we referred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we referred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that you mentioned or directed someone to a source of information or a previous discussion. Example: "In our last meeting, we referred to the latest research findings to support our argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We referred to Nero as a Klingon.

The Guardian - Film

We referred to "Jacques Brel and the French chansonniers".

The Guardian - Music

We referred to Sana'a as an African city.

The Guardian - Money

We referred incorrectly to the Tata Energy Research Institute.

The Guardian

Dan Stuart: We referred to it as the Paisley Underwear.

The Guardian - Music

"When it became past our expertise, we referred them out".

The New York Times

In Shakespeare's day we referred to players, not actors".

The Guardian

"We" referred to the government, "it" to their housing initiatives.

The Guardian

We referred to my sadness but never said "rape".

The New York Times

We referred to our adventure as "our year in Provence".

The New York Times

We referred to 'a Senate ruling' earlier this year about campaign funding.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we referred", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom you are referencing. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we referred" without providing sufficient context or a specific reference point. Readers should not have to guess what you are alluding to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we referred" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating that the subject (we) directed attention or made mention of something specific. Ludwig AI shows that this construction is grammatically sound and widely used in academic, news and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we referred" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression across diverse writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptance and utility in various contexts, notably in news, scientific, and formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "we mentioned" or "we cited" exist, "we referred" strikes a balance between formality and directness, making it a versatile choice for many writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we mentioned

Focuses on the act of briefly noting something without necessarily directing attention elsewhere.

we made reference to

A more formal way of saying 'we referred to', often used in official documents.

we cited

Implies a formal acknowledgement of a source, often in academic or professional contexts.

we alluded to

Suggests a subtle or indirect reference, leaving some details unstated.

we pointed out

Highlights a specific detail or aspect for emphasis.

we drew attention to

Emphasizes the act of making something noticeable or important.

we called attention to

Similar to 'drew attention to' but can also imply a sense of urgency or importance.

we directed attention to

Indicates a deliberate effort to guide focus towards something specific.

we touched upon

Implies a brief or superficial discussion of a topic.

we highlighted

Suggests emphasizing certain aspects while possibly downplaying others.

FAQs

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

You can use "we referred" to indicate that you mentioned or directed someone to a source of information or a previous discussion. For example, "In our previous study, "we referred" to the work of Smith (2010)".

What are some alternatives to "we referred"?

You can use alternatives like "we mentioned", "we cited", or "we alluded to" depending on the context and the level of formality.

Is it better to say "we referred to" or "we mentioned"?

The choice between "we referred to" and "we mentioned" depends on the context. "We referred to" implies a more direct and specific reference, while "we mentioned" suggests a brief or passing mention.

Can "we referred" be used in both formal and informal writing?

"We referred" is generally suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "we made reference to" for added emphasis.