refers to as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refers to as" is not correct in English.
The correct form is "referred to as." You can use it when you want to indicate how something is named or described. Example: "The phenomenon is referred to as a black hole in astrophysics."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The approach is a variation on what the industry refers to as "contextual advertising".

The New York Times

These he refers to as reference polyhedra.

Chemical Reviews

refers to as Bostons.

The New Yorker

Next came what Landis refers to as "the Will thing".

The New York Times - Sports

Writer called an exterminating agency he refers to as NRN.

The New Yorker

Temperature segregation refers to as different mixture cooling areas during construction in asphalt pavements.

Construction and Building Materials

Standings are prominently displayed in what the company refers to as league tables.

Harvard Business Review

Her pearl necklace was a wedding gift from her husband, whom she refers to as "Lanny?

The New York Times

Most days, Oz mines what he refers to as his go-to subjects: obesity and cancer.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Alternatively he might use Google for what he refers to as "superficial research".

The Guardian - Film

The real challenge will be in designing the third arrow, what Abe refers to as "growth".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct form, "referred to as", to maintain grammatical accuracy. Even though the incorrect form, "refers to as", is quite common, using the right version will enhance the credibility and clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using the present tense "refers to as" when you mean to say something is generally known or was previously mentioned. The correct past participle form, "referred to as", should be used to denote something already established or identified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refers to as" is intended to function as part of a verb phrase, indicating how something is named or identified. However, it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct form is "referred to as".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refers to as" is a grammatically incorrect construction, with the correct form being "referred to as". Despite its incorrectness, it appears frequently, particularly in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI underscores the grammatical error. To ensure clarity and credibility, it is best to use the correct form or opt for alternatives like "called", "known as", or "designated as", especially in formal or scientific writing. Remember to use "referred to as" instead of "refers to as".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is called

Uses the simpler verb "called", suitable for informal contexts.

is known as

Replaces the verb "refers" with "is known", implying a more established or widely accepted name.

is termed

Substitutes with "termed", suggesting a specific or technical name.

is labeled as

Replaces with "labeled", implying that something is categorized in a certain way.

is identified as

Uses "identified", suggesting a specific recognition or assignment of a name.

is designated as

Employs "designated", indicating a formal naming or classification.

is described as

Replaces with "described", focusing on the act of portraying the qualities of something.

is recognized as

Uses "recognized", implying that something is officially or generally known.

is styled as

Employs "styled", suggesting a particular presentation or naming convention.

goes by the name of

Replaces the entire structure with a more descriptive phrase, indicating a less formal or alternative name.

FAQs

What is the correct grammatical form, "refers to as" or "referred to as"?

The grammatically correct form is "referred to as". "Refers to as" is an incorrect usage, although it appears in some sources. Using the past participle "referred" ensures proper tense and meaning.

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

Use "referred to as" when you want to indicate that something is known or described by a particular name or term. For example: "That concept is "referred to as" the 'halo effect'".

What are some alternatives to "referred to as"?

Alternatives include "called", "known as", "designated as", or "termed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "refers to as" in informal writing?

While "refers to as" may be understood, it's grammatically incorrect. Even in informal writing, strive for accuracy. Using "referred to as" or simpler alternatives like "called" will improve clarity and credibility.