reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a source of information (e.g. a book, article, or person) that can be used to corroborate facts or gain additional knowledge. For example: "I consulted several references before making my decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The government continued to refuse to set out the terms of reference of the inquiry into Fox, or why the issue had not been referred to Sir Philip Mawer, the independent adviser on ministerial standards.

The Guardian

In a reference to Cameron's inner circle, she added: "I don't hold the fact that someone went to public school against them.

The Guardian

Whether the action's beneficiaries in the streets below appreciated the reference to the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling was not recorded, but in a press release, activists did claim that a woman who had been trying to collect money for a bus ride was able to pay her fare with the free money.

The Guardian - Opinion

The company is in negotiations on a number of rights sales on reference titles but they may not be concluded before the year end.

The Guardian - Business

The Civil Contingency Act, presented as modernising emergency powers for the age of terrorism, allows ministers in an emergency, which they only have to believe is about to occur, to make practically any provision without reference to parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

The claims will be argued with reference to contractual and extra contractual liability under Colombian law.

The Guardian

This was not just a reference to the second world war, but also to the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris in January; his speech was meant as a salutary call to arms against future conflict in French society.

The Guardian

The channel launched with a lineup that included London Go at 6.30pm followed by Not The One Show, a reference to BBC1's The One Show, at 7pm, as well as shows such as Extreme Playgrounds in which "urban sports stars... showcase their skills on the streets of the capital".

The Guardian

The chief executive of the Butterfly Foundation, Christine Morgan, said it was the first case she was aware of in which a death certificate would include a reference to suicide alongside anorexia nervosa.

The Guardian

This column was amended on 27 January 2015 to adjust the amount of coconut required in the Coconut and semolina yoghurt cake, and to remove a reference to the Tropical Bounty tart as being vegan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The chickens were apparently a reference to a 2010 stunt carried out by Voina, a radical art collective to which some Pussy Riot members previously belonged, in which a participant stole a whole raw chicken from a supermarket and inserted it into her vagina.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, provide clear "references" to specific sections, figures, or tables to help readers navigate complex information.

Common error

Avoid using "reference" as a standalone substitute for "in reference to" or "with reference to" at the beginning of a sentence. For instance, instead of "Reference the previous study, the results differ", use "In reference to the previous study, the results differ."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reference" is as a noun, denoting a source of information, a mention, or a relationship. It can also function as a verb, meaning to refer to something. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reference" is a versatile term with both noun and verb forms, widely used across various contexts to denote sources, mentions, and connections. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed in news, business, and academic settings. To use it effectively, ensure citations are accurate, avoid standalone usage in place of "in reference to", and choose synonyms that best fit the intended meaning, such as "citation", "mention", or "source". The examples from Ludwig highlight its importance in providing clarity and credibility across diverse forms of communication. Remember that using the word "reference" correctly enhances the overall quality and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

citation

Focuses specifically on acknowledging sources in academic or formal writing.

source

Highlights the origin of information or support.

point of reference

Specifies something used for comparison or orientation.

cross-reference

Highlights a connection between different parts of a text or system.

mention

Implies a brief or casual acknowledgment of something.

crediting

Focuses on giving acknowledgment or recognition.

allusion

Suggests an indirect or implied reference, often to something well-known.

documentation

Emphasizes detailed written information.

indication

Suggests something that points to or suggests something else.

consultation

Implies seeking information or advice.

FAQs

How do you properly use "reference" in a sentence?

The word "reference" can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it denotes a source of information or a mention. For example, "The book provides a useful "reference guide"." As a verb, it means to refer to something. For example, "The author will "refer to" several studies in his analysis."

What is a good synonym for "reference"?

A good synonym for "reference" depends on the context. Some options include "citation", "source", "mention", or "allusion". The best choice will depend on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

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

"Reference" generally indicates a direct mention or source, while "allusion" implies an indirect or subtle mention. A "reference" is explicit; an "allusion" is implicit.

When should I use "reference" vs. "in reference to"?

"Reference" is a noun that indicates a source of information or a mention. "In reference to" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce the topic you're addressing or connecting it to something else. For example: "This is a helpful "reference book"." vs. "In "regard to" your email, I have attached the document."