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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we can refer
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
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
To name just a few, we can refer to [2 4], and references therein.
Science
For some recent results, we can refer to [1 13] and references cited therein.
Science
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.
Science
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
We can refer to this argument as Gervais's Gambit.
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we can make reference to
A more formal and verbose alternative to "we can refer".
we can cite
Focuses more specifically on providing a direct citation or quotation.
we can point to
Emphasizes directing attention to a specific piece of evidence or information.
we can allude to
Suggests a more indirect reference, implying a hint or suggestion rather than a direct mention.
we can direct your attention to
A more formal way of guiding someone to a specific source.
we can designate
Emphasizes the act of assigning a specific term or label.
we can term
Highlights the act of naming something a particular way.
we can call
Similar to "we can term", but slightly more informal.
we can invoke
Suggests using a law, principle, or authority to support an argument or action.
we can look at
Offers a broader suggestion to examine or consider something.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested