were referred for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were referred for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone was directed to a specific service or specialist for further assistance or evaluation. Example: "The patients were referred for further testing to determine the underlying cause of their symptoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Partners were referred for treatment.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

They were referred for further auditory brainstem response testing.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

In addition, 10% of patients were referred for further medical investigation due to the pathology found.

Nature

During those two years, 521 students were referred for disciplinary action, and four were arrested.

The New York Times

Patients who did not respond to an H2-blocker were referred for antireflux surgery.

Nature

Last year, nearly 4,000 people were referred for assessment, including children younger than nine.

The Guardian

All were referred for antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Johns Hopkins University

The patients were referred for treatment of myofascial temporomandibular disorders.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Thirty one patients were referred for possible inclusion in the trial by their GPs.

Duke University

Both patients were referred for EUS-guided FNA to further characterize their pancreatic lesions.

Duke University

HPV positive women were referred for cryotherapy following a screen-and-treat strategy.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were referred for", ensure the reason for referral is clear and specific. For example, instead of saying "Patients were referred for treatment", specify "Patients were referred for cognitive-behavioral therapy".

Common error

Avoid using "were referred for" without providing enough context. Saying "The student was referred" leaves the reader wondering what type of service or specialist the student was sent to. Be explicit to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were referred for" functions as a passive construction indicating that individuals or items were directed or sent to a specific service, treatment, or evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

Academia

32%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were referred for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction indicating that someone or something was directed to a specific service or specialist. As supported by Ludwig, its usage spans across various domains, including science, academia, and news, with a neutral to formal register. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify the reason for the referral and avoid vague statements. Alternatives such as "were directed to" or "were sent to" can be used depending on the context. With a strong presence in authoritative sources, "were referred for" remains a valuable phrase in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were directed to

This alternative uses a more direct verb, "directed", to convey the act of sending someone to a particular place or person.

were sent to

This is a simpler and more informal way of saying that someone was directed to a particular place or person.

were recommended to

This alternative suggests that someone received a suggestion or endorsement to go to a particular place or person.

were guided to

This implies a more supportive and less directive approach, where someone was helped or advised to go to a particular place or person.

were forwarded to

This suggests a transfer of someone's case or information to another person or department for further handling.

were rerouted to

This implies that someone was originally headed in one direction but was redirected to another.

were assigned to

This indicates that someone was given a specific task, role, or responsibility by a higher authority.

were designated for

This implies that someone or something was officially chosen or marked for a specific purpose or role.

were channeled to

This suggests that someone or something was directed through a specific system or process.

were dispatched to

This implies a more formal and organized sending of someone or something to a particular location for a specific task.

FAQs

How is "were referred for" used in a sentence?

The phrase "were referred for" is used to indicate that someone or something was directed to a specific service, specialist, or procedure. For example, "Patients with severe symptoms "were referred for" further evaluation".

What are some alternatives to "were referred for"?

You can use alternatives like "were directed to", "were sent to", or "were recommended to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "were referred for" or "were sent for"?

"Were referred for" is generally considered more formal and professional, while "were sent for" is more informal. The best choice depends on the context and audience. In academic or medical writing, "were referred for" is often preferred.

What does it mean when someone "were referred for" something?

It means they were officially directed or sent to a specific service, specialist, or procedure, often for further evaluation, treatment, or assistance. The reason for the referral is usually specified.