referred it to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "referred it to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something has been directed or sent to someone else for consideration or action. Example: "The manager referred it to the legal department for further review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The new legislation's primary purpose, he stated explicitly, was to close the loophole the decision opened The bill was referred to the Natural Resources Committee, which then referred it to its Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, chaired by Bordallo.

Wikipedia

However, critics were divided regarding the song's lyrical content; some referred it to as sexy, while others dismissed its metaphors.

Wikipedia

Patrick Varine of The Observer-Dispatch referred it to as a "hacky mid-'90s R&B" song, and its slow tempo was compared to ballads by American singer Ciara.

Wikipedia

He referred it to as "one of our big episodes" and stated that it references contemporary shows with "unsatisfied endings", such as Monk and Lost.

Wikipedia

The YJB confirmed it received the letter and referred it to Medway social services.

The Guardian - Business

I could have referred it to the journalist, even if I didn't believe a word.

The Guardian - Books

He referred it to higher authority and went on to make 132 more runs.

Independent

EIPR had initially filed a complaint to the public prosecutor, who referred it to the military justice system.

The Guardian

The solicitor general, Robert Buckland QC, has referred it to the police for a criminal investigation to take place.

The Guardian

But Justice Antonin Scalia granted the second stay this evening and referred it to the full court.

The New York Times

The measure passed through the Environment Committee, but Speaker Albio Sires, a Democrat, referred it to the Appropriations Committee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "referred it to", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being referred to and the reason for the referral. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "referred it to" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the noun or subject being referred to is explicitly stated in the preceding sentence or context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "referred it to" functions as a transitive phrasal verb. Ludwig's examples show it's used to indicate the act of directing something (a matter, complaint, issue, etc.) to a specific person, committee, or authority for further action or consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "referred it to" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe directing something toward a specific entity for further action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used in various contexts. Predominantly featured in news, wiki, and science, this phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for formal communications. When employing "referred it to", ensure a clear reference to the subject being directed to avoid any ambiguity. You can consider alternatives like "sent it to" or "directed it to" for a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directed it to

Emphasizes the act of giving instructions or guidance, rather than seeking a decision.

sent it to

A general term for causing something to go to a destination or recipient.

passed it on to

Indicates a transfer of responsibility or information, often informally.

handed it over to

Suggests relinquishing control or responsibility to someone else.

redirected it to

Suggests changing the course of something and sending it to a new destination.

submitted it to

Suggests a formal presentation for consideration, often in a bureaucratic context.

delegated it to

Formally assigning a task or responsibility to someone.

forwarded it to

Implies a simple transmission of information, often electronically.

consigned it to

Formally handing over to someone's care.

channeled it to

Implies directing something through a specific route or system.

FAQs

How can I use "referred it to" in a sentence?

You can use "referred it to" to indicate that something was directed to a specific person or entity. For example, "The manager "referred it to" the legal department for review".

What's a more formal alternative to "referred it to"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "submitted it to" or "directed it to" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "referred it to"?

It's appropriate to use "referred it to" when you want to indicate that something has been passed on to someone else for a specific purpose, such as review, action, or decision-making. Make sure who passed it and to whom is well understandable from context.

What can I say instead of "referred it to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sent it to", "passed it on to", or "forwarded it to" to convey a similar meaning.