referring to the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "referring to the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing items, concepts, or subjects that are identical or related in some way. Example: "In the context of our discussion, both terms are referring to the same concept of sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The service may receive data referring to the same article from multiple sources, and creates one bibliographic reference based on the most accurate data from each source.

Wikipedia

However, data collected from different data sources referring to the same real-world object may conflict.

Information Sciences

Of course, for proper operation they should be two ways of referring to the same repository.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was not clear whether it was referring to the same incident.

The Times

We transformed links to canonical URLs to merge different links referring to the same article.

Nature

It was unclear whether the posting was referring to the same attack.

The New York Times

It is unclear whether they are both referring to the same attack.

The Guardian

"We would never do that," he said, referring to the same 2007 photographs.

The New York Times

It was unclear whether both were referring to the same events.

The New York Times

The entity matching problem concerns of identifying the entities, which are referring to the same real-world entity.

Information Systems

Evaluation of series of PCR experiments referring to the same evidence is not infrequent in a forensic casework.

Forensic Science International: Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, especially in technical writing, consider using synonyms like "denoting the same" or "corresponding to the same" when appropriate to add variety and avoid repetition of "referring to the same".

Common error

Avoid using "referring to the same" multiple times within a single paragraph or short section. If the context makes the shared reference clear, consider omitting the phrase or using a pronoun to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "referring to the same" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that two or more terms, descriptions, or sources are related to a single entity, concept, or subject. As Ludwig AI points out, this is a perfectly valid expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "referring to the same" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to establish equivalence between different references, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's primarily found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, and is suitable for neutral to formal writing. While effective for clarity, avoid overuse to maintain a natural writing style. Consider using synonyms like "denoting the same" or "corresponding to the same" for variety. Be mindful of potential redundancy, and ensure the context doesn't already make the shared reference clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identical to the same

Directly states that items are completely equal in identity.

corresponding to the same

Highlights a relationship of direct equivalence or matching.

equivalent to the same

States that items are the same in value or meaning.

denoting the same

Implies a more formal or technical identification, suitable for precise contexts.

indicating the same

Highlights the act of pointing out or signifying a shared reference.

pertaining to the same

Emphasizes relevance or connection to a common subject or entity.

representing the same

Focuses on the act of symbolizing or standing in for a shared referent.

alluding to the same

Suggests an indirect or implicit reference, rather than a direct one.

speaking of the same

This alternative suggests that two speakers are on the same subject.

discussing the same

This alternative suggests that two speakers are discussing the same subject.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "referring to the same" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "denoting the same", "corresponding to the same", or "identical to the same" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some synonyms for "referring to the same" in casual conversation?

In casual conversation, you might use phrases like "talking about the same", "meaning the same", or simply imply the shared reference through context.

How do I avoid redundancy when using "referring to the same"?

To avoid redundancy, ensure the context doesn't already clearly indicate the shared reference. If it does, use pronouns or concise language instead of repeatedly using "referring to the same".

Is "referring to the same" always necessary for clarity?

No, sometimes the context makes the shared reference obvious. Overusing "referring to the same" can make your writing sound awkward or repetitive; aim for conciseness where possible.