this refers to

USAGE SUMMARY

"this refers to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to introduce a particular subject or idea, usually referring to something that has come before it in the writing. For example: This new law will affect many small businesses. This refers to those businesses with fewer than 10 employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This refers to Nagorno-Karabakh (see article).

The Economist

(This refers to Frank Prinz).

The New Yorker

It is unclear what this refers to.

The Guardian - Business

where "this" refers to Plantinga's defensive strategy.

Yale University

This refers to yeast, not baking powder or baking soda".

The New York Times

"Ask" doesn't capture which power this refers to.

The Guardian

(Presumably this refers to Baghdad and not east London).

The Guardian - Sport

This refers to pure money financing of the deficit.

The Guardian - Business

(This refers to a vote in the 1980s).

The Economist

This refers to the phase angle between non-complex strain and temperature cycles during TMF.

International Journal of Fatigue

Note this refers to Genetically Engineered - or GE - plants and crops.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this refers to" to clearly define or clarify a previously mentioned term or concept, ensuring your audience understands its specific meaning in the given context.

Common error

Avoid using "this refers to" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the "this" has a specific and easily identifiable subject to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this refers to" functions as a connector, linking a previous statement or concept with its specific meaning or definition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase serves to clarify and provide context, as shown in the many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

10%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this refers to" is a versatile and frequently used expression that serves to clarify a previously mentioned term or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing styles. It functions as a connector, ensuring clarity and reducing ambiguity in communication. Analysis reveals that the phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, and can be used in both formal and informal writing. When using "this refers to", ensure that the "this" has a clear antecedent to avoid confusion. Considering its high frequency and broad applicability, mastering the use of "this refers to" is essential for effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is in reference to

Implies a direct connection to another idea that has previously been stated.

this relates to

Indicates a general connection or association between two things.

this indicates

Highlights the role of something as a sign or signal of something else.

this points to

Suggests that something is directing attention or indicating a particular direction or conclusion.

this alludes to

Emphasizes an indirect or subtle connection, suggesting something without explicitly stating it.

this connects to

Emphasizes the act of linking or joining two elements together.

this pertains to

Focuses on the relevance or connection of something to a particular subject or matter.

this signifies

Highlights the meaning or symbolic representation of something.

this is indicative of

Highlights that a detail is a sign or symptom that something else is present.

this ties in with

Suggests how a specific element is connected with, and relevant to, something else.

FAQs

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

Use "this refers to" to clarify a previously used term or concept. For example: "The study examined cognitive dissonance. This refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs."

What are some alternatives to "this refers to"?

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

Is it formal to use "this refers to"?

"This refers to" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional contexts. In any way, it guarantees the reader's comprehension about the term you are referencing.

What's the difference between "this refers to" and "this implies"?

"This refers to" clarifies a direct connection or definition, while "this implies" suggests a more indirect or inferred meaning. Choose "this refers to" when providing a specific definition and "this implies" when suggesting a possible conclusion or consequence.