provide a reference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide a reference for" is correct and completely usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are asking someone to provide a source that can prove the accuracy of something. For example, "Please provide a reference for the information you just provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our results may provide a reference for health care providers in countries using similar programs with Chinese/Taiwanese immigrant populations.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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

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

Nature

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

The Guardian - Money

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

This study can provide a reference for the design of wells.

Journal of China University of Mining and Technology

The paper can provide a reference for this type of receiver design and reconstruction.

Renewable Energy

The MOPBEM was established to provide a reference for green designs.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "provide a reference for", ensure that the reference is credible and directly relevant to the information being supported. Avoid vague or tangentially related sources.

Common error

Avoid using sources that lack credibility or are not peer-reviewed, such as personal blogs or unverified websites. Instead, prioritize academic journals, reputable news outlets, and established industry reports to strengthen the validity of your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a reference for" functions as a request or instruction to supply supporting evidence or a credible source to substantiate a claim or statement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide a reference for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to request or instruct someone to supply supporting evidence or a credible source. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, prioritize credible sources to maintain accuracy and credibility. Less frequent usage occurs in encyclopedias, wikis, and references. Be sure to validate your claims by backing it up with appropriate and well-regarded sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supply a citation for

This alternative uses "citation" instead of "reference", emphasizing a formal source.

offer substantiation for

This alternative employs more formal vocabulary such as "substantiation", implying a need for stronger proof.

back up with sources

Replaces "reference" with the more general term "sources", indicating multiple points of support.

give evidence for

Replaces "reference" with "evidence", focusing on proof rather than a source.

furnish support for

This option is more formal, using "furnish" and "support" to indicate the provision of backing information.

cite an authority for

Emphasizes citing a respected source or expert to back up a claim.

document the basis for

This phrase focuses on documenting the foundations or reasons behind something, shifting from a general reference.

justify using research

This alternative focuses on using academic findings or data, adding a layer of formality and precision.

validate with data

This focuses on empirical validation using data, which is more specific than a general reference.

substantiate the claim

This option emphasizes supporting a specific statement, which might require more than just a reference.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide a reference for" when requesting evidence or sources to support a statement. For instance, "Could you please provide a reference for that statistic?" or "The author should provide a reference for each claim made in the article."

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

More formal alternatives include "offer substantiation for" or "furnish support for". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing where a higher level of formality is required.

What's the difference between "provide a reference for" and "cite a source for"?

"Provide a reference for" is a general request for a source, while "cite a source for" specifically implies that a formal citation is needed, often according to a particular citation style (e.g., APA, MLA). The phrase "cite an authority for" indicates the use of expert or official resources.

In what situations should I use "provide a reference for"?

Use "provide a reference for" in any situation where you need evidence or sources to back up a claim or statement. This is especially important in academic papers, reports, and any form of writing where credibility and accuracy are paramount.