refers to how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refers to how" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining or defining a concept, particularly in academic or formal writing. Example: "The term 'sustainability' refers to how resources are managed to meet current needs without compromising future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This refers to how work is understood within the networks of people around it.

BMC Family Practice

Interpretability refers to how much degree human beings can understand topics generated by a topic modeling.

BioData Mining

The kyu number refers to how many grades away from black belt you are.

WikiHow

Satoyama refers to how people manage foothill ecosystems around their home villages.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

The term classroom structure refers to how teachers design tasks, maintain authority, and evaluate student achievement.

Journal of School Psychology

The 00 designation refers to how finely the flour is milled, not the protein content.

The New York Times

Controllability refers to how much control the individual has over the events of the situation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

("Cross," I believe, refers to how the Murano feels about having its roof needlessly shorn).

The New York Times

Mr. Eagleton refers to "How to Read Literature" as "a guide for beginners".

The New York Times - Books

"Liquidity" refers to how easy or difficult it is to buy and sell.

The New Yorker

#Hatichada, meaning 'we no longer want' which refers to how we feel about our government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refers to how", ensure the following part of the sentence provides a concrete explanation or description. Avoid vague or abstract statements that don't clarify the subject.

Common error

Ensure that the explanation following "refers to how" doesn't simply restate the term being defined. Provide new information or context to enhance understanding. For example, instead of saying "Agility refers to how agile someone is", explain the components that constitute agility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refers to how" functions as a defining expression, introducing an explanation or description of a method, manner, or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound construction used to clarify terms. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

23%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refers to how" is a versatile tool for defining and explaining concepts by focusing on the manner or method involved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. As demonstrated by the numerous examples found through Ludwig, this phrase is commonly employed across diverse fields like science, news, and general explanations, making it a valuable asset for clear and effective communication. When using "refers to how", remember to provide concrete explanations to avoid circular definitions and ensure clarity for your audience. While it's appropriate in many registers it is most useful in a neutral tone and can be used with other alternatives such as "indicates the way" or "explains how".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explains how

Highlights the clarification or elucidation of a process or concept.

shows the approach to

Emphasizes demonstrating a specific way of doing something.

indicates the way

Focuses on the act of pointing out or showing something.

defines the manner in which

A more formal alternative, emphasizing a precise definition.

describes the method

Centers on the specific approach or technique used.

clarifies the means

Emphasizes making something easier to understand in terms of resources or actions.

elucidates the process by which

A highly formal option, indicating a detailed explanation.

details the procedure for

Focuses on a step-by-step account of how something is done.

outlines the mode of

Suggests a structured overview of a particular method.

specifies the avenue through which

Highlights a particular channel or route.

FAQs

How can I use "refers to how" in a sentence?

The phrase "refers to how" is used to define or explain a concept by specifying the manner or method in which something is done. For example, "The term 'bandwidth' refers to how much data can be transmitted over a network connection in a given amount of time."

What can I say instead of "refers to how"?

You can use alternatives like "indicates the way", "defines the manner in which", or "explains how" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "reference to how" instead of "refers to how"?

"Reference to how" is grammatically correct but has a slightly different meaning, indicating a mention or allusion to a method, while "refers to how" defines it. Use "refers" when defining and "reference" when alluding.

What's the difference between "refers to how" and "relates to how"?

"Refers to how" is generally used for definitions, whereas "relates to how" implies a connection or association. For example, "'Usability' refers to how easy a software is to use", and "The success of the project relates to how effectively the team collaborates".