reference that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reference that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to refer to a specific piece of information or context that has been mentioned previously. Example: "Please reference that document when preparing your report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And there was no genital reference that connected to my lived experience.

The New York Times - Arts

We need a shared frame of reference that will enable us to practice collective accountability.

The New York Times

For reference, that is the industry's single biggest star making its biggest sequel of the decade.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There is a review taking place consistent with the terms of reference that have been released by the minister.

The Guardian

The result is a play of pure sound, without external reference, that gives us a glimpse of eternity.

The Guardian - Music

He looked into a reservoir of victorious moments and searched for a frame of reference that could carry him through.

The New York Times - Sports

"This sets new terms of reference that will never allow negotiations to start".

The New York Times

It was a reference that could be used for further research.

The New York Times - Science

It is a complete loss of reference that has to be rebuilt as fast as possible for your survival.

TechCrunch

When this happens, we garner new emotional reference that serves as a touchstone of remembrance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The police can then cross-reference that information with registrations in the area and investigate a subset of cars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reference that" to directly point to specific information already provided, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "reference that" without a clear antecedent. Always ensure the "that" refers to something explicitly stated earlier in the text to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reference that" functions as a directive phrase, prompting the audience or reader to recall or consider previously mentioned information. It serves to connect current discussion with prior context, aiding in understanding and continuity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reference that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used directive, prompting the audience to recall specific, previously mentioned information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to ensure clarity and build upon context across various communication channels. While its register is primarily neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings, remember to provide a clear antecedent to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "cite that" or "refer to that" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make reference to that

A more formal version of "reference that".

cite that

Focuses specifically on providing a citation for something previously mentioned.

refer to that

A more general alternative that indicates directing attention to something.

allude to that

Implies a less direct or explicit mention.

mention that

Simple statement of bringing something up.

note that

Highlights something as important or worthy of attention.

draw attention to that

Focuses on highlighting or emphasizing a specific point.

point out that

Emphasizes bringing something to someone's awareness.

indicate that

Suggests showing something indirectly.

touch upon that

Implies briefly mentioning a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "reference that" in a sentence?

Use "reference that" to direct the audience back to a specific piece of information mentioned earlier. For example, "When discussing the budget, please "reference that" document I shared last week".

What are some alternatives to "reference that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "cite that", "refer to that", or "mention that".

Is "reference that" formal or informal?

"Reference that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, consider using "make reference to that".

What is the difference between "reference that" and "refer to that"?

While both phrases are similar, "reference that" often implies a more formal or specific connection to previously mentioned information, whereas "refer to that" is a more general way to direct attention to something.