Refering vs. Referring: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 12, 2024
The incorrect spelling is "Refering," while the correct spelling is "Referring." Referring means to direct attention or reference to something or someone.
Which is correct: Refering or Referring
How to spell Referring?
Refering is Incorrect
Referring is Correct
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Key Differences
"Referring" has two 'r's like a railroad track, leading you to the correct reference.
Double the 'r' as in "refer" + "ring" to get "referring."
Visualize a referee blowing a whistle twice for "referring."
Note that the base verb "refer" changes to "referring" by doubling the 'r' and adding 'ing.'
Think of the phrase "For real reference, repeat the 'r'," to remember the double 'r.'
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Correct usage of Referring
Are you refering to the incident that happened yesterday?
Are you referring to the incident that happened yesterday?
I was refering to the book you mentioned last week.
I was referring to the book you mentioned last week.
He keeps refering to notes he took during the meeting.
He keeps referring to notes he took during the meeting.
This article is refering to a study done in 2010.
This article is referring to a study done in 2010.
She was refering to a different issue altogether.
She was referring to a different issue altogether.
Referring Definitions
Referring indicates directing someone's attention to a specific subject.
She was referring to the recent news article.
Referring can mean mentioning or alluding to something.
I was referring to our earlier conversation.
Referring can also relate to linking or associating something with another concept.
These symptoms are often referring to a deeper issue.
Referring could denote the action of consulting a source for information.
He was referring to the dictionary for correct spelling.
Referring might suggest delegating or passing something to another entity.
The doctor is referring the patient to a specialist.
To direct to a source for help or information
Referred her to a heart specialist.
Referred me to his last employer for a recommendation.
To submit (a matter in dispute) to an authority for arbitration, decision, or examination.
To direct the attention of
I refer you to the training manual.
To assign or attribute to; regard as originated by.
To assign to or regard as belonging within a particular kind or class
Referred the newly discovered partita to the 1600s.
To relate or pertain; concern
Questions referring to yesterday's lecture.
To serve as a descriptor or have as a denotation
The word chair refers to a piece of furniture.
To speak or write about something briefly or incidentally; make reference
Referred during our conversation to several books he was reading.
To turn one's attention, as in seeking information
Refer to a dictionary.
Present participle of refer
The act by which somebody or something is referred; a reference.
Referring Sentences
She's referring to the time we went hiking and got lost.
I'm referring to the guidelines established in the first meeting.
When referring to the manual, make sure you follow all the instructions.
He was referring to the email he sent you last Thursday.
She kept referring to her notes to make sure she didn't miss anything.
They were referring to the new policy when they mentioned changes.
The teacher is referring to the chapter on ecosystems.
This rule is referring specifically to members of the committee.
He wasn't sure what she was referring to.
When I mentioned the budget, I was referring to the revised version.
She's referring to the experiment conducted by the university team.
He was referring to the decision made at the last conference.
In his speech, he was referring to the achievements of the past year.
She kept referring back to the previous discussion for clarity.
He's referring to the guidelines as a basis for the project.
She was referring to the same article you mentioned.
This paragraph is referring to the historical context of the event.
The report you're referring to was published last month.
You might be referring to a different case.
When referring to sources, always cite them correctly.
The clause you're referring to is on page 5 of the contract.
The term she was referring to is not commonly used in this field.
The rule they were referring to has since been changed.
In this context, "traditional" is referring to methods used in the past.
This section of the book is referring to early 20th-century art.
Referring Idioms & Phrases
Referring to the elephant in the room
Acknowledging an obvious problem or difficult situation that everyone is ignoring.
He finally started referring to the elephant in the room during the meeting.
Referring back to the drawing board
Returning to the planning stage because the current plan isn't working.
After the prototype failed, it was like referring back to the drawing board.
Referring to the matter at hand
Focusing on the current topic or issue.
Let's keep referring to the matter at hand and not get sidetracked.
Referring to someone's better judgment
Relying on someone's more informed or considered opinion.
I'm referring to your better judgment on this decision.
Referring to the voice of reason
Listening to someone who offers sensible or rational advice.
In heated discussions, it's important to have someone referring to the voice of reason.
Referring to open doors
Discussing opportunities or possibilities that are available.
We should be referring to open doors, not just the obstacles.
Referring to past experiences
Using previous events as a guide or lesson for the current situation.
She keeps referring to past experiences to help us understand the risks.
Referring under the radar
Discussing or doing something without attracting too much attention.
They were referring under the radar to avoid controversy.
Referring to the same page
Making sure everyone has the same information and understanding.
Before we proceed, let's ensure we're all referring to the same page.
FAQs
Why is it called Referring?
It comes from the Latin "referre," meaning to carry back or relate.
What is the root word of Referring?
The root word is "refer."
Which vowel is used before Referring?
No specific vowel is commonly used before "Referring."
What is the pronunciation of Referring?
Pronounced as /rɪˈfɜːrɪŋ/.
What is the plural form of Referring?
"Referring" doesn't have a plural form as it is a gerund.
What is the verb form of Referring?
The verb form is "refer."
Which preposition is used with Referring?
"To" is commonly used as in "referring to."
Which conjunction is used with Referring?
"And" can be used, for example, "He was referring to this and that."
Is Referring a negative or positive word?
It is neutral; its connotation depends on context.
What is the singular form of Referring?
"Referring" is a gerund or present participle, so it doesn't have a singular or plural form.
Is Referring a noun or adjective?
It can be a gerund (noun) or a present participle (adjective).
Which article is used with Referring?
"The" can be used depending on context, as in "the referring physician."
Is Referring a vowel or consonant?
It is a word, not a vowel or consonant.
Is Referring a collective noun?
No, it's not a collective noun.
Is Referring an adverb?
No, it's not an adverb.
What is another term for Referring?
"Citing" could be another term.
What is the opposite of Referring?
The opposite could be "ignoring" or "neglecting."
What is the first form of Referring?
"Refer" is the base form of the verb.
What is the third form of Referring?
"Referred" is also the past participle of the verb.
How do we divide Referring into syllables?
Re-fer-ring.
What is a stressed syllable in Referring?
The second syllable, "fer," is stressed.
What is the second form of Referring?
"Referred" is the past tense of the verb.
How is Referring used in a sentence?
Example: The teacher was referring to the guidelines when she made the class rules.
What part of speech is Referring?
It can be a gerund (noun) or a present participle (adjective).
Is Referring an abstract noun?
No, it's either a gerund or a present participle.
Is Referring a countable noun?
When used as a gerund, it is an uncountable noun.
Is the Referring term a metaphor?
Not inherently, unless used metaphorically.
Is the word Referring imperative?
No, it is not imperative; it's descriptive.
How many syllables are in Referring?
There are three syllables.
Which determiner is used with Referring?
"The" or "a" can be used depending on context, as in "the referring article" or "a referring link."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
