serves as a reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serves as a reference" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe something that provides information or guidance for others to use or refer to. Example: "The student's project serves as a reference for future students studying the same topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence, it serves as a reference flux.

Journal of Computational Physics

Joel says that his social media presence often serves as a reference check.

Harvard Business Review

It serves as a reference surface from which topographic heights and ocean depths are measured.

Britannica

This Technical Note describes the proposed extensions, and serves as a reference for the standard.

Journal of Structural Biology

This serves as a reference for fatigue assessment of other complex ship details.

Ocean Engineering

The mechanism presented in this study serves as a reference for other transition-metal alloyed phase-change materials.

Acta Materialia

We then compare the accuracy provided by these methods against the class method which serves as a reference.

Chemical Engineering Science

Such a study serves as a reference for an in-depth research towards enhancements in the PHY/MAC layers.

Vehicular Communications

This report serves as a reference for readers of the many survey articles published in this journal.

The Journal of Hand Surgery

CVD monolithic SiC serves as a reference material and should enable comparison with other, e.g. complementary, irradiation data.

Fusion Engineering and Design

This research serves as a reference for in-depth researches on MRF damper performances and the application in practice.

Procedia Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serves as a reference", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being referenced and why it is important. For instance, specify if it's a benchmark, a guideline, or a point of comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "serves as a reference" without clearly specifying what is being referenced. Always provide enough context to ensure the reader understands the purpose and importance of the reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serves as a reference" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject provides information, guidance, or a standard for comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serves as a reference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that effectively communicates the role of something as a source of information, guidance, or comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, it also appears in news media and encyclopedic content. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being referenced and its purpose. Alternatives like ""acts as a benchmark"" or ""provides a framework"" can add nuance, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offers a point of comparison

Directly indicates the use of the reference for comparative analysis.

acts as a benchmark

Focuses on the role of something as a standard against which others are measured.

supplies a standard

Emphasizes the provision of a defined measure or criterion.

functions as a guideline

Highlights the guiding aspect of the reference point.

works as a model

Highlights the replicable and exemplary nature of the reference.

provides a framework

Emphasizes the structural and organizational aspect of a reference.

forms a basis

Indicates that the reference underlies or supports further development or understanding.

establishes a precedent

Suggests the reference sets a standard for future actions or decisions.

constitutes a template

Suggests the reference is a pre-designed pattern or format.

is a touchstone

Implies the reference is a reliable and definitive source for evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "serves as a reference" in a sentence?

You can use "serves as a reference" to indicate that something provides information or guidance. For example, "This study "serves as a reference" for future research on the topic".

What are some alternatives to "serves as a reference"?

Alternatives include "acts as a benchmark", "functions as a guideline", or "provides a framework" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "serves as a reference" or "is a reference"?

"Serves as a reference" emphasizes the active role of providing guidance or a standard. "Is a reference" is more general. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

In what contexts is "serves as a reference" commonly used?

The phrase is commonly used in academic writing, technical documentation, and professional reports to indicate that something is a reliable source of information or a standard for comparison.