refers me back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refers me back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something directs you to a previous point or source for more information or clarification. Example: "The document refers me back to the original agreement for further details on the terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He says he has always been political, and refers me back to one of his first TV shows: a documentary in which he hung out with the head of the young BNP in Leeds, challenging him on his views.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I went to the student union advice service – they referred me back to student advice.

The Guardian

But when I asked about the resentment of his former comrades, he simply referred me back to his memoirs.

The Guardian

When I asked eBay's senior manager for global regulation, Mike Rou, for a response, he referred me back to White.

The Guardian

SharesPost declined to comment on the relationship between Mr. Moe, G.S.V.C. and its research providers, instead referring me back to Mr. Moe.

The New York Times

The reservations person at the 800 number referred me back to the hotel and then grudgingly gave me the number for customer service.

The New York Times - Travel

The principal's office referred me to the Board of Education headquarters, which referred me to the School Construction Authority, which referred me back to the school board, which consulted with its division of school facilities.

The New York Times

Keith McCarty, Eaze founder Sadly that department is only open a couple of days a week for a few hours and even when you call during those hours it operates on a recording that referred me back to the California Department of Health Medical Marijuana program.

TechCrunch

My internist didn't either and just referred me back to my allergist.

Huffington Post

Rob Barrett, who teaches medieval literature at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, referred me back to the Hyborian Age of Conan the Barbarian and writer G. K. Chesterton's loose mixture of history and fiction in The Ballad of the White Horse.

Vice

He recalled that Romney expanded on the topic at the Values Voters Summit a few weeks back and referred me to the speech.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refers me back" when you want to indicate that a person or source is directing you to consult an earlier document, statement, or authority for clarification or further information. It suggests a return to a foundational reference.

Common error

Avoid using "refers me back" when the redirection is not to a prior source but rather to a different, unrelated one. Ensure the context genuinely involves returning to something previously established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refers me back" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the action of directing someone to a previous point, source, or document. Ludwig shows this usage in various contexts, emphasizing its role in indicating a return to a prior reference.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refers me back" is a commonly used phrasal verb that directs attention to a previous source. It's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting various contexts, as shown by Ludwig. While alternatives like "directs me to" or "points me to" exist, "refers me back" specifically implies a return to something already mentioned. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is appropriate for neutral to professional communication, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directs me to

Indicates a straightforward instruction to consult a specific source.

points me to

Suggests guidance towards a source, often for clarification or further information.

guides me back to

Implies a more involved process of leading someone back to a prior point.

reverts me to

Signals a return to a previous state or document.

routes me back to

Suggests a planned or systematic redirection to an earlier stage.

sends me back to

Highlights the act of being redirected, often by an external agent or system.

defers to

Emphasizes yielding authority to a source for information.

refers to

Indicates a general reference without necessarily implying a return.

cites

Specifically mentions a source as evidence or support.

attributes to

Connects information or ideas back to its origin or originator.

FAQs

How can I use "refers me back" in a sentence?

You can use "refers me back" to indicate that someone or something is directing you to a previous source or point for more details. For example, "The documentation "refers me back" to the original agreement for specific clauses".

What is a good alternative to "refers me back"?

Alternatives to "refers me back" include "directs me to", "points me to", or "guides me back to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "refers me back" and "refers me to"?

"Refers me back" implies a return to a previous source, while "refers me to" simply indicates a reference, without necessarily implying that it's a source you've encountered before. "The manual "refers me back" to the initial setup instructions," versus "The manual "refers me to" another chapter for more information".

In what situations is it appropriate to use "refers me back"?

It is appropriate to use "refers me back" in situations where you are being directed to consult a prior source or statement for clarification, confirmation, or additional information. It highlights a return to something already established.