when referring to

USAGE SUMMARY

"when referring to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is being discussed in relation to a specific topic. For example, "When referring to ways to conserve energy, there are many options to consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When referring to the Ethics these common forms and abbreviations are used: ax.

SEP

These are among the mysteries he means to designate when referring to the riddle of femininity.

SEP

Carnap (1958), therefore, came to speak of postulates when referring to the axioms of a scientific theory.

SEP

We often talk about Hoare logic, or Floyd-Hoare logic, or Hoare calculus when referring to this formalism.

SEP

For example, in the 1980s he began using "He-She" when referring to God and he remarked in 1996 that he would title his third book Our Vision of God rather than Man's Vision of God (Auxier and Davies 2001, 159).

SEP

I note that some scholars capitalize "Sophist" and cognates when referring to an established profession in ancient Greece, a convention I have avoided here in order to avoid both confusion as well as giving the impression that there existed an established or well defined "school" of sophistry.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is what Rousseau was referring to when he described how citizens in his ideal polity would "fly to the assemblies" (1988, 140).

SEP

As Kripke has insisted, it seems spurious to suggest that the question how we know which individual we are referring to when we make such a claim can be answered only by invoking a criterion of transworld identity.

SEP

If there really are no non-present objects, then it is hard to see what we are referring to when we use expressions such as 'Socrates' and 'the year 3000'.

SEP

A natural way of understanding the injunction to consider a possible world as actual is to simply imagine a possible world, locate oneself in it, and then rely on ordinary interpretive methods to decide what exactly a person in those empirical circumstances is referring to when using a given expression.

SEP

What species of tree a person is referring to when they use the word 'elm', for example, seems to depend on the existence of people able to distinguish between elms and other trees in a way that the actual speaker is not.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when referring to" to clearly signal the specific topic or context you are addressing, ensuring your writing remains focused and easy to follow.

Common error

Avoid using "when referring to" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler alternatives like "about" or "regarding" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when referring to" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying the main clause by specifying the context or subject under discussion. It introduces a condition under which the statement in the main clause is relevant or applicable, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when referring to" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily functioning as an adverbial clause to specify the context of a discussion. It is most commonly found in scientific and academic writing, signaling a formal and precise register. While effective for clarity, it should be used judiciously in informal contexts where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Remember to use "when referring to" to ensure your writing is focused and easy to follow, while avoiding overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in reference to

Focuses on the act of mentioning or alluding to something specifically, often in formal contexts.

with regard to

Highlights the aspect of considering something in relation to a particular subject.

concerning

Implies a direct relevance or connection to the topic at hand.

in connection with

Emphasizes the link or association between different elements or ideas.

regarding

Similar to "concerning", but often used in more informal contexts.

pertaining to

Highlights the relevance or applicability of something to a particular subject.

in terms of

Focuses on describing something from a particular perspective or viewpoint.

relative to

Indicates a comparison or relationship to a specific reference point.

as regards

A more formal variant of "regarding", often used in legal or official contexts.

with respect to

Similar to "with regard to", but often used to introduce a specific point or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "when referring to" in a sentence?

You can use "when referring to" to introduce a specific topic or subject. For example, "When referring to climate change, it's important to consider all contributing factors."

What are some alternatives to "when referring to"?

Alternatives include "in reference to", "with regard to", or "regarding", depending on the context.

Is "when referring to" formal or informal?

"When referring to" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic and professional writing. Simpler options might be better for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "when referring to" and "when referring with"?

"When referring to" is the correct and standard phrase. "When referring with" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.