Search from various English teachers...
Girl at the piano
Trouble with the word 'reference'
"She made no reference to her illness but only to her future plans."
I have checked the dictionary, but somehow I can't get the meaning clearly. Does 'reference' in this sentence mean 'statement'?
"I need you to write a note for me as a reference." Is this a correct way to use 'reference'?
I meant to say "something I can look later as a reminder."
Sep 5, 2019 1:03 AM
Answers · 10
1
Leonardo was correct about your first sentence.
In your second sentence, Gdanning's comment was correct. What you wrote would refer to a 'job reference' ( in all forms of English).
If you had written 'for me for reference', then it would mean what you meant.
We typically don't use 'reference' as a noun to mean 'something I can refer to'. Perhaps that is because it is too easy to confuse it with the other meanings of reference as a noun.
September 5, 2019
1
She made no reference to her illness means she didn’t mention her illness, she didn’t say anything about her illness.
.
September 5, 2019
reference 有两个意思,提及和参考。例句是提及,你写的是参考。
September 5, 2019
Oh, I see. That is a correct use, but very rare. Most people would I assume (as I did) that you meant a letter of recommendation. It is probably better to say "for me to refer to." PS: My use of "reference" might be an Americanism; your sentence might be perfectly fine in Great Britain or elsewhere. I am not sure.
September 5, 2019
Oh, Thanks Gdanning, now I know my second sentence is wrong because I wanted to use 'reference' to say "something I can look later as a reminder."
September 5, 2019
Show more
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Girl at the piano
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

How to Answer “How Was Your Weekend?” Naturally in English
41 likes · 16 Comments

Why Some Jokes Don’t Translate: Understanding Humor in English
11 likes · 2 Comments

How to Talk About Your Strengths and Weaknesses Professionally
12 likes · 4 Comments
More articles
