Referred to as vs. Referred as – Which is Correct?
“Referred to as” is the grammatically correct and idiomatic phrase in English. “Referred as” is generally considered incorrect and incomplete because it omits the necessary preposition “to.” Always use “referred to as” for proper communication when indicating what something is called or known by.
Referred to as or Referred as – Which is Correct?
The correct and standard English phrase is “referred to as.” The verb “refer” requires the preposition “to” to properly introduce the object being named or identified. When you are stating what something is called or known by, the full phrasal verb construction “refer to” must be followed by “as.”
“Referred as” is grammatically incomplete and is therefore considered incorrect in standard written and spoken English. This common error often arises from confusion with other verbs that can directly take “as,” such as “regarded as” or “known as.” However, “refer” consistently demands “to” to complete its meaning in this context.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
A simple trick to remember the correct usage is to always associate the verb “refer” with the preposition “to.” Just as you “refer to a book” or “refer to a person,” when you are indicating what something is called, it must be “referred to as.” The “to” acts as a crucial link, directing the reference to the subsequent designation. Think of “refer” as a verb that always needs to point “to” something.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referred to as | Phrasal Verb | To be called or known by a particular name or term. | The new policy is referred to as “The Green Initiative.” |
| Referred as | Incorrect | Grammatically incomplete; omits necessary preposition “to.” | Incorrect: The new policy is referred as “The Green Initiative.” |
How to Use Referred to as
“Referred to as” is used to specify the name, title, or description by which someone or something is known, called, or designated. It is a formal and standard construction that ensures clarity and grammatical correctness. This phrase is essential when you are clarifying an identity or a common designation.
Example 1: The famous architect’s latest building is often referred to as “The Glass Tower.”
Example 2: In legal documents, the plaintiff is consistently referred to as “the claimant.”
Example 3: Historically, the period of rapid technological advancement is referred to as “the Industrial Revolution.”
Etymology of the word Refer
The verb “refer” originates from the Latin verb referre, which means “to carry back,” “to bring back,” or “to report.” It is formed from the prefix re-, meaning “back,” and ferre, meaning “to carry” or “to bear.” Over centuries, the meaning evolved to include “to direct attention to,” “to allude to,” or “to assign to a category.” This historical context underpins its modern usage, particularly in the phrasal verb “refer to,” which then extends to “referred to as” when specifying a designation.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammatical concepts like phrasal verbs and the role of prepositions can help clarify why “referred to as” is the correct and necessary construction.
- Phrasal Verbs: A phrasal verb is a verb combined with an adverb or a preposition (or both) to create a new meaning that often cannot be deduced from the individual words. “Refer to” functions as a phrasal verb, where “to” is an integral part of its meaning when directing attention or assigning a name. The “as” then introduces the specific designation.
- Prepositions: Prepositions are words like “to,” “in,” “on,” or “with” that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. In “referred to as,” the preposition “to” is crucial for linking the verb “referred” to the subsequent name or term, making the phrase grammatically complete and logically coherent. Its omission, as in “referred as,” leaves the sentence structurally incomplete.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The device, often referred to as a ‘smartphone,’ has revolutionized global communication.” (Technology Review)
- “In Shakespeare’s tragedy, the ghost of Hamlet’s father is frequently referred to as ‘the King’s spirit.'” (Literary Analysis)
- “Climate change, also referred to as ‘global warming,’ presents significant environmental challenges.” (News Report)
- “Her distinctive fashion sense was widely referred to as ‘minimalist chic’ by industry critics.” (Magazine Article)
- “The ancient city, with its impressive architecture, was referred to as ‘the jewel of the desert’ by early explorers.” (Historical Text)
Referred to as Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Called | To be given a specific name or appellation. |
| Known as | To be recognized or identified by a particular name or description. |
| Designated as | To be officially named, identified, or assigned a particular status. |
| Labeled as | To be described or identified in a particular way, often with a specific term. |
| Termed | To be given a particular name or expression, especially a technical one. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “referred as” ever correct?
A: No, “referred as” is generally considered grammatically incorrect and incomplete in standard English. The verb “refer” requires the preposition “to” to form the correct phrasal verb “refer to,” especially when indicating what something is called. While you might encounter it in very informal speech or non-standard writing, it is best avoided in formal contexts.
Question 2: Why do people make the mistake of saying “referred as”?
A: The error often stems from confusion with other similar constructions that *do* use “as” directly, such as “regarded as,” “known as,” or “described as.” Because these phrases are grammatically correct, speakers or writers might mistakenly apply the same structure to “refer,” overlooking its specific requirement for the preposition “to.”
Question 3: What is the difference between “referred to” and “referred to as”?
A: “Referred to” means to direct attention to something or someone, or to mention it. For example, “The speaker referred to previous research.” “Referred to as” means to be called or known by a particular name or term. For example, “The new building is referred to as ‘The Tower.'” The addition of “as” specifically indicates that the following word is the name, title, or designation.
Conclusion
In summary, “referred to as” is the unequivocally correct and idiomatic phrase to use when indicating what something or someone is called or known by. The inclusion of the preposition “to” is grammatically essential for the verb “refer” in this context. Avoiding “referred as” ensures clarity, precision, and adherence to standard English.
Pro Tip: For a professional and polished writing style, always pay close attention to phrasal verbs and their required prepositions. Using “referred to as” correctly demonstrates attention to detail and a strong command of the English language, significantly enhancing your credibility as a communicator.
