Meaning & use
references
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“references” is a form of “reference”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Mentions of something or someone that show where information came from or that a person can be trusted.
Grammar: The plural of 'reference'; use it when you talk about more than one mention or source.
Patterns
- references to something
- references for a job
- a list of references
The essay is full of references to earlier studies.
She gave two references to support her claim.
Please include a list of references at the end of the report.
nounplural
Statements from former employers or teachers about your character and work.
Grammar: Usually plural in this sense; a single statement is 'a reference'.
Patterns
- give someone a reference
- ask for references
- check someone's references
The company asked for three references before the interview.
My old manager agreed to provide references for me.
They always check references before hiring.
verbtransitive
Mentions or points to something, often as a source of information.
Grammar: Third person singular of the verb 'reference'; takes an object.
Patterns
- reference something
- reference a source
The author references several recent studies.
She references her own earlier work in the introduction.
This chapter references a famous experiment.
Word forms
| singular | reference |
|---|
Common combinations
- references to
- There are many references to Shakespeare in the text.
- a list of references
- Add a list of references at the end.
- provide references
- Candidates must provide references from previous jobs.
- check references
- Employers usually check references before making an offer.
- personal references
- He gave personal references from two former colleagues.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sources
- 'Sources' stresses the original documents or people the information came from, while 'references' often means the mentions of them.
- citations
- 'Citations' is the formal, academic word for the exact quotes or details of a source; 'references' is more general.
Word family
- reference noun
- a mention of something or a source of information
- refer verb
- to mention or point to something
- referential adjective
- relating to something being referred to
Commonly confused: references or referees?
references vs referees
'Referees' are people who judge a game or review academic papers, or people who give you a job reference; 'references' are the mentions or statements themselves.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'references' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'References' as a plural noun means statements about your character or work, so option 1 fits. Option 0 wrongly adds 'to' after the verb 'references'; option 2 uses the verb with a wrong meaning; option 3 uses a plural noun where the verb 'reference' is needed.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “references”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.