this is in reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

"this is in reference to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a connection between something you are saying and something mentioned previously. For example, "The sales figures from the last quarter were extremely encouraging - this is in reference to the new marketing campaign we launched."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This is in reference to the recent Q. and A. about duplication in ads.

The New York Times

SIR — This is in reference to the cover story on India in the Feb 3 edition of The Economist.

The Economist

This is in reference to the Campaign Spotlight about the 76 gasoline campaign to stop the "beeping honking" by drivers.

The New York Times

This is in reference to the Q. and A. last week about Parade's acceptance of cigarette advertising.

The New York Times

Q: (Reader) This is in reference to the exchange in Q & A last week about how long Macy's used the slogan "It's smart to be thrifty".

The New York Times

This is in reference to the reader who wrote in recently to criticize the Volkswagen Passat commercial with the father and son.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

This was in reference to Alba's newfound steeliness in the role of Nancy Callahan.

The Guardian

Tony the Tiger famously proclaimed, "They're gr-r-reat!" If only we could discover what this was in reference to, we could perhaps be great again.

The New Yorker

This was in reference to the theremin's later appropriation by Hollywood filmmakers as the sound of psychosis ("Spellbound," "The Lost Weekend") and alien invasion ("The Thing from Another World," "The Day the Earth Stood Still").

The New Yorker

Max quotes Leonard Bernstein as saying, "In a concerto, who is the boss, the soloist or the conductor?" This was in reference to a 1962 performance with Gould of Brahms's D-Minor Concerto; Gould insisted that they maintain an unorthodox, super-slow tempo, an approach that the Maestro ultimately agreed to.

The New Yorker

But when he left his net to play the puck near the corner, some of the fans yelled: "No! No!" This was in reference to Game 4, when Roy left the net, lost control of the puck and gave up the tying goal that swung the momentum of the series.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is in reference to" to clearly link a current statement to a prior one, ensuring your audience understands the connection. This is especially useful in formal writing or when dealing with complex topics.

Common error

Avoid using "this is in reference to" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader knows exactly what you are referring to, or else the phrase becomes meaningless and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is in reference to" functions as a prepositional phrase that serves to explicitly link the current statement to a prior mention or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. For example, it might connect a response to a question or elaborate on an earlier point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is in reference to" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to explicitly link a statement to a previous topic. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and usable in written English. Its frequency is common, with notable occurrences in news, media, wiki, and science-related contexts. While versatile, ensure the antecedent is clear. Alternatives include "this refers to" or "this relates to", depending on the specific nuance desired. This phrase is best used when clarity and precision are needed, particularly in formal or professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this refers to

Shorter and more direct, omitting the preposition "in".

this relates to

General and widely applicable, indicating a connection.

this is regarding

Similar in meaning, but slightly less formal.

this alludes to

More subtle, suggesting an indirect mention or implication.

this pertains to

More formal, indicating relevance or applicability.

this connects to

Emphasizes the link or relationship between topics.

this is with regard to

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "regarding".

this concerns

Focuses on the subject matter, indicating what is being discussed.

this bears upon

Suggests a direct relevance or impact on a subject.

this is apropos of

A more literary and less common alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "this is in reference to" in a sentence?

Use "this is in reference to" to connect a statement to something previously mentioned. For example, "The sales figures have increased significantly; this is in reference to our new marketing strategy".

What can I say instead of "this is in reference to"?

You can use alternatives like "this refers to", "this relates to", or "this concerns" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "this is in reference to" in formal writing?

No, it's not always necessary. While "this is in reference to" can add clarity, sometimes a more direct statement is preferable. Consider the flow and conciseness of your writing.

What's the difference between "this is in reference to" and "this is in regards to"?

"This is in reference to" and "this is in regards to" are quite similar, though "this is in reference to" is generally considered more formal. Both phrases are used to indicate a connection to a previous topic.