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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
to give references
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "to give references" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of providing sources or citations for information, typically in academic or professional contexts. Example: "In your research paper, it is important to give references for all the sources you have used to support your arguments."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
Will some employers refuse to give references, even if you were a good employee, because of fears of lawsuits?
News & Media
I get asked — almost on a weekly basis — to give references to past employees and I find that it's much easier to say nice things than to spend time explaining negatives.
News & Media
Nevertheless, in the real world, more people appear to be agreeing to give references, Mr. Oldman said, as they recognize their importance to both the employer and the employee.
News & Media
Again, as one might expect, Augustine is the guide in theological matters, but FitzRalph does not content himself to give references to Augustine's works.
Science
This "title downgrading" is fairly safe in the white-collar world, because employers rarely check references anymore, that being because previous employers are too scared to give references.
News & Media
"We tried to give references to each other with beats that we wanted to use, or a combination of beats," says El Jehaz.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
Some conclusions are obtained to give reference for construction and controlling of the bridge.
Science
The number of patients was too small to give reference ranges for pregnancy weeks.
Moreover, this information is capital to give reference of its optimal dosage and administration route.
Science
The sampling method used was snowball method in which the business owners were contacted for the responses and then were also asked to give reference for further data collection.
Therefore, we were not able to give reference values of BASFI score for all adult age groups.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When asked "to give references", always ensure you have permission from the individuals you list as references beforehand.
Common error
Never assume someone is willing "to give references" on your behalf. Always ask for their explicit consent first to avoid potential discomfort or negative repercussions.
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "to give references" functions as an infinitive phrase. It describes the action of providing contacts who can vouch for someone's skills, experience, or character. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Wiki
25%
Science
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
8%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "to give references" is a grammatically correct and usable infinitive phrase meaning to provide contacts who can vouch for someone's skills or character. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and indicates it's commonly used in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While the phrase is straightforward, it's crucial to obtain consent from individuals before listing them as references. Alternatives include "to provide references" or "to supply references", offering slight variations in formality. When writing, remember that providing references is essential for credibility, but neglecting to ask permission beforehand can lead to awkward or even negative situations.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
to provide references
Replaces "give" with "provide", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.
to supply references
Substitutes "give" with "supply", offering a synonym with a similar level of formality.
to offer references
Uses "offer" instead of "give", implying a voluntary action of providing references.
to furnish references
Replaces "give" with "furnish", suggesting a more formal and complete provision of references.
to share references
Implies a more collaborative approach of providing references to someone.
to submit references
Suggests a formal submission of references, often in an application process.
to present references
Implies a formal presentation of references, perhaps in a structured format.
to cite sources
Focuses on the act of citing sources of information, related to academic and research contexts.
to acknowledge sources
Emphasizes the act of giving credit to the sources of information used.
to attribute information
Highlights the attribution of information to its original sources, relevant in research and writing.
FAQs
How can I ask someone "to give references" for me?
Politely ask the person if they would be comfortable and willing "to give references". Provide them with your resume and any relevant information about the job or opportunity you are applying for, so they can provide an informed and effective reference.
What information should I provide to someone who agrees "to give references" for me?
Provide your reference with your updated resume or CV, a brief description of the position or opportunity you're applying for, and any specific points you'd like them to emphasize. This ensures they can "provide references" that are relevant and compelling.
What's the difference between "to give references" and "to provide citations"?
"To give references" typically refers to providing personal or professional contacts who can vouch for your skills or character. "To provide citations" refers to listing the sources of information used in academic or research writing.
Is it acceptable for an employer to refuse "to give references" for a former employee?
Yes, it is generally acceptable. Many employers have policies against "to give references" due to legal concerns about potential lawsuits. However, they may confirm employment dates and job title.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested