refer vs refer to

Both 'refer' and 'refer to' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Refer' is used when mentioning something briefly or indirectly, while 'refer to' is used when specifically pointing to or mentioning something in detail.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 1999 views

The word 'refer' is correct and commonly used in English when mentioning something briefly or indirectly.

"refer"

You can use 'refer' when you want to mention something in passing or make a brief reference to it.

Examples:

I will refer to that book in my presentation.
She referred to the incident without going into details.

Show examples from the web [+]

It is not difficult will recognizeand what state political projects the Father Antonio Spadaro can refer.
Each request can refer only to one title.
I refer, of course, to the threat of insurrection.
I refer once again to her naturally sublime derriere.
Then refer this page to know more...
If so, refer this page to solve the problem.
Just enter the cashier and refer a friend.
We refer article titled The Mass is ended.
I refer, of course, to the extremely irritating Living Statue.
I refer you to Statute 42, Paragraph 3...
I refer specifically to a kind of humor that is unfortunately underused.
The aspects to which you refer are between a man and his maker.
Therefore, many Outlook professional always refer third party utility to resolve problems in OST file.
For current time and the next change in time, refer here.
The photos directly refer all|auto in sale.
You refer in particular to the famous naturalist John Muir as a source of inspiration.
Both documents refer exclusively to the Stammlager.
I refer here to the presentation of democracy.
I refer in particular to the losses of Philosophy and Religion.
The price is refer for one piece.

Alternatives:

mention
allude to
cite

The phrase 'refer to' is correct and commonly used in English when you want to specifically point to or mention something in detail.

"refer to"

Use 'refer to' when you want to direct attention to a specific thing or provide detailed information about it.

Examples:

Can you refer to the document for more information?
The article refers to several key points discussed in the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's insulting to refer to my husband like that.
Please refer to section 6.6 for Special precautions for disposal.
Please refer to chapter 04-03 for further detail.
Please refer to the pushchair retailer for more information.
Please refer to the instruction manual before use.
Please refer to your local dealer for additional information.
Dragon and tiger refer to mountains.
The dates refer to composition, not orchestration.
Some refer to this phenomenon as Spanglish.
Anthropologists refer to these sorts of restrictions as exogamy.
The Reform movement mostly refer to their synagogues as temples.
Allied services all refer to videos.
For Surveying methods and techniques refer to: Observation.
Please refer to the online listings section above.
Physicians should refer to the individual prescribing information for these medicinal products.
Prescribers should refer to national guidelines for influenza vaccination.
Physical factors refer to your current health status in general.
Results from study C04-002 refer to pre- versus post-treatment comparisons.
Please refer to its documentation for more details.
Your lyrics often refer to witchcraft.

Alternatives:

point to
mention in detail
make reference to

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refer vs refer to

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