reference work

USAGE SUMMARY

"reference work" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means a book or other source of information which is consulted in order to find facts or other information. For example, "I consulted a reference work on the history of my town while doing research for my school project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A reference work.

The New York Times - Books

A reference work with information on more than 800 species.

The New York Times - Books

reference work detailing broad view gluts & is available for $750.

The New Yorker

The passage was from the reference work "Contemporary Novelists".

The New York Times

Adso's letter became the standard medieval reference work on Antichrist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This edition of an authoritative reference work has been updated for the subway's centennial.

The New York Times

The latest edition of a reference work issued annually since 1868.

The New York Times - Books

As was the Encyclop��die, Wikipedia is a combination of manifesto and reference work.

The New Yorker

Mr. Cook was a prominent lawyer whose book "Cook on Corporations" was a standard reference work.

The New York Times

You may think that sounds a long time to spend updating a reference work.

The Guardian - Books

Eliot's words are included in "Landmarks of Library Literature," a modern noncirculating reference work of note.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a general category of books intended for looking up information, use the term "reference work". When referring to a specific book use the term "reference book".

Common error

Avoid using "reference work" to describe books intended for cover-to-cover reading like novels or biographies. "Reference work" refers to books like dictionaries or encyclopedias used for quick information retrieval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reference work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a type of resource intended for looking up information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally used to denote books like dictionaries and encyclopedias.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reference work" is a common noun phrase used to describe a compendium of information designed for quick retrieval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives such as "reference book" or "information source" exist, "reference work" is the term to use when categorizing books or resources intended for quick access, such as dictionaries and encyclopedias, as well. Its frequency and consistent usage across reputable sources solidify its place as a reliable term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reference book

Slightly more specific, implying a single physical volume.

reference guide

Similar to "reference book", but may include online resources.

resource material

Broader term encompassing any material used as a resource.

compendium of information

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the work.

information source

General term for anything that provides information.

fact book

Focuses on factual information and data.

research tool

Focuses on the utility of the work for research purposes.

data repository

Emphasizes a collection of data organized for easy access.

standard text

Implies a widely accepted and authoritative resource.

authoritative guide

Emphasizes the reliability and expertise behind the information.

FAQs

How is the term "reference work" typically used in a sentence?

The term "reference work" is used to describe a resource that contains information intended to be quickly accessed. For example, "The encyclopedia is a valuable "reference work" for students."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "reference work"?

Alternatives to "reference work" include "reference book", "information source", or "resource material", depending on the context.

What distinguishes a "reference work" from other types of books?

A "reference work" is specifically designed for looking up information rather than reading sequentially. Unlike novels or textbooks, a "reference work" is structured for quick access to specific facts or data.

Is it correct to call Wikipedia a "reference work"?

Yes, Wikipedia can be considered a "reference work" because it serves as a compendium of information for quick reference, as mentioned by Ludwig. However, its reliability should be critically evaluated.