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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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we can refer

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can refer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when discussing the act of referencing or mentioning something. Example: In order to understand the full context of the situation, we can refer to the previous chapter for background information.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To name just a few, we can refer to [2 4], and references therein.

For some recent results, we can refer to [1 13] and references cited therein.

We can refer to [5 27] and the references cited therein.

For more relative results, we can refer to [4, 7] and references cited therein.

For details, we can refer to [6] and the references therein.

For detailed literature studies, we can refer to [6 15] and the references cited therein.

For more results, we can refer to [7, 10 13] and the references therein.

For more work about cooperative systems, we can refer to [1 30] and the references therein.

We can refer to the books [4 6] for details and references.

We can refer but refer to what?

News & Media

The New York Times

We can refer to this argument as Gervais's Gambit.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language. While "we can refer" is acceptable, consider using synonyms like "we can cite", "we can point to", or "we can allude to" to make your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "we can refer" without clearly indicating what the reader is being referred to or why it's relevant. Always ensure the reference adds value and supports your argument.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can refer" functions primarily as a directive, guiding the reader to another source of information for further details or clarification. It serves to support claims or provide evidence, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it introduces citations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we can refer" is a grammatically correct and very common way to direct readers to additional information. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across various reputable sources, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While acceptable in formal writing, it's important to provide specific details about the reference and consider using synonyms like "we can cite" or "we can point to" for variety. Be mindful of overusing the phrase without providing adequate context. Ultimately, "we can refer" is a valuable tool for supporting arguments and guiding readers to relevant resources, enhancing the clarity and credibility of your writing.

FAQs

How can I use "we can refer" in a sentence?

You can use "we can refer" to direct your audience to a specific source of information. For instance, "For more details, "we can refer" to the original study published in the journal."

What are some alternatives to "we can refer"?

Alternatives include "we can cite", "we can point to", or "we can allude to", depending on the level of directness you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "we can refer" in formal writing?

Yes, "we can refer" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially in academic or scientific contexts, to direct readers to relevant sources. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "we can make reference to" in highly formal situations.

When should I use "we can refer" versus "we can reference"?

"We can refer" is more common and versatile, while "we can reference" specifically implies creating a formal bibliographic entry. Use "we can refer" when simply pointing to a source, and "we can reference" when discussing the act of formally listing sources.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: