refer indirectly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refer indirectly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a way of mentioning something without stating it explicitly or directly. Example: "In her speech, she chose to refer indirectly to the recent controversy without naming any names."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Pointers are variables used to refer indirectly other variables or part of their contents.

Programming 32-bit Microcontrollers in C Exploring the PIC32

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was referring indirectly to the reggae boom of 2002-3.

The New York Times - Arts

He was referring indirectly to the festival's founder, Robert Redford, an ardent environmentalist.

The New York Times

The defense minister, Mr. Ivanov, referred indirectly today to American lobbying on Iraq, saying: "The situation in the region is a cause of serious concern for us.

The New York Times

He referred indirectly to the flawed intelligence before the Iraq war, when the Bush White House pressed the agencies for information on the threat posed by Saddam Hussein.

The New York Times

Francis referred indirectly, but plainly, to Abdel Fattah Egyptsi, Egypt's authoritarian President, saying, "History does not forgive those who preach justice but then practice injustice.

The New Yorker

The amendment prohibits "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" and refers indirectly to an American constitutional standard that prohibits conduct which "shocks the conscience".

The New York Times

"It was a natural beauty, she had a look of breeding," said Shawn Waldron, the archive director for Condé Nast, referring indirectly to Ms. Berenson's ancestry.

The New York Times

Other speakers referred indirectly to Paterno's firing, but Knight addressed the matter directly, seeming to give voice to the crowd's frustration over the topic.

The New York Times - Sports

The Huntington supervisor, Frank P. Petrone, who after announcing his switch to the Democratic Party last month joined the short list of possible challengers to Mr. Gaffney, referred indirectly to Mr. Gaffney's management style.

The New York Times

Mr. Giuliani also acknowledged that some people might not be willing to forgive him for his actions, referring indirectly to his relationship with Judith Nathan and his plan to separate from his wife of 16 years, Donna Hanover.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refer indirectly" when you want to acknowledge a topic without explicitly addressing it. This can be useful in sensitive situations or when you want to avoid being too direct.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on indirect references, as it can make your writing vague and confusing. Ensure your audience can understand the intended meaning without excessive guesswork.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refer indirectly" functions as a verb phrase + adverb, modifying the action of referring to indicate that it is done in an implicit or roundabout manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refer indirectly" is a useful tool for acknowledging a subject without explicitly stating it. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and appears in a variety of contexts, from news and media to science and formal business writing. Alternatives such as "allude to" or "hint at" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Remember to use "refer indirectly" judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid confusing your audience. Be mindful of overusing indirect references and ensure your message remains comprehensible without excessive interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allude to

Implies a more subtle and suggestive reference.

hint at

Suggests a more subtle way of implying something without stating it directly.

imply

Focuses on suggesting something as a logical consequence.

intimate

Suggests a subtle and private communication.

insinuate

Suggests conveying something indirectly, often something negative.

suggest

Offers a less forceful or direct way of raising a topic.

make an oblique reference to

Emphasizes the indirectness and subtlety of the reference.

touch upon

Focuses on briefly mentioning a topic.

speak of in passing

Indicates a casual and brief mention of something.

make a veiled reference to

Highlights the concealed nature of the reference.

FAQs

How can I use "refer indirectly" in a sentence?

You can use "refer indirectly" when you want to mention a topic without directly addressing it. For instance, "The politician chose to "refer indirectly" to the scandal during his speech".

What are some alternatives to "refer indirectly"?

Alternatives include "allude to", "hint at", or "imply" depending on the context and level of subtlety you want to convey.

Is it better to "refer indirectly" or address a topic directly?

It depends on the situation. "Referring indirectly" can be useful for sensitive topics, while directness is better for clarity and transparency.

When is it appropriate to use "refer indirectly" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge a topic without making it the main focus, or when direct discussion might be inappropriate or counterproductive.