refers to that

USAGE SUMMARY

"refers to that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that a previous statement or idea applies to what is being discussed at the moment. For example: The report provides evidence of this, which the speaker refers to that when discussing the results.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If a patient underwent preoperative primary chemotherapy, receptor status included here refers to that before such initiation.

Breast Cancer Research

Royo refers to that moment as his "street Oscar".

The New Yorker

A letter from Aug. 31, 1967, refers to that fight.

The New York Times - Arts

Their scientific name refers to that distinctive bill; buceros is Greek for "cow horn".

The Guardian

His answer once again refers to that aching decision to call time on his rural dream.

The Guardian - Books

He refers to that day in 1965 as "when I got killed".

The New York Times

One student of the form at the Herald refers to that device as the Miller Chop.

The New Yorker

She now refers to that dinner as their "first love meal".

The New York Times

Mr. Thirer refers to that arrest in the report as "the tipping point".

The New York Times - Sports

It clearly refers to that kind of picketing which the Thornhill case, 310 U.S. 88, 60 S.Ct.

Cornell University

Islamdom refers to that complex of societies in which the Muslims and their faith have been prevalent and socially dominant.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refers to that", ensure the connection to the previous statement is clear to avoid ambiguity. Using pronouns to replace the phrase can improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "refers to that" when the antecedent is unclear or too far removed in the text. This can confuse the reader. Instead, restate the original subject or use a more specific reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refers to that" primarily functions as a linking phrase, connecting a current statement to a previously mentioned subject or idea. It indicates that the present discussion is directly related to something already established. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refers to that" is a frequently used phrase to connect a current statement to a previously mentioned subject or idea. It functions to ensure coherence within a text. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While versatile, writers should make sure the referenced item is clear. Sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and scientific journals demonstrate its widespread use across diverse contexts, reinforcing its status as a neutral component of the English language. Always ensure the reference is explicit to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relates to that

Changes the verb to 'relates', indicating a connection or association rather than a direct reference.

is in reference to that

Adds a prepositional phrase for emphasis on the act of referencing.

pertains to that

Uses 'pertains' to suggest relevance or applicability to the aforementioned item.

is connected to that

Emphasizes a link or association with the previous subject.

alludes to that

Suggests an indirect or subtle reference.

is associated with that

Highlights the association or relationship with the previously mentioned subject.

connects with that

Focuses on the connection or link established with the prior mention.

links to that

Uses 'links' to convey a direct connection or association.

is tied to that

Implies a strong connection or dependency on the previously mentioned subject.

is indicative of that

Suggests that the current subject points towards or is evidence of the previously mentioned idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "refers to that" to connect a current statement to a previous one, indicating that the current statement is about or related to the previous one. For instance, "The study highlights the importance of exercise; the conclusion /s/refers+to+that when it emphasizes cardiovascular health".

What are some alternatives to "refers to that"?

Alternatives include "relates to that", "pertains to that", or "is connected to that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "refers to that" or restate the original subject?

While "refers to that" can be concise, restating the original subject can improve clarity, especially if the reference is not immediately obvious or if the previous statement is distant in the text.

What's the difference between "refers to that" and "alludes to that"?

"Refers to that" indicates a direct reference, while "alludes to that" suggests an indirect or subtle reference. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a direct connection or a more nuanced association.