Refer vs Defer: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you often confused about whether to use the words “refer” or “defer”? These two words may sound similar, but they have different meanings and uses in the English language. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and provide you with some helpful tips on how to use them correctly.

It’s important to note that both “refer” and “defer” are proper words in the English language. However, they have different meanings and uses.

When we use the word “refer”, it means to direct someone or something to a particular source of information or to mention something in passing. For example, “I would like to refer you to my previous article on the topic.” In this case, the author is directing the reader to a particular source of information.

On the other hand, when we use the word “defer”, it means to delay or postpone something. For example, “I will defer my decision until I have more information.” In this case, the author is delaying their decision until they have more information.

Now that we’ve established the meanings of these two words, let’s dive deeper into their uses and how to use them correctly in different contexts.

Refer

Refer is a verb that means to direct someone’s attention to a particular thing, person, or place. In the context of communication, referring to something means mentioning it or alluding to it. Referring can be done in various ways, such as using pronouns, proper nouns, or descriptive phrases.

For example, in a conversation about a recent movie, one person might refer to a particular scene by saying, “Remember that part where the main character jumps off the building?” The speaker is directing the listener’s attention to a specific moment in the movie.

Defer

Defer is a verb that means to postpone or delay something until a later time. In the context of decision-making, deferring means to yield to someone else’s judgment or authority. When someone defers to another person, they acknowledge that the other person has more expertise or knowledge on a particular subject.

For example, if a group of colleagues is trying to make a decision about a project, one person might defer to another who has more experience in that area. The person is acknowledging that the other has more expertise and is therefore better equipped to make the decision.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using the words “refer” and “defer” in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they differ from each other. In this section, we’ll explore the proper usage of these two words in a sentence.

How To Use “Refer” In A Sentence

The word “refer” is often used to indicate that something is being directed or passed on to someone else. It can also be used to indicate that something is being mentioned or alluded to. Here are some examples of how to use “refer” in a sentence:

• I will refer you to our customer service department for further assistance.
• Can you refer me to a good book on this topic?
• The speaker referred to the research conducted by her team.

It’s important to note that “refer” is often followed by the preposition “to” when used in a sentence. This helps to clarify what the subject is being directed or passed on to.

How To Use “Defer” In A Sentence

The word “defer” is often used to indicate that something is being postponed or delayed. It can also be used to indicate that someone is yielding to another person’s authority or opinion. Here are some examples of how to use “defer” in a sentence:

• The meeting has been deferred until next week.
• She decided to defer her enrollment until next semester.
• He deferred to his boss’s expertise on the matter.

It’s important to note that “defer” is often followed by the preposition “to” when used in a sentence. This helps to clarify who or what the subject is yielding to.

More Examples Of Refer & Defer Used In Sentences

In order to gain a better understanding of how to use the words “refer” and “defer” in a sentence, let’s take a look at some examples:

Examples Of Using “Refer” In A Sentence

• Can you refer me to a good book on this topic?
• The speaker referred to the previous presentation in her speech.
• He always refers to himself as an expert in the field.
• She referred to her notes before answering the question.
• The teacher referred the student to the school counselor for further assistance.
• The article refers to several studies that support the author’s argument.
• He referred to the map to find his way around the city.
• The lawyer referred to a previous case to make her argument.
• The doctor referred the patient to a specialist for further testing.
• The company policy refers to the dress code for employees.

Examples Of Using “Defer” In A Sentence

• I will defer to your judgement on this matter.
• The decision was deferred until the next meeting.
• She deferred her acceptance to the university until the following year.
• The company deferred the project due to budget constraints.
• The professor deferred the deadline for the research paper.
• The team captain deferred to the coach’s decision on the play.
• He deferred his retirement until he had saved enough money.
• The judge deferred the sentencing until more evidence was presented.
• The CEO deferred the announcement of the new product line until the marketing plan was finalized.
• The employee deferred his vacation until after the busy season.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using refer and defer, there are some common mistakes that people tend to make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, which is why it’s important to understand the differences between the two words and how to use them correctly.

Using Refer And Defer Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using refer and defer interchangeably. While these words may sound similar, they have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

Refer means to direct someone to a source of information or to mention something in passing. For example, “I will refer you to the company’s website for more information.”

Defer, on the other hand, means to postpone or delay something. For example, “I will defer my decision until I have more information.”

Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication. For example, saying “I will refer my decision to a later date” is incorrect because refer does not mean to postpone or delay.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of refer and defer and to use them correctly. Here are some tips:

• Take the time to look up the definitions of refer and defer if you’re unsure of their meanings.
• Think carefully about which word to use in a given context.
• Proofread your writing to ensure that you’ve used the correct word.

By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and use refer and defer correctly in your writing and speech.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “refer” and “defer”, context plays a crucial role. While both words have similar meanings, their usage can vary depending on the situation.

Refer

The word “refer” means to direct someone to a source of information or to mention something in passing. It is often used in a professional setting, such as in academic writing or legal documents. For instance, a lawyer might refer to a previous case to support their argument, or a doctor might refer a patient to a specialist for further treatment. In these contexts, “refer” is used to indicate a specific source of information or expertise.

Defer

On the other hand, “defer” means to delay or postpone something. It is often used in a more casual setting, such as in everyday conversations or emails. For example, if someone asks you to meet them for lunch but you’re busy, you might defer the invitation to a later date. In this context, “defer” is used to indicate a delay or a change of plans.

However, the choice between “refer” and “defer” is not always clear-cut. In some situations, the two words can be used interchangeably, while in others, one might be more appropriate than the other.

Examples

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “refer” and “defer” might change:

Context	Refer	Defer
Academic Writing	When writing a research paper, it’s important to refer to credible sources.	When writing a research paper, it’s best to defer to your professor’s guidelines.
Business Meeting	During the meeting, the CEO referred to the company’s financial performance.	During the meeting, the CEO deferred the decision to the board of directors.
Social Invitation	Thanks for inviting me to your party! I’ll refer to my calendar and let you know if I can make it.	Thanks for inviting me to your party! I’ll have to defer to my spouse’s schedule before I can RSVP.

As you can see, the choice between “refer” and “defer” can depend on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the specific situation and the intended meaning before choosing which word to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using refer and defer are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few instances where the standard rules might not apply:

1. Technical Writing

In technical writing, it’s common to use “refer” to mean “direct the reader to.” For example, a technical manual might say, “Please refer to page 42 for more information.” In this case, “refer” is being used to indicate a specific location or piece of information, rather than as a synonym for “defer.”

2. Legal Writing

Legal writing also has its own set of conventions when it comes to using “refer” and “defer.” In legal contexts, “refer” is often used to mean “make a reference to,” while “defer” is used to mean “postpone” or “delay.” For example, a legal document might say, “The court will defer ruling on this matter until further evidence is presented.” In this case, “defer” is being used to indicate a delay in the decision-making process, rather than as a synonym for “refer.”

3. Regional Differences

Finally, it’s worth noting that there may be regional differences in how “refer” and “defer” are used. For example, in British English, “defer” is often used to mean “yield to the judgment or wishes of another person,” while this usage is less common in American English. Similarly, in some contexts, “refer” may be used more frequently than “defer” or vice versa, depending on the specific industry or field.

Overall, while the rules for using “refer” and “defer” are generally straightforward, it’s important to keep these exceptions in mind in order to use these terms effectively in different contexts.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of refer and defer in sentences is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you get started:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either refer or defer:

1. Can you please ____ me to the email you sent yesterday?
2. I will ____ to your expertise on this matter.
3. She always likes to ____ to her notes before answering a question.
4. He decided to ____ the decision to the committee.
5. They agreed to ____ the project until next month.

Answer Key:

1. refer
2. defer
3. refer
4. defer
5. defer

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word

Identify whether the correct word to use is refer or defer:

Sentence	Refer or Defer?
The book I’m reading right now ____ to the importance of self-care.	refer
I’ll have to ____ to my calendar to see if I’m available next week.	refer
Let’s ____ this decision until we have more information.	defer
He always likes to ____ to his mentor for advice.	refer
She decided to ____ her questions to the end of the meeting.	defer

Explanation: In the first and second sentences, refer is used because the speaker is directing someone to something specific. In the third and fifth sentences, defer is used because the speaker is delaying a decision or action. In the fourth sentence, refer is used because the speaker is seeking advice or guidance from someone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “refer” and “defer” is crucial for effective communication. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Referring to something means to mention or direct attention to it, while deferring means to postpone or delay.
• These two words are often confused due to their similar spellings and pronunciations.
• Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misunderstandings in both written and spoken communication.
• It’s important to pay attention to context when deciding which word to use.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes like confusing “refer” and “defer.” Whether through reading books, taking courses, or practicing writing and speaking, there are many ways to enhance your language abilities.