this does not refer

USAGE SUMMARY

"this does not refer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something does not apply to a particular situation. For example, "This rule does not refer to employees with special circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This does not refer to the functional value the products have, but the psychological value.

The Guardian

This does not refer to the sticky effect of quaffing too much booze.

The Economist

This does not refer to any increase in the tendency of criminals to become politicians, or vice versa.

The Economist

This does not refer to the port city's reputation for Colombian-style lawlessness, but to its Spanish-derived dialect.Locals claim Zamboanga has been unfairly tarred by its proximity to the Sulu archipelago, stronghold of Abu Sayyaf, the al-Qaeda-linked separatist group with a nasty sideline in abductions and banditry.

The Economist

This does not refer to banal simplification, but indeed to the exclusion principle: the mandatory requirement for reduced complexity.

European Journal of Futures Research

Only a few studies on the ALT under time-dependent stress have been reported [109] (this does not refer to the varying stresses applied in SSALT and PSALT, but to the varying working stresses on the product).

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

'ZODIAC!' (Sunday) This doesn't refer to the Age of Aquarius but the Year of the Rat.

The New York Times

Mueller says he's spoken to "at least three" separate sources "close to Apple" who all agree that a widescreen iPad is in the works, and that this doesn't refer to an iPad mini, but a full-sized iPad successor.

TechCrunch

No, this doesn't refer to a weird teenage fascination with Larry King, though in an interview with Noisey king revealed that one of his kids is 15.

Vice

No, this doesn't refer to the Minnesota Senator's lunch, but rather a way of labeling and dissing genetically engineered produce.

Huffington Post

No, this doesn't refer to those old ugly pairs of underwear that you only wear on your period because you don't care about what happens to them; "period panties" are a special kind of underwear that are made of three distinct layers that protect your pads from leaking.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this does not refer" to clarify potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations of a previous statement. It helps to set boundaries and define the scope of your argument or discussion.

Common error

Avoid simply stating what something doesn't refer to. Always follow up with a clear explanation of what it does refer to, or what the relevant concept actually is. Otherwise, you risk leaving your audience confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this does not refer" functions as a qualifier or clarifier. It serves to narrow the scope of a statement by explicitly excluding a particular interpretation or application. Ludwig AI's analysis suggests this phrase is commonly used to prevent misinterpretations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this does not refer" is a versatile phrase used to clarify the scope of a statement and prevent misinterpretations. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms it's grammatically sound and common across various domains, particularly in science and news. When using the phrase, ensure you provide a clear alternative or explanation to avoid leaving your audience confused. Remember to use "this does not refer" in neutral to formal contexts, and consider using informal alternatives in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this isn't about

Emphasizes a different subject matter or focus.

this is unrelated to

Highlights a lack of connection or relevance.

this doesn't concern

Indicates that something is not relevant or pertinent.

this has nothing to do with

Stresses a complete absence of relation or involvement.

this isn't connected to

Points out a lack of linkage or association.

this falls outside the scope of

Indicates that something is not within the specified limits or boundaries.

this is beyond the purview of

Highlights that something is outside the area of authority or responsibility.

this doesn't apply to

Specifies that something is not applicable or relevant to a particular case.

this is distinct from

Emphasizes the separateness and difference between things.

this is divorced from

Stresses a strong separation or disconnection.

FAQs

How can I use "this does not refer" in a sentence?

Use "this does not refer" to clarify that a statement or concept shouldn't be understood in a specific, potentially misleading way. For example, "This policy does not refer to temporary employees."

What are some alternatives to "this does not refer"?

You can use alternatives like "this isn't about", "this is unrelated to", or "this doesn't concern" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "this does not refer" or "this does not apply"?

The choice between "this does not refer" and "this does not apply" depends on the context. "This does not refer" is used when addressing a potential misunderstanding or misinterpretation of a term. "This does not apply" is used when specifying a certain subject or condition to which a rule doesn't govern.

How formal is the phrase "this does not refer"?

"This does not refer" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. In very informal situations, you might prefer alternatives like "this isn't about that" or "that's not what this means".