"referral" vs "referal"

Question

"referral" vs "referal"

The word for the act of referring someone or something is commonly misspelled in English. Use "referral," not "referal."

Last Updated: March 20, 2019

A "referral" is when someone directs you to another source for help or information.

In the United States, this is most commonly used when discussing healthcare. A primary care doctor might give a patient a referral to a specialist who can treat a complex medical condition.

Some companies will give referral bonuses to existing customers who persuade new customers to try their product.

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some examples from our editors:

When I tore a tendon in my knee, my doctor gave me a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.
My friend signed up for the grocery delivery service using my referral link, so I got a fifteen dollar credit!
In January, our company secured 140 new customers through our new referral program.

Some alternatives from our editors:

recommendation

"Referral" is often misspelled. "Referal" needs another "r" in the middle of the word.

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some alternatives from our editors:

referral
recommendation

Answer 1

referral

This is correct

Answer 2

referal

This is not correct. Don't use this phrase.

"referral" vs "referal"

referral

referal

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