Meaning & use
referencing
Last updated
“referencing” is a form of “reference”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Mentioning or pointing to a source of information in a piece of writing or speech.
Grammar: The -ing form of 'reference'; it takes an object, as in 'referencing a study'.
Patterns
- referencing something
- referencing a source
She is referencing an older study in this paragraph.
The report avoids referencing any personal data.
He kept referencing his notes during the talk.
noununcountable
The practice of giving details of the sources you used in academic work.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun; it names the activity, not a single item.
Patterns
- correct referencing
- a referencing style
- referencing guidelines
Good referencing helps readers find your sources.
The university has strict rules on referencing.
Check the referencing style before you submit.
Word forms
| base form | reference |
|---|---|
| third person singular | references |
| past tense | referenced |
| past participle | referenced |
Common combinations
- referencing style
- Use the same referencing style throughout your essay.
- referencing guidelines
- The department issued new referencing guidelines.
- correct referencing
- Correct referencing protects you from plagiarism.
- referencing a source
- Referencing a source properly takes practice.
Synonyms and how they differ
- citing
- 'Citing' focuses on naming the exact source or quote; 'referencing' is the broader practice of pointing to sources.
- mentioning
- 'Mentioning' is more casual and doesn't necessarily involve giving full source details.
Word family
- reference noun
- a mention of something or a source
- refer verb
- to mention or point to something
- referenced adjective
- mentioned as a source
Commonly confused: referencing or refereeing?
referencing vs refereeing
'Refereeing' means acting as a referee in a game; 'referencing' is about pointing to sources in writing.
Practice
Complete the sentence: 'The professor stressed the importance of ______ your sources.'
Choose one answer.
After the preposition 'of' we need the -ing form 'referencing'. 'Reference' (base form) and 'references' don't fit after 'of' here, and 'referenced' is a past form, not a noun or gerund.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “referencing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.