refer to something

USAGE SUMMARY

"refer to something" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to point to or mention a specific thing, person, situation, etc. For example: "Please refer to the notes I gave you for further information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spatial framework theory suggests that the directions used to refer to something are based on the participants using their body as a reference point and that biases in our perceptions of horizontal and vertical space result from our conceptual representations of those spaces (Franklin and Tversky 1990; Tversky 2002, 2005a).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

When admirers babble about her "qualifications" they refer to something quite specific.

The New Yorker

In other words, do your clothes refer to something else or only to themselves?

The New York Times

Thinking the letters must refer to something else, he asked the salesman what they meant.

The New York Times - Science

The next word requires study; she wants it to refer to something important.

The New York Times - Books

When I would refer to something from one of those conversations, he would look stunned.

The Guardian

Her expression, commonly used here to refer to something or someone annoying, roughly translates as "What crab lice".

The New York Times

Repeatedly, teenagers would refer to something as "just stupid drama," "something girls do," or "so high school".

The New York Times

Does Mr. Maratka's piano quartet "Exaltum," in the same program, also refer to something outside the music?

The New York Times - Arts

The words in other languages that we translate as "religion" invariably refer to something vaguer, larger and more inclusive.

The Guardian

Believers in the structural argument refer to something called the Beveridge Curve, which measures the historical relationship between job vacancies and unemployment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refer to something" when you want to direct the audience's attention to a specific piece of information, idea, or source. Be clear about what you are referring to for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "refer to something" without specifying what 'something' is. Ambiguous references can confuse your audience and weaken your argument. Always provide clear context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refer to something" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that a speaker or writer is directing attention to a specific topic, idea, or source. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, confirming its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refer to something" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that directs attention to a specific topic, idea, or source. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While it maintains a generally neutral register, clarity is key; avoid vague references and always specify what 'something' is. For alternative expressions, consider "allude to something" or "mention something", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Use this guide to effectively incorporate "refer to something" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make reference to something

A more formal way of saying "refer to something".

mention something

Suggests a brief or casual reference.

allude to something

Implies a more indirect or subtle reference.

relate to something

Highlights a connection or association.

pertain to something

Indicates relevance or connection to a specific topic.

point to something

Indicates highlighting or drawing attention to something.

speak to something

Suggests addressing or dealing with a particular issue.

connect to something

Focuses on establishing a link or relationship.

touch on something

Implies a brief or superficial mention.

cite something

Suggests quoting or acknowledging a source.

FAQs

How can I use "refer to something" in a sentence?

Use "refer to something" when you want to direct the reader or listener to a specific piece of information, source, or idea. For example, "In this essay, I will "refer to something" mentioned in the previous chapter".

What are some alternatives to "refer to something"?

You can use alternatives such as "mention something", "allude to something", or "make reference to something" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "refer to something" or "reference something"?

"Refer to something" is generally preferred as it's more common and versatile. "Reference something" is also correct but often used in more formal or technical contexts. Both options are suitable.

What does it mean when someone says they'll "refer to something" later?

It means they intend to bring up or discuss a specific topic, piece of information, or source at a later point in the conversation or text. This is a way of signaling that they'll provide more details or context later on.