reference is made to

USAGE SUMMARY

"reference is made to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to be polite in referring to something or someone in a formal way. For example, "Reference is made to the proposed amendments to the constitution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There isn't any, really, though explicit reference is made to a brief affair.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Always reference is made to 'acting on information provided by Interpol'".

The Guardian

Only one passing reference is made to the midterm elections that were upcoming at the time.

The Guardian - Film

A second and very direct reference is made to Magritte in "Fishman" (1973).

The New York Times

The weather has gone haywire, though no reference is made to global climate change.

The New York Times - Books

It is not until the performance is under way that any reference is made to Falun Gong.

The New York Times

In Stone's 2015-16 annual report, reference is made to a number of these operations being approved.

The Guardian

Although reference is made to some 70 different materials, the work is more an effort at classification than systematic description.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A little later, reference is made to the sea blockade of Bordeaux, which prevented any export of wine to neutral countries.

The New Yorker

The setting may be an apartment they shared or, because a reference is made to the games room, a group home of some kind.

The New York Times - Arts

In Miranda Seymour's book Noble Endeavours, which examines the relations between England and Germany over many centuries, reference is made to the state of hospitals in 1843.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reference is made to" in formal writing when you want to politely and professionally refer to something or someone. This is particularly useful in academic papers, legal documents, and business reports.

Common error

While "reference is made to" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider using active voice where appropriate to make your sentences more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "Reference is made to the previous study", you could write "The author references the previous study."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reference is made to" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that something is being mentioned or alluded to. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct in written English. It is commonly employed to maintain a formal and objective tone in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reference is made to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase suitable for formal writing. Ludwig AI validates its proper use. It serves to politely and professionally connect the current subject with other relevant information. While effective in formal contexts like academic papers and reports, be mindful of overusing passive voice. Alternatives such as "mention is made of" or "it is referred to" can offer variety. Remember to maintain a professional tone and ensure clarity in your writing when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mention is made of

This alternative emphasizes the act of mentioning something, maintaining a similar level of formality.

citation is made of

This is used in contexts of academic/formal writings and indicates that a particular idea/work is cited.

allusion is made to

This suggests a more indirect or subtle reference.

reference is given to

This alternative emphasizes the act of providing a reference.

note is made of

A more concise way of saying that something was recorded or acknowledged.

attention is drawn to

This highlights the act of directing focus towards something.

regard is paid to

This suggests consideration or respect is being shown.

notice is taken of

This implies that something has been observed or acknowledged.

consideration is given to

This emphasizes the act of thinking carefully about something.

it is referred to

This is a more direct and less formal alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "reference is made to" in a sentence?

You can use "reference is made to" to formally point out something mentioned in a text. For example, "In the report, "reference is made to" the company's financial performance over the past year".

What are some alternatives to "reference is made to"?

Alternatives include "mention is made of", "it is referred to", or "attention is drawn to depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use "reference is made to"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, such as academic papers, legal documents, and business reports, where a professional and polite tone is required.

Is "reference is made to" the same as "refer to"?

While both phrases indicate a connection to something else, "reference is made to" is more passive and formal, while "refer to" is more active and direct. For instance, "The document refers to the policy" is more direct than "Reference is made to the policy in the document".