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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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was referenced

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"was referenced" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has been cited or mentioned in a previous context or as a source. For example, "The article in the scientific journal was referenced in the report as evidence of the research findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was referenced all over the world.

News & Media

The Guardian

Each target was referenced against a level.

News & Media

The Guardian

In April, the animal was referenced in an episode of "Glee".

News & Media

The New Yorker

This was referenced in contributions earlier from Adam Bandt and Bronwyn Bishop.

News & Media

The Guardian

The government initially denied that the group was referenced in its contracting documents.

News & Media

The Guardian

The issue was referenced by Theresa May when she took office last Wednesday.

News & Media

The Guardian

Federal senator Arthur Sinodinos was referenced in the report but Icac made no findings against him.

News & Media

The Guardian

The vast almanac of Cleveland sports debacles — a list that borders on cliché — was referenced frequently.

When Obama spoke at the United Nations shortly after the attacks, the video was referenced six times in the text; Al Qaeda was referenced only once.

News & Media

The New York Times

In some cases, a single mortgage bond was referenced in dozens of synthetic securities.

News & Media

The New York Times

The initiative was referenced by George Osborne, the chancellor, and the then minister for women, Maria Miller, in 2012.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was referenced", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being referenced and why it is relevant to the current discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "was referenced" without providing sufficient context. Always specify the source or item being referenced to prevent ambiguity.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was referenced" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that a subject (e.g., a document, a study, or a concept) received a reference. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The passive voice emphasizes the action performed on the subject rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was referenced" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive verb construction indicating that something was mentioned or cited. As Ludwig AI validates, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While predominantly neutral to formal in register, the key is to ensure clarity and context when using the phrase. Remember to specify what is being referenced to avoid vagueness. If you aim for slightly altered meanings, consider using alternatives like "was cited" or "was mentioned" to precisely convey your intended meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "was referenced" in a sentence?

Use "was referenced" to indicate that something was mentioned or cited in a previous context. For example, "The study "was referenced" in the report's methodology section".

What are some alternatives to "was referenced"?

Alternatives include "was cited", "was mentioned", or "was alluded to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "was referenced" and "was referred to"?

"Was referenced" implies a more formal citation or mention, often in written work. "Was referred to" is broader and can include less formal mentions or allusions. Consider the formality of your context when choosing between "was referenced" and "was referred to".

Is it correct to say "the data was referenced to" something?

While grammatically correct, it's more common to say "the data was referenced against" something, especially when comparing or calibrating data. "Referenced to" can imply a more general connection or association, while "referenced against" suggests a specific comparison. Consider the context to decide whether to use "was referenced against" or "was referenced to".

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: