reference number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reference number" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a unique identifier used to track or refer to a particular item or transaction. Example: When submitting a complaint, please provide your order number and reference number for faster processing.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Here's the reference number: 348XXXX.

The New York Times

I was given a new reference number.

The New York Times

I called again, giving my reference number.

The New York Times

All you need is your PAYE reference number.

The Guardian

The catalogue reference number for the collection is OHP.

The Guardian

You must call today' - followed by a reference number.

The Guardian - Money

They took the reference number and said 'that's fine'.

The Guardian - Money

I later received a letter with a crime reference number and contact details for Victim Support.

The Guardian - Opinion

The no-frills are all ticketless airlines: you get a reference number and just show up.

The New York Times - Travel

Some documents which did make it back still bear their French reference number.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The reference number for this study is IRB201500651.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always keep the "reference number" readily accessible when contacting customer service or support, as it helps them quickly locate your information.

Common error

Avoid using "reference number" interchangeably with terms like 'order number' or 'tracking number' unless they genuinely serve the same purpose. Each identifier has a specific function.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reference number" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a specific identifier. According to Ludwig AI, this term is commonly used to point to a specific item or transaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reference number" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to provide a unique identifier for tracking or referencing specific items or transactions. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives exist, such as "identification code" or "case number", "reference number" maintains broad applicability. When using "reference number", ensure you're not confusing it with more specific identifiers like 'order number' or 'tracking number'. Keeping your "reference number" handy when seeking support can streamline the process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identification code

Emphasizes the role of the number as a unique identifier.

tracking number

Specifically used for tracking progress or status.

identifier code

General term for any code used to identify something.

case number

Generally used in legal or administrative contexts to identify a specific case.

file number

Used to identify a specific file within a filing system.

control number

Highlights the function of the number in controlling or managing a process.

record number

Used to identify a specific record in a database or registry.

accession number

Commonly used in libraries and archives to identify a specific item.

serial number

Used to uniquely identify an individual item among many similar items.

authorization code

A code specifically used to authorize a transaction or action.

FAQs

How is a "reference number" used in a sentence?

A "reference number" is typically used to identify a specific transaction, case, or document. For example, "Please provide the "reference number" when you contact customer support".

What are some alternatives to "reference number"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "identification code", "case number", or "tracking number".

What is the purpose of a "reference number"?

The primary purpose of a "reference number" is to uniquely identify a specific item, transaction, or record, facilitating efficient tracking and retrieval of related information.

Where can I find my "reference number"?

The location of your "reference number" varies depending on the context. It's often found on receipts, invoices, confirmation emails, or official documents related to the specific transaction or case.