we refer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we refer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that you are directing someone's attention to a specific source or piece of information. Example: "In our report, we refer to several studies that support our findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We refer to these subsets as references.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

We refer to "pharmacy".

The New Yorker

"We refer to 'silent failers,' " said Spriggs.

The New York Times

We refer to this as 'personal knowledge'.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

We refer to them as smart traders.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

We refer to these links as "Microbridges".

Microelectronic Engineering

We refer to these as regional traits.

Nature

We refer to them as Mobilizers.

Harvard Business Review

We refer to them as rituals.

Harvard Business Review

We refer to this data as 'directional'directional

Nature

We refer to these as "clip artifact".

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we refer" when you want to direct your audience to a specific source, concept, or term that is relevant to your discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "we refer" without clearly indicating what you are referring to. Always ensure the reference is easily identifiable and relevant to the surrounding text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we refer" functions as a transitive verb phrase used to direct the reader's attention to a specific source, concept, or term within a text. Ludwig's examples show its use in academic papers, news articles, and business reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we refer" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to direct attention to specific sources, concepts, or terms. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is very common, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When employing "we refer", ensure clarity by clearly identifying the reference. Alternatives like "we cite", "we mention", or "we allude to" can be used for nuance. Remember to maintain relevance and avoid overuse, while considering the tone of your audience. The phrase is suitable for various contexts, from academic papers to news articles, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we make reference to

A more formal way of saying "we refer", implying a specific and deliberate mention.

we draw attention to

Directly emphasizes the act of making something noticeable.

we cite

Specifically refers to quoting or mentioning a source of information.

we mean

Focuses on clarifying intent or meaning, rather than directing attention to an external source.

we indicate

Emphasizes pointing something out or making it known.

we point out

Highlights the act of drawing attention to a specific detail or fact.

we highlight

Suggests emphasizing a particular aspect or feature.

we allude to

Suggests a more indirect reference, rather than a direct citation or mention.

we touch upon

Indicates a brief or superficial mention of a topic.

we talk about

A more general and informal way to indicate the subject being discussed.

FAQs

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

You can use "we refer" to direct readers to a specific source, concept, or term. For example, "In this study, we refer to the data collected last year."

What are some alternatives to "we refer"?

Alternatives include "we cite", "we mention", or "we allude to", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we refer" in academic writing?

"We refer" is appropriate when you want to explicitly direct the reader's attention to a particular source or concept that is crucial to your argument or analysis.

Is "we refer" formal or informal?

"We refer" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal writing, though more formal alternatives like "we make reference to" exist for highly formal contexts.