"for reference purposes" vs "for referencing purposes"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

for reference purposes

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

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.

"for reference purposes" vs "for referencing purposes"

for reference purposes

for referencing purposes

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