Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
refer to source
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "refer to source" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when directing someone to consult a specific source for information or verification. Example: "For more details, please refer to source." Alternative expressions include "consult source" and "see source."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Wiki
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
For MATLAB script and accompanying functions please refer to Source code 1. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00333.019 10.7554/eLiFigure33.020 Figure 6.
Science
With the availability of self-contained context information, database users would not have to refer to source articles from which the signatures were reported.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The term "baseload energy" is used to refer to sources essentially constant, like the heat in the earth's crust, rather than intermittent, like wind and solar energy.
News & Media
The objective here is to describe the principles involved, to point out the main applications, and to refer to sources of more information.
The symbols refer to sources diagramed in Figure 1.
Science
A starting point for gathering this information is to refer to sources that provide an overview of different areas of the law.
Wiki
6, 7 and 8. SZ refers to source zone, and P refers to path.
Science
In the two figures, green node refers to sink node, yellow node refers to source node, red nodes form the main route, and blue nodes are backup nodes.
The subjects were asked to complete the questionnaire without referring to source books.
Science
But we could really use the kind of ratable the developer is trying to bring here," he said, referring to sources of tax revenue.
News & Media
Support person refers to sources of support who are present for the patient/mother, included husband, family or friends.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "refer to source" in academic writing, always provide a specific citation to enhance credibility.
Common error
Avoid using "refer to source" without clearly identifying which source is being referenced. Always specify the exact document, website, or publication.
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "refer to source" functions as a directive, instructing the reader or listener to consult a specific origin for additional information or verification. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.
Frequent in
Science
40%
Wiki
30%
News & Media
30%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "refer to source" is a grammatically correct directive used to guide individuals to consult specific origins for information or verification. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples suggest it is primarily used in science, wiki, and news & media contexts. While the phrase itself is relatively infrequent, it's vital to maintain specificity and accuracy when using it. Alternatives like "consult the origin" or "check the primary material" can add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity and precision. This phrase is versatile and suitable for various professional, academic, and technical contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
consult the origin
Replaces "refer" with "consult" and "source" with "origin", focusing on directly checking the initial point of information.
check the primary material
Substitutes "refer to source" with a directive to examine the main documentation or resource.
examine the reference
Uses "examine" instead of "refer" and shortens "source" to "reference", implying a detailed inspection.
see the original document
Emphasizes viewing the initial record, replacing "refer" with "see" and elaborating on "source".
investigate the provenance
Replaces "refer to source" with an instruction to look into the history and origin of something.
review the basis
Changes "refer" to "review" and "source" to "basis", suggesting a look at the foundational information.
go to the root
Indicates tracing back to the fundamental point, replacing "refer" with "go to" and "source" with "root".
look at the foundation
Instructs to observe the underlying base, substituting "refer" with "look at" and modifying "source".
seek the foundation
Replaces "refer" with "seek" and "source" with "foundation", focusing on finding the base or origin.
trace it back to the origin
Suggests following back to the point of commencement, replacing "refer" with a more active tracing verb.
FAQs
How can I use "refer to source" in a sentence?
You can use "refer to source" to direct someone to consult a specific origin for information. For example, "For more detailed information, "refer to source" document A."
What does "refer to source" mean?
"Refer to source" means to consult a specific document, person, or place to get information or verification.
Are there alternatives to saying "refer to source"?
Yes, you can use alternatives such as "consult the origin", "check the primary material", or "examine the reference" depending on the context.
When is it appropriate to use "refer to source" in writing?
It's appropriate when you want the reader to seek further information or verification from a particular origin, especially in academic, professional, or technical contexts.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested