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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
refers to doing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "refers to doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining what a term or concept signifies in relation to an action or activity. Example: "The term 'collaboration' refers to doing work together towards a common goal."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
It refers to doing commerce in a collaborative and participative way, through a uniform and interactive enterprise interface, by extending current social web sites initially designed for social interactions of individuals, to promote new business models.
Science
Extrinsic motivation refers to "doing something because it leads to a separable outcome".
Science
Intrinsic motivation refers to doing something for the inherent satisfaction involved and is highly autonomous (ie, self-regulated).
Science
The classical distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic factors of motivation emerges as important in this context, and Ryan and Deci state that intrinsic motivation "refers to doing something because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable" and extrinsic motivation "refers to doing something because it leads to a separable outcome" [[ 4]:55].
Science
Circuit training refers to doing a combination of the kind of exercises described in this article, but at a quick pace with short, timed rests in between.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
That last point refers to "Don't Tempt Me," which opened Friday.
News & Media
It might have amused me that a man whose "magic" Speer often refers to did not seem at all magical.
News & Media
Moreover, the weekly earnings figures that he refers to don't actually measure "wages" but "average earnings".
News & Media
† : For this question, 1 refers to afraid, 2 refers to not afraid, 3 refers to don't care.
Science
Company e-mail messages also refer to doing a "great smoke-and-mirrors job" on unfavorable studies.
News & Media
In the context of corporate distress, operating actions refer to "doing things right", whereas strategic moves can be classified as "doing the right things" (Hofer 1980).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "refers to doing", ensure that the action is clearly defined and relevant to the context. Use it to precisely link a concept to its practical application.
Common error
Avoid using "refers to doing" when a more direct verb would make the sentence clearer and more concise. Replace it with a synonym if the action is vague or implied.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "refers to doing" functions as a verbal phrase that typically introduces a definition or explanation of a concept in terms of action. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it clarifies what a term specifically entails. It is considered correct and usable.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
40%
Wiki
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "refers to doing" is a verbal phrase used to define a concept by linking it to an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not exceptionally common, it appears primarily in scientific and media contexts. For clarity, ensure the action is well-defined and consider direct verbs for concise writing. Alternatives include "implies performing" and "signifies engaging in", offering nuances in meaning. Using this phrase can help clarify the practical application of a concept, and Ludwig's examples reflect real-world usage.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
implies performing
Focuses on the action being implied rather than a direct reference.
signifies engaging in
Emphasizes the act of engaging in an activity.
denotes undertaking
Highlights the commencement of an action.
relates to performing
Indicates a relationship to the act of performing.
is about undertaking
Similar to "refers to doing" but uses a more direct and active voice.
is connected to acting
Emphasizes the link to the act of taking action.
entails the execution of
Formal alternative, focusing on the execution aspect.
involves the practice of
Highlights the practical aspect of the action.
concerns the act of
Focuses on the action itself as the main concern.
is defined as executing
Highlights the definition in terms of execution.
FAQs
How can I use "refers to doing" in a sentence?
Use "refers to doing" when you want to define a term or concept by describing the action or process it involves. For example, "'Agile methodology' refers to doing project management in iterative steps".
What are some alternatives to "refers to doing"?
You can use alternatives like "implies performing", "signifies engaging in", or "denotes undertaking" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Check out "implies performing" for example.
Is it always necessary to use "refers to doing", or can I use a simpler verb?
In many cases, a simpler verb can make your writing more direct and concise. However, "refers to doing" is useful when you want to emphasize the specific action or process involved in a concept. If you simply want to mention an action, you can use the simpler verb.
What is the difference between "refers to doing" and "pertains to doing"?
"Refers to doing" implies a definition or explanation involving an action, while "pertains to doing" suggests a relevance or connection to an action. "Pertains to doing" focuses on relevance. Check out "pertains to doing" for more information.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested