Collocations for "reference"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "reference" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
reference
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- [author, source, cross, medical, published] references
- a [good, practical, simple, key, common] point of reference
- need a better point of reference [to, before]
- can you [give, tell] me a point of reference?
- [employer, professional, work, personal] references
- the company has asked for (employer) references
- gave me a [great, horrible] reference
- can I [list] you as my reference?
- [a disguised, an oblique, a direct] reference to
- made [numerous, repeated, several] references (to)
- [check, quote, source, index, list] your references
- this [document, information] is (only) for reference
- this information [serves, acts] as reference
- it serves as (a) reference [for, to]
- a reference to another [author, work, book, source]
- don't understand the reference
- made reference to the [power, situation, person]
- made references to [Shakespeare, Darwin]
- made reference to [seeing, meeting, having, being]
- this is for (your) future reference
- for your reference only
- in reference to your [question, comment, email]
- a reference [map, guide, point, library]
- reference [books, works]
- [check, look in] the reference section
- reference the [textbook, study, dictionary, index, internet]
- referenced a [book, person, theory] [in conversation, at dinner]
- [thoroughly, carefully] referenced
- referenced [on page, in section] [five]
- cross-reference the [study, evidence, information, diagnosis] with
'reference' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
abstract
- aforementioned
- archive
- attach
- character
- corresponding
- dictionary
- direct
- drawing
- duplicate
- enclose
- firstly
- former
- frame
- future
- grid
- indispensable
- invoice
- joking
- landmark
- letter
- mainly
- matter
- number
- particularly
- point
- query
- record
- scholar
- shipment
- sly
- smug
- solely
- specific
- star
- stationary
- store
- ultimate
- unreliable