reference on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reference on" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would typically be "reference to" when indicating a source of information or citation. Example: "In her paper, she made a reference to several key studies in the field."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Evaluation of percent agreements was calculated for THxID™ BRAF against HRM as a reference on the one hand, and Sanger as a reference on the other hand.

BMC Cancer

For a more general reference on color science, one should consult Kuehni 2005 and 2010.

SEP

An English teacher insisted that Miller use just one more reference on his senior paper -- or else.

The New York Times - Sports

We also added one additional reference on the behavioral determinants of hand hygiene practices.

F1000Research

Less amusing, she said, was a reference on behalf of a couple buying one of her listed apartments.

The New York Times

15 37 A gratuitous masturbation reference on "Blue".

The New York Times - Arts

The reference on donations more broadly is wide ranging.

The Guardian

There's a Rick James reference on En Love.

The Guardian - Music

To refuse a reference on petty personal grounds is an abuse of a boss's power.

The New York Times

This was the real significance of the blackout – it masked points of reference on the ground.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They were especially amused by a reference on his MySpace page to a lost iPod.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When citing sources, always use the grammatically correct phrase "reference to" instead of "reference on".

Common error

Avoid using "reference on" in formal writing. Although it appears in various sources, the correct preposition to use with "reference" when indicating a source or citation is "to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reference on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often intended to identify a source of information or a related topic. Despite its frequent use, Ludwig AI points out that it is grammatically incorrect. It is commonly used to indicate the subject or area to which a reference pertains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "reference on" is frequently encountered, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The correct and preferred phrase is "reference to". Although "reference on" appears across various sources, including scientific and news media, adhering to standard English grammar dictates using "reference to" to maintain clarity and formality. When writing, especially in formal contexts, prioritize "reference to" to ensure accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reference to

Replaces the preposition "on" with "to" to indicate a source of information or citation, conforming to standard English grammar.

citation of

Substitutes "reference" with "citation" to highlight the act of formally acknowledging a source.

mention of

Uses "mention" instead of "reference" to generally indicate something that is briefly noted or alluded to.

allusion to

Employs "allusion" to suggest an indirect or subtle reference.

referring to

Changes the structure to a verb phrase, emphasizing the act of referencing.

source about

Highlights the origin or provider of information regarding a specific topic.

information regarding

Shifts the focus to the data or details pertaining to a particular subject.

commentary on

Indicates an explanation or interpretation of a subject.

perspective on

Denotes a specific viewpoint or way of regarding a topic.

analysis of

Replaces "reference" with "analysis" to denote a detailed examination of something.

FAQs

What's the correct way to use "reference" when citing a source?

The correct phrase is "reference to". For example, you should say "The paper includes a "reference to" Smith's work" instead of "reference on".

What can I say instead of "reference on"?

You can use alternatives like ""reference to"", "citation of", or "mention of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "reference on" or "reference to"?

"Reference to" is the grammatically correct phrase. "Reference on" is generally considered incorrect in standard written English.

Is "reference on" ever acceptable?

While "reference on" appears in some contexts, especially in informal settings or specific technical documentation, it's best to use ""reference to"" in formal writing to ensure grammatical correctness.