we reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"we reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer back to something you have already mentioned. For example, "We discussed the issue at our last meeting, and now we reference that conversation in our decision making."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Okay, I agree with Kunis that the "we" reference can be unbelievably irritating when used in particular situations.

Huffington Post

Figure 1 depicts the fabricated device showing the three integrated electrodes (WE, reference and auxiliary).

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

The WE, reference and auxiliary electrodes were then incorporated into the flow cell by an overmoulding procedure.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Books that we reference.

The New York Times

In theatre sometimes we reference irritation with actors who act "off the line", meaning they put in breaths and little sounds around what's written, slowing pace and drawing attention.

The Guardian - Tech

We work hard on the MA course we teach at Goldsmiths, University of London, to show our students (most of them teachers) how and why we reference ideas and opinions.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

On Friday, we referenced a cover story in Absolute Return magazine that profiles Mr. Rocker.

The New York Times

Well, we referenced Buster Keaton in the development of the movie.

The New York Times

In the case of privately held fictional concerns, we referenced comparable fictional public companies.

Forbes

Who are we referencing in the headline?

Huffington Post

CNN reported 38 workers, which we referenced.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we reference", ensure it's clear what "we" refers to and what is being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "we cite".

Common error

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

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we reference" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that the speakers or writers are referring to something previously mentioned or an external source. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66.66%

News & Media

33.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we reference" is grammatically sound, but relatively infrequent. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable. While versatile, "we reference" is most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts. It's used to connect a current point to a prior discussion or source. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what "we" and what is being referenced. For casual writing, consider more informal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we cite

Replaces "reference" with the more formal "cite", suitable for academic or professional contexts; implies direct quotation or attribution.

we allude to

Uses "allude to" instead of "reference", implying an indirect or subtle mention.

we point to

Substitutes "reference" with "point to", suggesting a directional connection to a source or piece of information.

we draw upon

Replaces "reference" with "draw upon", suggesting using a source to support an argument or idea.

we make mention of

Expands the phrase to "make mention of", adding emphasis but decreasing conciseness.

we invoke

Replaces "reference" with "invoke", suggesting a formal or ceremonial reference.

we touch on

Uses "touch on" instead of "reference", indicating a brief or superficial mention.

we look at

More informal replacement for "reference", suitable for less formal contexts.

we consider

Employs "consider" instead of "reference", implying a more thoughtful or in-depth review.

we acknowledge

Replaces "reference" with "acknowledge", focusing on giving credit or recognition to a source or idea.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we reference"?

You can use alternatives like "we cite", "we allude to", or "we point to" depending on the context.

Is "we reference" too formal for casual writing?

While grammatically correct, "we reference" can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider using simpler phrases like "we mention" or "we talk about".

How to use "we reference" in a research paper?

In a research paper, "we reference" is suitable when you are referring back to previous work or data sources. For instance, "In our analysis, "we reference" the findings of Smith et al. (2020)".

What's the difference between "we reference" and "we cite"?

"We cite" typically implies directly quoting or attributing specific information to a source, while ""we reference"" can be a more general term for referring to something.