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
reference should be made
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "reference should be made" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express the idea that a specific thing should be mentioned, such as a source, document, or opinion. For example, "In this report, reference should be made to the most recent census data."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
is equivalent to
in the wishes of
rapidly thereafter
for the immediate future
Very soon
somewhere later
one week before
at the early time
in the next weeks
it is important to remember
during the previous years
to avoid disruption
not yet completed
in accordance with direction from
a couple of books before
if not soon
as excellent as
in a flash
as instructed by the directive
as tall as
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
17 human-written examples
I ask that no further reference should be made to these reports in the chamber today".
News & Media
"I would ask that no further reference should be made to these reports in the Chamber".
News & Media
I would ask that no further reference should be made to these reports in the Chamber today".
News & Media
Given that the peacekeeping force relies heavily on contributions from African countries, the general sentiment was that some reference should be made to their concerns.
News & Media
The material in the Lewis file says that "no reference should be made to the McCarran Committee, nor should there be any indication that the documents emanated from G-2" — Army Intelligence.
News & Media
Today, the Government's chief legal advisor revealed that a decision was expected within a fortnight on whether to refer the matter to the Court of Appeal: "The office will consider it, I will consider it and I and the Solicitor General will make a final decision as to whether a reference should be made".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
43 human-written examples
Considering this, it is imperative that a suggestion of a suitable reference material should be made.
Science
When calculating a normalisation factor (NF), a careful choice of the number of reference genes should be made.
Science
This is to plan for reference materials that should be made available to all the members of the translation group.
Wiki
-"Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel) may be used, or aspirin and warfarin if a patient is already taking warfarin for concomitant atrial fibrillation" should be referenced, or it should be made clear that there are no guidelines and this is purely the opinion of the authors.
Science
For all other inclusion and exclusion criteria, reference to the SUP study should be made.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "reference should be made", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom the reference should be directed to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "reference should be made" without specifying the subject or source. Instead of saying, "Reference should be made", clarify with "Reference should be made to the study by Smith et al.".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "reference should be made" functions as a directive, indicating that something specific needs to be mentioned, cited, or taken into consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "reference should be made" is a grammatically sound and professionally acceptable way to indicate that something needs to be mentioned or cited. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the subject of the reference is clearly identified to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "mention should be made" or "consideration should be given" can provide a slightly different emphasis, depending on the specific context.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
mention should be made
Replaces "reference" with "mention", emphasizing the act of bringing something up.
it is important to reference
Changes the structure to emphasize the importance of referencing.
note should be taken
Shifts focus to the act of noting or paying attention to something.
it is necessary to mention
Focuses on the necessity of mentioning something.
consideration should be given
Emphasizes the need to think about or take something into account.
it is crucial to consider
Emphasizes the critical nature of considering something.
attention should be paid
Highlights the importance of focusing on a specific aspect.
special attention must be paid
Highlights the need for particular focus and care.
regard should be had
A more formal way of suggesting something should be taken into account.
emphasis should be placed
Shifts focus to emphasizing or highlighting something.
FAQs
How can I use "reference should be made" in a sentence?
You can use "reference should be made" to indicate that something needs to be mentioned or considered. For instance, "In the analysis, "reference should be made" to the prior art."
What is an alternative to the phrase "reference should be made"?
Alternatives include "mention should be made", "note should be taken", or "consideration should be given" depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is it more appropriate to use "mention should be made" or "reference should be made"?
Both are correct, but "reference should be made" typically implies a more formal or documented citation, while "mention should be made" is more general.
In what contexts is "reference should be made" most suitable?
"Reference should be made" is particularly suitable in academic, scientific, or formal business contexts where precise citation and acknowledgment are essential.
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
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested