that refers to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that refers to" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to explain or elaborate on a previous statement. For example: "The meeting will be held at 1:00 pm, a time that refers to the office's traditional lunch hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For individuals, that refers to earning power.

The New York Times

Kaizen is the Japanese term that refers to continuous improvement.

The Guardian

"There is not a statute that refers to criminal collusion.

The New Yorker

Dementia is an umbrella term that refers to various conditions.

The Guardian

The fact is that no large data set that refers to human beings is perfect.

The Guardian

Among others, a card that refers to witch-hunting was not released in the United States.

The New York Times

A sport that refers to its animals as athletes shouldn't send them to slaughter.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a dictionary defined racial slur that refers to scalping.

The Guardian - Sport

"Oh, c'mon — you're going to use a name that refers to the color of someone's skin?

The New Yorker

He has unearthed every possible literary quotation that refers to the color.

The New York Times - Books

Suya is also the word that refers to this style of cooking with hot grills.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that refers to", ensure the subject and the reference are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of 'The problem that refers to...', specify 'The problem that refers to the budget deficit...'.

Common error

Avoid using "that refers to" when the connection is vague or unclear. Instead of 'The concept that refers to...', be specific: 'The concept that refers to quantum entanglement...'. Always ensure a direct and understandable link.

Linguistic Context

That refers to functions as a relative clause, specifically a defining relative clause, that provides essential information about the noun it modifies. Ludwig examples show it used to explain the meaning or definition of a term or concept, acting as a connector between the subject and its reference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that refers to" functions as a relative clause providing essential clarification or definition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and its usage is very common. Predominantly found in news, science, and wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using "that refers to", it is crucial to ensure clear antecedents to avoid ambiguity, and writers should strive for precision in linking subjects to their references. It is crucial to maintain clarity and precision. Its versatility and common usage make it a valuable tool for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is related to

This is a more general way of indicating a connection or association.

that is associated with

This indicates a connection or relationship, often based on common characteristics or occurrences.

that applies to

This indicates direct relevance or suitability to a particular case or situation.

which concerns

This highlights the subject matter or focus of something.

that pertains to

This alternative uses a more formal verb to indicate relevance or connection.

that signifies

This emphasizes the meaning or symbolic representation of something.

that denotes

This suggests a precise and explicit definition or indication.

that alludes to

This suggests an indirect reference, implying a subtle or suggestive connection.

that speaks to

This implies a relevance or connection to a particular issue or concern.

that touches on

This suggests a brief or indirect mention of a topic.

FAQs

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

Use "that refers to" to clarify the meaning of a term or concept by linking it to its definition or description. For instance, "'Sustainability' is a term "that refers to" practices aimed at preserving resources for future generations".

What are some alternatives to "that refers to"?

You can use alternatives like "that pertains to", "that is related to", or "that applies to" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "that refers to" after already defining a term?

While it's generally best to avoid redundancy, using ""that refers to"" can sometimes be helpful for emphasis or clarification, especially in complex explanations where the connection might not be immediately obvious.

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

"That" introduces a restrictive clause (essential for meaning), while "which" introduces a non-restrictive clause (adds extra information). Using ""that refers to"" implies the reference is crucial to understanding the subject, whereas "which refers to" offers additional, non-essential detail.