with a reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

"with a reference to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to mention or allude to something. You can use it when you want to explain or give context to a specific topic or idea. Here is an example: "With a reference to the previous meeting, I would like to discuss the changes to our company's policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The prime minister answered with a reference to bad bosses.

The Guardian

Language Arts – The article ends with a reference to Achilles.

The New York Times

MacLeish began with a reference to Henderson's talk.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He closed the e-mail message with a reference to NASA's culture of safety.

The New York Times

I began with a reference to McEnroe-Borg so I'll end with another tennis moment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fellowes's television hit Downton Abbey opened with a reference to the sinking of the Titanic.

The Guardian

First, they meet every charge with a reference to the quagmire in Iraq.

The New Yorker

Fonda began with a reference to the conservatives in the state.

The New Yorker

He began with a reference to the American love for big cars in the nineteen-sixties.

The New Yorker

Judge Wilkinson ended the opinion with a reference to the casualties of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Playing around with some other folks, Gibson starts out the video with a reference to the Beats/Apple news.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "alluding to" or "referring to" to avoid repetition and enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily complex sentence structures. Instead of writing "The point was made with a reference to the study", opt for a more direct approach: "The author referenced the study to support the point."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a reference to" functions as a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig, it introduces a connection to a specific source, idea, or event, adding context and often lending authority to a statement. Examples in Ludwig show it used across diverse fields to signal awareness of prior knowledge or data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with a reference to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to explicitly connect an idea or statement to a source, event, or concept. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, notably in news, academic writing, and scientific literature. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms such as "alluding to" or "referring to". By being mindful of potential errors, like overuse of the passive voice, you can ensure your writing remains clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alluding to

This alternative is more concise, using a verb form to indicate the act of making an indirect reference.

referring to

This option uses a present participle to directly indicate the act of referencing something.

in connection with

This alternative suggests a link or association, broadening the context slightly beyond direct reference.

with regard to

This phrase indicates consideration or relation to a specific topic, making it suitable for formal contexts.

in relation to

This option emphasizes the relationship or connection between two things.

making mention of

This alternative highlights the act of mentioning something, often in a brief or passing manner.

drawing upon

This phrase suggests using something as a source of information or inspiration, implying a more active use of the reference.

alluding back to

This phrase is more precise and explicitly recalls a prior reference.

bearing in mind

This alternative suggests considering something relevant, implying awareness of the reference.

taking into account

This phrase emphasizes the importance of considering something when making a judgment or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "with a reference to" in a sentence?

Use "with a reference to" to introduce a source, event, or idea that provides context or supports a claim, as in "With a reference to the previous study, we can see a clear trend".

What are some alternatives to "with a reference to"?

You can use alternatives like "alluding to", "referring to", or "in connection with" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "with a reference to" in writing?

It's suitable in formal writing when you want to explicitly acknowledge the source or basis of your information. It adds credibility to your statements.

How does "with a reference to" differ from "in regard to"?

"With a reference to" specifically indicates a direct mention or allusion, while "in regard to" is a more general phrase indicating relevance or consideration of a topic.