refer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to direct someone to a source of information or to mention something in relation to a topic. Example: "In this report, I will refer to the latest research findings to support my arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Scientists refer to this as the "commitment to warming").

The Economist

The thought of having to network for another month, to meet just another 20 people felt time intensive so I developed a referral system which encouraged people I knew, and trusted, to refer their single friends to me.

The Guardian

Related: Mental health charities can help people where the NHS cannot "To improve access to MBCT we need a combination of top-down action, such as getting commissioners and senior managers on board, and bottom-up action... pro-active mindfulness teachers and trainers setting up high quality local services and encouraging GPs to refer patients who would benefit from MBCT treatment," he says.

The Guardian

He did, however, refer to "immature and irresponsible behaviour" by Shoraka when she threw paint at Downing Street's gates in 2004 while dressed as a judge.

The Guardian

Tony Abbott has sought to play down the backlash over Australia's decision to refer to East Jerusalem as "disputed" rather than "occupied" territory, saying the government had made only a "terminological clarification".

The Guardian

We absolutely refuse to refer to occupied East Jerusalem.

The Guardian

Bikies refer to themselves as outlaw motorcycle clubs, "1%" clubs or simply motorcycle clubs.

The Guardian

The former US attorney for the southern district of New York also revealed that Blatter and the Fifa executive committee attempted to refer him to the organisation's disciplinary committee in September after he publicly called for the report to be published in full.

The Guardian - Sport

I refer to statements such as "a new way of engaging", "better participation", "strong consultation", "greater integration", "better collaboration", and so on.

The Guardian - Opinion

That said, some folk might argue that if you're happy to publicly refer to yourself as a 'Spurs fan', it's difficult to imagine how you could find any other label more demeaning, offensive or derogatory.

The Guardian - Sport

Spurs fans refer to themselves as 'Yiddos', you see. 15 min: From the left wing, Gareth Bale hoists a cross towards Jermain Defoe, but it's too high for the striker to connect with it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refer", ensure clarity regarding what is being referenced. Provide specific details or context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "refer" without specifying what you are referring to. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The verb "refer" functions primarily to direct attention, cite sources, or submit items for consideration. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from scientific discussions to legal procedures, demonstrating its versatility in guiding readers and decision-makers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refer" is a versatile verb used to direct attention, cite sources, or submit items for consideration. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently across various contexts, especially in news and media, formal business, and science. To use it effectively, ensure clarity in your references and avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "mention", "cite", and "allude to" can provide nuanced variations depending on your specific needs. Mastering the use of "refer" enhances clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mention

Focuses on briefly alluding to something, often in passing, rather than directing attention elsewhere.

cite

Emphasizes providing a specific source or authority for information.

allude to

Suggests an indirect or veiled reference.

direct

Implies guiding someone's attention or resources towards a specific place or person.

submit

Highlights the act of formally presenting something for consideration.

designate

Focuses on assigning a specific role or purpose.

pertain to

Indicates a connection or relevance to a particular topic.

have recourse to

Focuses on relying on a source of assistance.

touch upon

Suggests a brief examination of a topic.

make mention of

Implies explicitly stating or acknowledging something.

FAQs

How can I use "refer" in a sentence?

You can use "refer" to direct someone to a source of information, as in "The article refers to several studies on climate change", or to submit something for consideration, such as "The manager will refer the complaint to the HR department".

What are some alternatives to "refer"?

You can use alternatives like "mention", "cite", or "allude to" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Which is correct: "refer to" or "refer at"?

"Refer to" is the correct prepositional phrase to use when directing someone's attention or making a reference. "Refer at" is not grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "refer" and "reference"?

"Refer" is a verb, meaning to direct attention or submit for consideration. "Reference" is a noun, meaning a mention or source of information. For example, "I will refer you to a reference book".