus, the analysis can provide a reference for further study.

International Journal of Mining Science and Technology

Harvey offered to provide a reference — he didn't yet understand how undesirable that would be.

The New Yorker

A recording sensor in the stomach is necessary to provide a reference intragastric pressure.

Nature

To provide a reference for a quantitative comparison, the results for Li(CB9H10) are also shown24.

Nature

For $90, it will set up a profile for you on either LinkedIn or Facebook and provide a reference guide.

The New York Times

Reality There is no obligation on an employer to provide a reference for a worker, let alone a favourable one.

The Guardian - Money

Google's brotli repository doesn't yet provide a reference java implementation, however you can use jbrotli, a JNI binding.

The Guardian

The results have the potential to provide a reference for agricultural production and management in China.

Journal of Hydrology

The results of this study may provide a reference for EBCs design and applications.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The findings can provide a reference for casing design in waterflooding oilfields.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide a reference" in a formal context, ensure the reference is credible and directly relevant to the topic at hand.

Common error

Avoid using overly general or irrelevant references. Instead, ensure the reference specifically supports the point you are making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a reference" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of supplying a source of information or recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide a reference" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that means to supply a source of information or a recommendation. Ludwig AI data shows it appears commonly in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. To ensure effective communication, especially in professional or academic settings, it's crucial that these references are credible and directly relevant. The phrase has several alternatives depending on the context, such as "supply a citation" or "offer a recommendation". By avoiding vague or irrelevant references, you enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supply a citation

Replaces "reference" with "citation", emphasizing the act of giving a source.

offer a recommendation

Focuses on providing a positive endorsement or suggestion.

furnish a testimonial

Highlights the act of giving a formal statement of someone's qualities or character.

submit a referral

Implies directing someone to a specific source or contact.

give a character reference

Specifically refers to providing a reference for someone's personal qualities.

offer supporting evidence

Emphasizes the act of providing proof or data to support a claim.

share a source

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on sharing where information comes from.

cite an authority

Highlights the act of quoting or mentioning an expert source.

give credence

Shifts the focus to lending credibility to something.

mention a resource

Focuses on acknowledging a source of information or support.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide a reference" when asking someone to give you an example or source to support a claim. For example, "Could you please "provide a reference" for that statement?"

What is a more formal way to say "provide a reference"?

In a more formal setting, you could use phrases like "supply a citation" or "furnish a testimonial" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to ask someone to "provide a reference"?

It's appropriate to ask someone to "provide a reference" when you need evidence to support a statement, verify information, or learn more about a topic.

What's the difference between "offer a recommendation" and "provide a reference"?

"Provide a reference" generally means giving a source of information, while "offer a recommendation" suggests endorsing something positively.