"this is a reference to" vs "this is reference to"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

this is a reference to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

this is reference to

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"this is a reference to" vs "this is reference to"

this is a reference to

this is reference to

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