referring to the issue of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "referring to the issue of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you are discussing or mentioning a specific topic or problem. Example: "In her speech, she was referring to the issue of climate change and its impact on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"We will continue to report this story," he said, referring to the issue of head injuries in football.

The New York Times - Sports

"I lay awake thinking about that the other night," Mr. Burwell said, referring to the issue of the killer's age.

The New York Times

"I don't want specifics on my list," Jets offensive lineman Alan Faneca said, referring to the issue of opponents' attacking injuries on the field.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a big deal in New Jersey, but it's particularly a big deal in our district," Mr. Ferguson said, referring to the issue of tax cuts.

The New York Times

"These are issues that are fodder for 30-second commercials," he said, referring to the issue of imprisoning Guantánamo detainees in the United States.

The New York Times

"Every other witness to Turetzky's interview either does not recall Turetzky speaking of this at all," the judge wrote, referring to the issue of which officer walked Mr. Louima toward his torture, "or recalls only his confusion about Louima's later escort from the bathroom".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Referring to the issues of the Working Group of Teacher (WGT) performance which has not been optimized, this research aims to develop a qualified and independent model of WGT, and to know its effectiveness to improve the WGT performance and the elementary school teachers' ability in conducting mathematics learning.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Tong was referring to the issuing of Turkish passports to 173 Uighur refugees in Thailand to prevent their return to China.

Huffington Post

He also referred to the issue of political prisoners, saying a single prisoner of conscience was one too many.

Independent

When Starr issued his final 445-page report, it referred only twice to the Whitewater land deal, the original target of the investigation, whereas it referred to the issue of sex more than 500 times.

Britannica

The administration pointed out that in 445 pages the report referred only twice to the Whitewater land deal, the original target of the investigation, whereas it referred to the issue of sex more than 500 times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "referring to the issue of", ensure that the issue is well-defined and clear to the audience. This avoids confusion and keeps the focus on the intended topic.

Common error

Avoid using "referring to the issue of" in very informal settings where simpler language would suffice. In casual conversations, phrases like "about" or "regarding" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "referring to the issue of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces or connects a statement to a particular topic or problem. It serves to specify what is being discussed, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "referring to the issue of" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a specific topic or problem in a text or conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability, while cautioning against overuse in informal contexts. Its frequency of use is considered common, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and wiki-based articles. When a less formal approach is desired, alternatives like "regarding the topic of" or "concerning the matter of" can be used. This phrase is particularly useful when clarity and precision are needed to ensure the audience understands the subject being addressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

related to the matter of

Simple substitution with 'related', suitable for a variety of contexts.

concerning the matter of

Replaces "referring" with a more direct term and restructures the sentence.

regarding the topic of

Uses "regarding" to indicate relevance to a specific subject.

addressing the concern of

Emphasizes a concern or worry related to the issue.

in reference to the subject of

Adds formality and expands the phrase, suitable for formal contexts.

with respect to the problem of

Highlights the 'problem' aspect of the issue, changing the nuance slightly.

in connection with the subject of

Suggests a link or association with the subject, which is a subtle change in meaning.

pertaining to the question of

Formal and emphasizes that the issue is a question or matter under consideration.

discussing the point of

Highlights that a discussion is taking place about the specified point.

touching on the area of

More informal; "touching on" implies briefly mentioning the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "referring to the issue of" in a sentence?

You can use "referring to the issue of" to introduce a specific topic or problem. For example, "The speaker, "referring to the issue of" climate change, proposed several solutions".

What are some alternatives to "referring to the issue of"?

Alternatives include "regarding the topic of", "concerning the matter of", or "related to the matter of depending on the context".

Is it always necessary to use "referring to the issue of" in formal writing?

No, it's not always necessary. While it's appropriate in formal writing, consider the audience and context. Simpler phrases may sometimes be more effective.

What's the difference between "referring to the issue of" and simply saying "about"?

"Referring to the issue of" is more formal and specific, often used to introduce a topic that requires careful attention. "About" is more general and suitable for less formal contexts.