referring of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "referring of" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when someone intends to say "referring to." Example: "In the report, the author is referring to the latest research findings."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was referring, of course, to Joe Paterno.

The New York Times

He's really referring, of course, to the Klan.

The New York Times - Books

Much the same applies to the referring of appeals.

Independent

I'm referring, of course, to the Megapixel Myth.

The New York Times

I am referring, of course, to the sovereign debt issue.

The New Yorker

I'm referring of course to doing the laundry.

The New York Times - Travel

He was referring, of course, to the First Amendment.

The New York Times

Ms. Brown is referring, of course, to Rupert Murdoch.

The New Yorker

We're referring, of course, to those who ride the subways and buses.

The New York Times

He was referring, of course, to his previous comedic high point.

The New York Times

I said something like "That's right, blame the victim," referring of course to my disorder.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, consider using a more specific verb like "mentioning" or "alluding to" instead of a phrase that requires grammatical correction.

Common error

Avoid using "referring of" due to its grammatical incorrectness. The correct and widely accepted form is "referring to". Using "referring of" can make your writing appear unprofessional or uneducated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "referring of" functions incorrectly as a present participle attempting to link an action with an object. While some examples exist, standard English dictates the use of "referring to". Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "referring of" appears in some contexts, including News & Media and Science sources, it is grammatically incorrect according to standard English conventions. As Ludwig AI highlights, the correct form is "referring to". Therefore, it is strongly advised to use "referring to" or alternative phrases like "mentioning" or "alluding to" to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing. Using the correct phrasing will enhance the credibility and professionalism of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

referring to

Corrects the grammatical structure to the standard and widely accepted form.

mentioning

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word that conveys a similar meaning.

alluding to

Substitutes the phrase with a more formal synonym, implying an indirect reference.

speaking of

Offers a conversational alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

in reference to

Provides a more formal and structured way to introduce a topic being discussed.

with reference to

Similar to "in reference to", but slightly more academic in tone.

regarding

A concise synonym for "referring to", suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

concerning

Another concise synonym, often used in formal writing.

in connection with

Implies a link or association to a specific topic or item.

pertaining to

A formal way of indicating relevance or relation to something.

FAQs

How do I properly use the phrase "referring to" in a sentence?

Use "referring to" to indicate what you are directing attention or making a connection to. For example: "In his speech, the president was "referring to" the economic crisis."

What can I say instead of "referring of"?

Since "referring of" is grammatically incorrect, use alternatives such as "referring to", "mentioning", or "alluding to", depending on the context.

Is "referring of" grammatically correct?

No, "referring of" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "referring to".

What's the difference between "referring of" and "referring to"?

"Referring of" is grammatically incorrect and should not be used. "Referring to" is the correct and standard English form to indicate that you are directing attention or making a connection to something.