would not refer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would not refer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something does not make a reference to a particular subject or topic. Example: "In this report, I would not refer to the previous studies as they are outdated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

(of course, you would not refer to her that way).

The New York Times

Most respondents thought these interventions were useful, but would not refer the patient nor dissuade her from using them.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

— The opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei "I would not refer to him as a dictator".

The New Yorker

You would not refer to Osama bin Laden as Osama, much less George Bush as George.

The Economist

And I think that it would be — I would not refer to him as a dictator.

The New Yorker

I would not refer someone with bipolar disorder or a delusional disorder for medication to a psychologist and I would not refer someone to a psychiatrist with a behavioral or family-systems problem.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

He wouldn't refer to junk mail as junk mail.

The New York Times

"There are people who wish I wouldn't refer to China as our enemy.

The Guardian

He wouldn't refer to Tony Martello as anything but Tambo, and Joe Buffalino was always Lightning.

The New Yorker

I wouldn't refer to it as a confession, just a statement".

The Guardian

Anyone who really knows their new wave wouldn't refer to him repeatedly as "Goddard".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "would not refer", make sure the reason for avoiding the reference is clear from the context. Providing a brief explanation can enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "would not refer" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "won't mention" or "not talking about" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would not refer" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a conditional or intentional decision to avoid making a reference to something. This is validated by Ludwig, where examples demonstrate the phrase being used to indicate avoidance in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

36%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would not refer" is a modal verb phrase used to indicate a conditional or intentional avoidance of mentioning or alluding to something. As evidenced by the numerous examples identified by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, signifying its widespread use in formal and objective communication. While Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, it's important to consider the context. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives like "won't mention" might be more appropriate. Therefore, understanding its function and register is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would avoid mentioning

Focuses on avoiding the mention of something altogether.

would omit reference to

Indicates the act of intentionally leaving out any reference to something.

would refrain from citing

Emphasizes abstaining from using something as an authority or example.

would not allude to

Implies avoiding indirect reference to something.

would not point to

Highlights the act of not directing attention towards something specific.

would shun referencing

Highlights a deliberate avoidance of making any reference.

would decline to name

Focuses on refusing to identify someone or something by name.

would skip any mention of

Suggests deliberately omitting any reference to something.

would hesitate to call

Indicates a reluctance or reservation in describing something in a particular way.

would pass over in silence

Emphasizes complete omission and a decision not to speak about something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "would not refer" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "would refrain from mentioning" or "would omit reference to".

When is it appropriate to use "would not refer" in writing?

"Would not refer" is appropriate when you intentionally avoid mentioning a topic, individual, or source to maintain objectivity or focus on a specific subject. It is common in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's a less formal way to say "would not refer"?

In informal settings, you could say "won't mention", "not going to refer to", or "not talking about".

Is there a significant difference between "would not refer" and "will not refer"?

While both indicate a decision not to refer, "would not refer" often implies a conditional or hypothetical scenario or a past decision, while "will not refer" is a more direct statement of future intent. For example, "I would not refer to that case unless it becomes relevant" versus "I will not refer to that case in my presentation".