The example sentence refers to an article discussing the salaries of scientists.
Unpacking the Reference
The phrase "with reference to" is a standard English idiom used to indicate the subject, topic, or previous communication that the current message relates to. It acts as a signpost, telling the recipient what prompted the communication or what it is about.
Let's examine the specific reference provided:
Reference Material:
- I am writing with reference to your article on salaries for scientists. I'm calling in reference to your series on prejudice.
The question focuses on the first sentence:
I am writing with reference to your article on salaries for scientists.
In this sentence, the phrase "with reference to" introduces the specific subject matter that the act of writing is connected to. Following this phrase is the noun phrase "your article on salaries for scientists".
Therefore, based directly on the content of this example sentence, the reference point is:
- An article: Specifically, an article that belongs to or was published by the recipient ("your article").
- On salaries for scientists: The subject matter of this article is the salaries of scientists.
Essentially, the writer is initiating communication because of or concerning an article the recipient previously published, and the core topic of that article is how much scientists are paid.
This structure is crucial for clarity in formal and semi-formal communication, ensuring the recipient understands the context immediately. For example, if you are writing a letter or email, beginning with "With reference to..." helps set the stage for the rest of your message.
Another instance from the reference, "I'm calling in reference to your series on prejudice," demonstrates the same principle applied to a phone call and a different type of media (a series).
Understanding the object of the phrase "with reference to" in any given sentence is key to grasping the communication's context.
