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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
was referenced
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
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
60 human-written examples
It was referenced all over the world.
News & Media
Each target was referenced against a level.
News & Media
In April, the animal was referenced in an episode of "Glee".
News & Media
This was referenced in contributions earlier from Adam Bandt and Bronwyn Bishop.
News & Media
The government initially denied that the group was referenced in its contracting documents.
News & Media
The issue was referenced by Theresa May when she took office last Wednesday.
News & Media
Federal senator Arthur Sinodinos was referenced in the report but Icac made no findings against him.
News & Media
The vast almanac of Cleveland sports debacles — a list that borders on cliché — was referenced frequently.
News & Media
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
In some cases, a single mortgage bond was referenced in dozens of synthetic securities.
News & Media
The initiative was referenced by George Osborne, the chancellor, and the then minister for women, Maria Miller, in 2012.
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was cited
Emphasizes a formal acknowledgment of a source.
was mentioned
Indicates a brief or casual reference.
was alluded to
Suggests an indirect or subtle reference.
was noted
Implies a formal observation or record.
was drawn upon
Highlights the act of using something as a basis or resource.
was incorporated
Focuses on integrating something into a larger context.
was built upon
Highlights the use of prior knowledge or work as a foundation.
was informed by
Indicates that something influenced or shaped the current context.
was connected to
Highlights a relationship or association.
was derived from
Emphasizes the origin or source of something.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested