What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ref
Example
Please provide a ref for that statistic. [ref: noun]
Example
The author cited several refs to support their argument. [refs: plural noun]
source
Example
The source of the river is in the mountains. [source: noun]
Example
I need to find a reliable source for this information. [source: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Source is more commonly used than ref in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications. However, ref is essential in academic and scholarly writing, where citing sources is crucial for providing credibility and accuracy to written works.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ref and source?
Ref is more formal than source, as it is primarily used in academic and scholarly writing. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and tone of the writing.
