we made reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we made reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that you have mentioned or alluded to something previously in your writing or conversation. Example: "In our previous discussion, we made reference to the importance of sustainable practices in our industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To chose the window of time most appropriate to study craniofacial malformations we made reference to previous reports.

Plosone

As regards PINc domain, we made reference to human SMG6PINc which has RNAse activity and it is composed of alternating beta-sheets and alpha-helices.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We make reference to that.

The Guardian - Film

And so, in fact, if we make reference to duality, there isn't duality in the continuous-time Fourier series.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Throughout the report, we make reference to studies of several other languages in an attempt to situate Spanish within cross-linguistic research on question-response sequences.

Language & Communication

"In fact," he said, "I'd suggest we make reference to the proposed exchange of information, if that's what we're doing, to help explain some of our notions of reciprocal altruism".

The New York Times - Science

We make reference to producing regions involved in the international trade of liquefied natural gas.

Energy Transitions

"In addition, in this study we make reference to previous studies in humans, which show that light does, indeed, impact the human brain's limbic system.

Johns Hopkins University

We make reference to chemiluminescence, because the type of luminescence applied to immunoassay techniques generally identifies exergonic chemical reactions as the most suitable energy source for producing the electronic excited state.

Autoimmunity Highlights

"In addition, in this study, we make reference to previous studies on humans, which show that light does, indeed, impact the human brain's limbic system.

HuffPost

In the film we make reference to the genocide that happened and the internal conflict that was, in great measure, sparked or upheld by US foreign policy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we made reference to" to formally acknowledge a prior mention or source, ensuring clarity and context for your audience. It's particularly useful in academic or professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we made reference to" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "we mentioned" or "we talked about" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we made reference to" functions as a reporting verb phrase, indicating that the speakers or writers are drawing attention to something previously mentioned or known. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we made reference to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating a previous mention or citation. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English, and examples show its prevalence across diverse sources, including Science, News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, it is most appropriate in neutral to formal contexts. For less formal communication, alternatives like "we mentioned" or "we referred to" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we referred to

A more direct and common alternative, indicating a specific mention.

we mentioned

A simpler and more straightforward way of saying something was brought up.

we alluded to

Implies a less direct mention, suggesting a hint or indirect reference.

we cited

Indicates a formal reference, usually to a source of information.

we touched upon

Suggests a brief or superficial mention of a topic.

we pointed out

Highlights a specific detail or fact.

we called attention to

Emphasizes bringing something to notice.

we drew attention to

Similar to 'called attention to', but can also imply discovery or uncovering.

we spoke of

Indicates a general discussion about something.

we hinted at

Suggests an indirect and subtle reference.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we made reference to"?

You can use alternatives like "we referred to", "we mentioned", or "we alluded to" depending on the context.

How do I use "we made reference to" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to indicate a previous mention or discussion of something. For example: "In our report, we made reference to several key studies."

Is "we made reference to" formal or informal?

The phrase "we made reference to" leans towards being formal. In less formal contexts, phrases like "we mentioned" or "we talked about" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "we made reference to" and "we referred to"?

"We referred to" is a more direct and straightforward way of saying that you mentioned something. "We made reference to" can sometimes imply a less direct or more subtle connection.