Collocations for reference - noun
1. mentioning sb/sth
ADJ.
extensive | brief, casual, passing | occasional | frequent, repeated | constant | further
They could find no further reference to Mr LaMotte in the records.
They could find no further reference to Mr LaMotte in the records.
general | particular, special, specific
She won a grant to study political science with special reference to China.
She won a grant to study political science with special reference to China.
definite | explicit, express | direct | cryptic, indirect, oblique, obscure, veiled | clear, obvious | ambiguous, confusing | early
one of the earliest references to the game of chess
one of the earliest references to the game of chess
biblical, cultural, historical, literary | written
VERB + REFERENCE
contain, have
Her diary contains no reference to the alleged appointment.
Her diary contains no reference to the alleged appointment.
drop, make
He dropped casual references to the legacy of his great work. | The article makes no reference to his first marriage.
He dropped casual references to the legacy of his great work. | The article makes no reference to his first marriage.
drop, omit
The new constitution dropped all reference to previous wars.
The new constitution dropped all reference to previous wars.
find
PREP.
in a/the ~
In an obvious reference to the president, he talked of corruption in high places.
In an obvious reference to the president, he talked of corruption in high places.
in/with ~ to
(written) I am writing with reference to your job application.
(written) I am writing with reference to your job application.
~ (back) to
The summary should be comprehensible without reference back to the source work.
The summary should be comprehensible without reference back to the source work.
2. consulting sb/sth for advice/help/information
ADJ.
easy, quick
The book is organized alphabetically for easy reference.
The book is organized alphabetically for easy reference.
further, future
PREP.
by ~ to
Our charges are calculated by reference to an hourly rate.
Our charges are calculated by reference to an hourly rate.
for ~
Retain a copy of the form for future reference.
Retain a copy of the form for future reference.
without ~ to
The decision was taken without reference to local managers.
The decision was taken without reference to local managers.
PHRASES
for reference purposes
She needs the book for reference purposes.
She needs the book for reference purposes.
a source of reference
The book is an invaluable source of reference for the art historian.
The book is an invaluable source of reference for the art historian.
3. book containing facts/information
ADJ.
general
The book is by far the best general reference on natural history.
The book is by far the best general reference on natural history.
REFERENCE + NOUN
book, material, source, work | library | section
You''ll find the information in the reference section of your local library.
You''ll find the information in the reference section of your local library.
4. number/note/symbol
ADJ.
copious | full
For full references of all books cited, see Appendix B.
For full references of all books cited, see Appendix B.
appropriate
Please send a full CV, quoting the appropriate reference.
Please send a full CV, quoting the appropriate reference.
cross-
The cross-references refer you to information in other parts of the dictionary.
The cross-references refer you to information in other parts of the dictionary.
bibliographic/bibliographical | grid, map
VERB + REFERENCE
quote | cite, give
References to original sources are given at the end of each chapter.
References to original sources are given at the end of each chapter.
REFERENCE + NOUN
number
PREP.
in a/the ~
The date of publication should be included in the reference.
The date of publication should be included in the reference.
~ to
a reference to page 17
a reference to page 17
PHRASES
a list of references
5. letter about your character/abilities
ADJ.
glowing | character
VERB + REFERENCE
ask for | give (sb), provide (sb with), write (sb) | follow up, take up
They''ve taken up my references (= contacted the person who provided the reference), so they must be interested in me.
They''ve taken up my references (= contacted the person who provided the reference), so they must be interested in me.
PREP.
~ from
a reference from your current employer
a reference from your current employer
5. standards by which sth is judged
REFERENCE + NOUN
point
PHRASES
a frame of reference
People interpret events within their own frame of reference.
People interpret events within their own frame of reference.
a point of reference
Unemployment serves as a useful point of reference in examining social problems.
Unemployment serves as a useful point of reference in examining social problems.
terms of reference
The matter was outside the committee''s terms of reference.
The matter was outside the committee''s terms of reference.