useful reference

USAGE SUMMARY

'useful reference' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular source (text, person, or website) that is helpful or informative in some way. For example, "This website provided a useful reference for my research on Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some appeared to find this a useful reference whereas others rarely referred to it.

BMC Psychiatry

Still, it's a useful reference point.

The New York Times

It's an eminently useful reference tool compiled alphabetically.

The New York Times - Food

This chapter lists some useful reference books.

Statistics and Probability for Engineering Applications With Microsoft® Excel

A useful reference source citing, 1,797 annotated items.

Yale University

Also, we don't become a useful reference guide to the story at large.

The Guardian

If nothing else, this makes "The Iraq War" a useful reference book.

The New York Times - Books

Another useful reference is "Peterson's Study Abroad" ($29.95), from Peterson's, P.O.

The New York Times

The present study provides useful reference data for BMF pyrolysis.

Fuel

It is also a useful reference for similar structures.

Fourth International Conference on Advances in Steel Structures Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Advances in Steel Structures 13–15 June 2005, Shanghai, China

Optimization results may provide a useful reference for designers.

Ocean Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a resource, be specific about why it's a "useful reference". Mention its key features or how it can aid the reader or user.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is a "useful reference" without explaining its specific benefits. Always provide context on what makes the reference helpful, or you may lose readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useful reference" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or direct object. It describes something that serves as a source of information or assistance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "useful reference" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a helpful source of information or assistance. Ludwig confirms its validity and wide usage across various contexts. It's frequently found in scientific, news media, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context on why the reference is helpful to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "valuable resource", "helpful guide", and "reliable source" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. By providing specifics, you can elevate the impact and value of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valuable resource

Emphasizes the importance and worth of the reference.

key resource

Stresses the importance and centrality of the reference.

helpful guide

Suggests the reference provides direction or assistance.

informative document

The document is rich in information and data.

essential tool

Highlights the necessity and practicality of the reference.

reliable source

Focuses on the trustworthiness and accuracy of the reference.

beneficial aid

The reference provides assistance or support.

good point of reference

Specifies that the reference is a standard or benchmark.

practical example

Highlights that the reference is illustrating a practical scenario.

instructive model

The reference provides instruction or conveys some knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "useful reference" in a sentence?

You can use "useful reference" to describe a source that provides helpful information or insights. For example, "This book is a "useful reference" for understanding the history of the internet".

What's a good alternative to "useful reference"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "valuable resource", "helpful guide", or "reliable source".

Is it redundant to say "very useful reference"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very useful reference" can sometimes be redundant. Consider if a stronger synonym like "valuable resource" might be more impactful.

Can "useful reference" refer to a person?

Yes, "useful reference" can refer to a person who is knowledgeable and helpful in a particular area. For example, "She was a "useful reference" for me when I was learning about the local culture."