reference value

USAGE SUMMARY

"reference value" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an accepted numerical baseline for comparison, such as a benchmark or norm. For example, "The reference value for temperature is 20 degrees Celsius."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Librarians treasured it for its reference value.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is close to the ECB's "reference value" of 4.5%.

The Economist

First, they created a reference value for each cell.

The Economist

It is therefore adopting a vaguer "reference value" for monetary growth.

The Economist

The notional worth is a gauge of the reference value against which contract payments are set.

The Economist

Long-term bond yields have been below the EU reference value since accession in 2004.

The Economist

The input to the system is the reference value, or set point, for the system output.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Reference Value.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Our work may have reference value for underwater detection study.

Journal of Bionic Engineering

This cost function is compared to some reference value.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Reference value: airway pressure at upper inflation point (PV curve).

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reference value", clearly define what the value represents and its context to avoid ambiguity. For instance, in a medical context, specify if it refers to a normal range or a diagnostic threshold.

Common error

Avoid using "reference value" interchangeably with "target value". A "reference value" serves as a benchmark for comparison, whereas a "target value" is a desired outcome or goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reference value" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It typically defines or identifies a standard or baseline used for comparison. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various disciplines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reference value" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that establishes a benchmark for comparison across various fields. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to define a standard for evaluation, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. While alternatives such as "benchmark value" and "standard value" exist, understanding the specific context ensures accurate usage. A key best practice is to clearly define the value's representation, while avoiding confusion with "target value". The term's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

benchmark value

Focuses on the standard as a point of comparison or evaluation, emphasizing its role as a benchmark.

standard value

Highlights the accepted or typical level of something, indicating conformity to a norm.

baseline value

Emphasizes the initial measurement used as a basis for future comparisons.

control value

Suggests a value used for comparison in experimental settings, particularly in scientific research.

normal range

Indicates the typical or expected range of values, often used in medical or scientific contexts.

typical value

Highlights the most common or representative value in a set of data.

expected value

Emphasizes the anticipated or predicted value based on certain conditions or assumptions.

criterion value

Focuses on a value that serves as a standard or rule for making judgments or decisions.

calibration value

Emphasizes a value used to adjust or standardize a measuring instrument.

point of reference

Suggests a value used as a basis for comparison or orientation, often in a broader context.

FAQs

How is "reference value" used in scientific research?

In scientific research, "reference value" is commonly used as a baseline for comparison in experiments. It helps researchers determine the significance of changes observed under different conditions, such as comparing treatment effects to a control group's "baseline measurement".

What's the difference between "reference value" and "normal range" in medical contexts?

While both terms relate to typical values, "reference value" often indicates a single point used for comparison, whereas "normal range" specifies an acceptable interval of values. For example, a "reference value" for blood pressure might be 120/80, while the "normal range" could be 110-130/70-90.

Which is more appropriate, "reference value" or "benchmark value"?

The choice between "reference value" and "benchmark value" depends on the context. "Reference value" is more general and applicable across various fields, while "benchmark value" specifically implies a standard against which performance or quality is measured.

Can I use "standard value" instead of "reference value"?

Yes, "standard value" can often be used as a substitute for "reference value", especially when indicating an accepted or typical level. However, "reference value" may be preferred in technical or scientific contexts where precision is crucial.