this is a reference to vs this is reference to

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'This is a reference to' is the more common and grammatically correct phrase, used to introduce a specific reference. 'This is reference to' is less common and may sound incomplete or awkward without the article 'a'.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2571 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"this is a reference to"

This phrase is used to introduce a specific reference or allusion to something in a sentence.

Examples:

This is a reference to the famous painting by Picasso.
The author made a reference to a historical event in the book.
The speech contained a reference to recent scientific discoveries.

Show examples from the web [+]

It is therefore glaringly obvious that this is a reference to the rights and freedoms of persons belonging to minorities.
In my view, what is meant here is individuals to whom access to our territory is being denied because this is a reference to the sanctions.
This is a reference to all hotkeys and their corresponding description in the handbook.
This is a reference to Merlin's prophetic abilities.
This is a reference to financial links with the real estate entrepreneur Dirk-Jan Paarlberg, who is suspected of criminal activities.
This is a reference to the present management system which we overhauled in mid-term and was approved only in 2005, although the Third CSF began in 2000.
This is a reference to the new definition of environmental impact and is a further indication that we ought to make benefit to the environment the top priority.
This is a reference to the Yamal-Europe natural gas pipeline and the 'Friendship' oil pipeline.
This is a reference to Amendments Nos 6, 13, 14, 15, 20 and 22.
What I miss in this urgency is a reference to the responsibility of the North Korean government.
Perhaps the only thing missing in this report is a reference to Directive 2004/38/EC on the free movement of EU citizens.
Mr President, what I miss in this recovery plan is a reference to financial markets.
This is a necessary reference to Article 14, in order to clarify the rights of the parties as regards appeals lodged.
This is a reference in particular to guides for candidates, to the full texts of invitations to tender (which contain all the information concerning specifications and the criteria for tendering a bid) and to all the various forms needed for the purpose of submitting a proposal.
Is this a reference to balance of staff from different EU nations?
This is a clear reference to human rights, which is an area where this programme could be a little broader and where it should reinstate some of its original proposals.
In the Council's common position this term is replaced by a reference to a statement of reasons in a 'written reply', which has no meaning under the EU Treaty.
Why am I explaining this when this is obviously a ghoulish reference to it?
I simply wished to point out to the Council that this is not a general reference to human rights in Iran, but rather we are talking about specific cases.
Again, this is merely a specific reference to the activity which follows inspection of the cheese for the purpose of checking whether the requirements laid down in the specifications for the award of the PDO have been observed.

Alternatives:

This refers to
This is an allusion to
This mentions
This points to
This alludes to

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"this is reference to"

This phrase can be used informally or in specific contexts, but it may sound incomplete or awkward without the article 'a'.

Examples:

This is reference to the document we discussed earlier.
The email contains a reference to the upcoming meeting.
The article makes a reference to a study conducted in 2019.

Show examples from the web [+]

His secretary wants to know what this is in reference to.
This is a reference to all hotkeys and their corresponding description in the handbook.
This is a reference to Merlin's prophetic abilities.
This is in reference to UK dual nationality holders, particularly those of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin.
This is a reference to financial links with the real estate entrepreneur Dirk-Jan Paarlberg, who is suspected of criminal activities.
I can only tell you how important this is with reference to my country.
It is therefore glaringly obvious that this is a reference to the rights and freedoms of persons belonging to minorities.
What I miss in this urgency is a reference to the responsibility of the North Korean government.
This is a reference to Amendments Nos 6, 13, 14, 15, 20 and 22.
In my view, what is meant here is individuals to whom access to our territory is being denied because this is a reference to the sanctions.
This is a reference to the present management system which we overhauled in mid-term and was approved only in 2005, although the Third CSF began in 2000.
This is a reference to the new definition of environmental impact and is a further indication that we ought to make benefit to the environment the top priority.
We will be endorsing it nevertheless, because we believe - and this is with reference to the report - that it does highlight the right aspects and that it also shows sufficient realism.
This is a reference to the Yamal-Europe natural gas pipeline and the 'Friendship' oil pipeline.
This question is with reference to the meeting of the Afghanistan Coordination Return Group (ACRG) which is taking place on 30 April.
This is a necessary reference to Article 14, in order to clarify the rights of the parties as regards appeals lodged.
This question is with reference to the meeting of the Afghanistan Coordination Return Group (ACRG) which is taking place on 30 April.
I shall illustrate why I think this is regrettable with reference to the words of Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Luxembourg.
The best way of illustrating this success is by reference to the EUR 35 billion annual export trade surplus and the high level of innovation.
Perhaps the only thing missing in this report is a reference to Directive 2004/38/EC on the free movement of EU citizens.

Alternatives:

This refers to
This is an allusion to
This mentions
This points to
This alludes to

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this is a reference to vs this is reference to