reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

"reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has already been mentioned or that is known. For example, "This report provides a reference to the previous study on the same subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Francis' reference to St.

The New York Times

Obvious reference to Imran Khan.

The New York Times

No reference to it.

The New York Times

(with reference to Alaska).

Cornell University

§ 1.74 Reference to drawings.

Cornell University

Reference to Bob Powers.

University of California, Berkeley

Every reference to the debate drew cheers.

The New York Times

This is a reference to my work.

The New Yorker

He makes no reference to policemen.

The New Yorker

There was no reference to the Sussex.

The New Yorker

Coniacian is a reference to Cognac.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reference to" to clearly indicate that you are alluding to a specific source, idea, or event. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures that your readers understand the context of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "reference to" excessively in long, convoluted sentences. Break down the sentence or find a more direct way to state the connection to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reference to" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, indicating a connection or relationship to something else. As Ludwig indicates, this usage is correct and common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

32%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reference to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to establish connections between different elements in writing and speech. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and high frequency in various contexts. It is most commonly found in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications. When using "reference to", ensure you are clearly indicating the source or subject of the connection. Alternatives such as "allusion to" or "mention of" may be suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overuse in complex sentences to maintain clarity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase "reference to" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allusion to

Focuses more on indirect mention or suggestion rather than a direct reference.

mention of

Emphasizes the act of briefly speaking about something.

citation of

Implies a formal acknowledgment of a source or authority.

allusion to

Implies indirect or subtle mention.

pertaining to

Indicates relevance or connection to a specific subject.

in relation to

Highlights the relationship or connection between two or more things.

with regard to

Signals the introduction of a specific topic for consideration.

relating to

General term indicating a connection or association.

bearing on

Suggests relevance or influence on a particular matter.

connected to

Highlights a link or association between elements.

FAQs

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

Use "reference to" to point out a connection between the current subject and something previously mentioned or well-known. For example, "The article made a clear "reference to" the economic crisis of 2008".

What are some alternatives to "reference to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "allusion to", "mention of", or "citation of".

Is it more appropriate to use "reference to" or "in reference to"?

"Reference to" is generally more concise and common. "In reference to" is acceptable but can sometimes sound redundant. Opt for "reference to" for brevity and clarity.

When is it necessary to use "reference to" in academic writing?

In academic writing, "reference to" is crucial when you need to explicitly acknowledge the source of an idea, theory, or data. It demonstrates scholarly integrity and provides context for your arguments.