with reference to whom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with reference to whom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing or clarifying the identity of a person or group in relation to a specific topic or context. Example: "The report was prepared with reference to whom the findings would impact the most."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Where there are a number of persons, with reference to whom the value of a pleasure or a pain is considered, a further circumstance must be factored into the calculus, that is the "extent" or the number of persons who are affected by the pleasure or pain (1970 , 38 39.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(iii) One should be cautious even about the dramatic dates of Plato's dialogues (§3) because they are calculated with reference to characters whom we know primarily, though not only, from the dialogues.

SEP

Now we live our lives horizontally, with reference to a past that we can repair or extend, and to future generations for whom our sacrifices and examples may make a better life.

The New Yorker

Exons defined with reference to accession NM_022418.3.

Plosone

He has always rejected any simplistic labelling of people, and his work is constantly peppered with references to earlier economists whom he respects for their views, regardless of the ideological camps which form around them.

The Guardian - Books

But credit to whom?

The New Yorker

Because he's writing, as he says, using only the contents of his study, the new book is also filled with references to Giovanni Verga, Italo Svevo, Henry Green, Cesare Pavese and other neglected writers whom Wood has usefully championed.

The Guardian - Books

But she repeatedly gestured towards liberal values with references to progressive political figures, including "one of my heroes" Vaclav Havel and Nelson Mandela whom she watched walk from prison "through my tears".

The Guardian

July 2013: References to guardian.co.uk and guardiannews.com replaced with references to theguardian.com.

The Guardian

Many more with references to King David.

WikiHow

Your current work Until the Lions reimagines a story from the Mahabharata, with particular reference to the female characters whom you describe as its "unsung heroes".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "regarding whom" or "concerning whom" for conciseness, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "with reference to whom" when the reference is unclear or ambiguous. Ensure the context provides sufficient information to identify the individual or group being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with reference to whom" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It modifies a noun phrase, specifying the person or entity to which the reference applies. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in academic and professional contexts to clarify the subject of discussion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with reference to whom" is a grammatically correct phrase used to specify the person or entity being discussed, as confirmed by Ludwig. While examples are rare, it appears mostly in scientific and news contexts. For more concise alternatives, consider "regarding whom" or "concerning whom". When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity to enhance effective communication. Always make sure that the context offers the reader clear recognition of the referent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding whom

Replaces "with reference to" with "regarding", offering a more concise alternative.

concerning whom

Substitutes "with reference to" with "concerning", providing a slightly more formal option.

in relation to whom

Replaces "reference" with "relation", slightly changing the tone but maintaining the core meaning.

with regard to whom

Uses "with regard to" instead of "with reference to", offering a more common alternative.

pertaining to whom

Replaces "with reference to" with "pertaining to", adding a more formal and legalistic tone.

in respect to whom

Similar to "with regard to whom", but slightly less common.

relative to whom

Focuses on the relativity aspect, highlighting the connection or comparison.

as regards whom

Offers a more archaic or formal way of saying "regarding whom".

in connection with whom

Emphasizes the link or association with a particular person.

respecting whom

A more concise and formal alternative to "with respect to whom".

FAQs

What does "with reference to whom" mean?

The phrase "with reference to whom" means 'in relation to which person' or 'regarding which person'. It's used to specify who is being discussed or considered in a particular context.

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

You can use "with reference to whom" to introduce the person being considered in relation to a topic. For instance: "The report was prepared with reference to whom the findings would impact the most."

Which is a more concise alternative to "with reference to whom"?

Alternatives like "regarding whom" or "concerning whom" are more concise and can often be used without changing the sentence's meaning.

Is "with reference to whom" formal or informal?

"With reference to whom" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "about whom" or "regarding whom" might be more appropriate.