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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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refers to doing

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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.

Extrinsic motivation refers to "doing something because it leads to a separable outcome".

Intrinsic motivation refers to doing something for the inherent satisfaction involved and is highly autonomous (ie, self-regulated).

Science

BMJ Open

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].

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.

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

The New York Times

It might have amused me that a man whose "magic" Speer often refers to did not seem at all magical.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Moreover, the weekly earnings figures that he refers to don't actually measure "wages" but "average earnings".

† : For this question, 1 refers to afraid, 2 refers to not afraid, 3 refers to don't care.

Company e-mail messages also refer to doing a "great smoke-and-mirrors job" on unfavorable studies.

News & Media

The New York Times

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).

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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

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.

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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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: