for reference purposes vs for referencing purposes

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'For reference purposes' is commonly used to indicate that something is being used for consultation or information, while 'for referencing purposes' implies that something is being used for citing or attributing sources.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 6956 views

for reference purposes

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that something is being used for consultation or information.

Examples:

Please keep this document for reference purposes.
The list of phone numbers is provided for reference purposes.

Show examples from the web [+]

This is a control number for reference purposes.
Unless the trade samples are kept for reference purposes, they shall be:
The glossary is expected to ensure the consistent use of terms in publications produced within the ESCB and may also be used by other EU institutions for reference purposes.
The items to be taken into account are listed in the infrastructure register for reference purposes.
Unless trade samples are kept for reference purposes, they shall be, after the particular studies or analyses have been concluded:
Use 500 µl to test for R. solanacearum, 500 µl for Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and 500 µl for reference purposes.
For reference purposes, the following values are used:
SUMMARY, FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES, OF THE MARPOL 73/78 DISCHARGE REGULATIONS RELATING TO DISCHARGES OF OIL AND NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, AS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2(2)
Moreover, the compilations, tables or studies in question should be non-binding and serve only for reference purposes.
It is a convenient round number for reference purposes and is only loosely related to manufacturing dimensions.
The fifth sample shall be kept for reference purposes during the test procedures.
Headings used in this Agreement are for reference purposes only.
Divide in two equal parts and retain one part for reference purposes by freezing at -20 ºC(2) or by lyophilization.
Six samples of the belt type, one of which is for reference purposes;
Unless they are kept for reference purposes, research and diagnostic samples and any products derived from the use of those samples shall be disposed of:
To justify the increase of services on offer between summer 2004 and summer 2005 (Alitalia's competitors had indicated the first week of June of the two years as a model week), Italy has provided the following table for reference purposes:
You know, for reference purposes.
In addition, a catalogue of acceptable and unacceptable banknotes (defective and limit samples), showing their specific characteristics, was created for reference purposes at the printing works.
it is a convenient round number for reference purposes and is only loosely related to manufacturing dimensions;
Where are the Pegsco terms of reference deposited for reference purposes?

Alternatives:

for consultation purposes
for informational purposes
for guidance purposes
for information purposes
for reference

for referencing purposes

This phrase is correct but less commonly used than 'for reference purposes'. It implies that something is being used for citing or attributing sources.

This phrase is used to indicate that something is being used for citing or attributing sources.

Examples:

The bibliography is included for referencing purposes.
Please use this style guide for referencing purposes.

Show examples from the web [+]

respectively for cross-referencing purposes, where <
Units for referencing census or other statistical information.
Universal Business Language version 2.1 developed by the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards is eligible for referencing in public procurement.
The 'Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise' profiles listed in the Annex are eligible for referencing in public procurement.
I made a rough sketch of the terrain in graphics mode for referencing.
Identification of ICT technical specifications eligible for referencing
For the ICT technical specifications to be eligible for referencing in public procurement they must comply with the requirements set out in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012.
Citation for the purposes of unambiguously referencing a legal act or a specific part of a legal act.

Alternatives:

for citation purposes
for attribution purposes
for citing sources
for referencing
for citation

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for reference purposes vs for referencing purposes