Are you confused about the difference between “referred” and “deferred”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between referred and deferred, and when to use each one.
Let’s define the words. “Referred” means to direct someone or something to a particular person or source for information or decision. “Deferred” means to postpone or delay something until a later time.
So, which one is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context. If you’re talking about directing someone to a particular person or source, then “referred” is the word you want. If you’re talking about postponing or delaying something, then “deferred” is the word you want.
Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll dive deeper into the meanings and uses of referred and deferred. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of when to use each one.
Define Referred
Referred refers to the act of directing or sending someone or something to a particular person, place or thing for further action or consideration. In the context of business, it often refers to the practice of sending a client or customer to another person or department who is better equipped to handle their needs or inquiries.
For example, a customer who calls a company’s general customer service line with a specific technical question may be referred to the company’s technical support team for more specialized assistance.
Referred can also be used in the context of job applications, where a candidate is referred to a potential employer by someone they know. This can often give the candidate an advantage in the hiring process, as they are being recommended by someone the employer trusts.
Define Deferred
Deferred, on the other hand, refers to delaying or postponing something to a later time or date. In the context of finance, it often refers to the practice of delaying the payment of taxes or other financial obligations to a later date.
For example, a company may choose to defer the payment of taxes on their profits in order to reinvest that money back into the business. This can be a beneficial strategy for companies looking to grow and expand their operations.
Deferred can also be used in the context of college admissions, where a student is deferred from their first-choice college and instead offered a place on the waitlist. This means that the college is not rejecting the student outright, but is instead delaying their acceptance decision until later in the admissions process.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial in ensuring that the message is conveyed accurately. The words “referred” and “deferred” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Referred” In A Sentence
The word “referred” is used when mentioning or alluding to something or someone previously mentioned or known. It is often used in the context of providing additional information or directing someone to a particular source. Here are some examples:
- As per our conversation, I have referred you to our legal department to discuss the matter further.
- The teacher referred to the textbook for additional information on the topic.
- The article referred to the study conducted by the university.
It is important to note that the word “referred” is past tense, and the correct usage of it in a sentence depends on the context and the tense of the sentence. Ensure that the previous mention or context is clear to avoid confusion.
How To Use “Deferred” In A Sentence
The word “deferred” is used when postponing or delaying something to a later time or date. It is often used in the context of making a decision or taking action. Here are some examples:
- The company deferred the decision to invest in the project until next quarter.
- The student deferred their enrollment to the next academic year.
- The court deferred the sentencing to a later date.
It is important to note that the word “deferred” is also past tense, and the correct usage of it in a sentence depends on the context and the tense of the sentence. Ensure that the reason for the postponement or delay is clear to avoid confusion.
More Examples Of Referred & Deferred Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide you with more examples of how to use the words referred and deferred in sentences. Understanding how to use these words correctly is crucial in ensuring that your communication is clear and effective. Let’s dive into some examples.
Examples Of Using Referred In A Sentence
- She referred me to the company’s website for more information.
- The doctor referred me to a specialist for further testing.
- He referred to the notes he took during the meeting.
- The lawyer referred to a previous case to support his argument.
- They referred to the report for guidance on the project.
- She referred to him as her best friend.
- The teacher referred to the textbook for the answer.
- He referred to the map to find his way around the city.
- The author referred to historical events in the novel.
- The employee referred to the policy manual for guidance.
Examples Of Using Deferred In A Sentence
- The decision was deferred until the next meeting.
- He deferred his acceptance to the university until the following year.
- The company deferred the project due to budget constraints.
- She deferred to her colleague’s expertise on the subject.
- The athlete deferred to the coach’s decision regarding his training.
- They deferred the payment until the end of the month.
- The committee deferred the proposal for further review.
- He deferred his opinion until he had more information.
- The judge deferred the sentencing until the following week.
- The student deferred the assignment until the weekend.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the terms ‘referred’ and ‘deferred’, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of one another. Below are some common mistakes people make when using these terms and tips on how to avoid making them in the future.
Using ‘Referred’ Instead Of ‘Deferred’
One common mistake is using ‘referred’ instead of ‘deferred’ when talking about postponing something. While ‘referred’ means to direct someone to a different person or source for help or information, ‘deferred’ means to postpone or delay something.
For example, saying “I referred my meeting to next week” is incorrect usage. The correct sentence should be “I deferred my meeting to next week”.
Using ‘Deferred’ Instead Of ‘Referred’
On the other hand, using ‘deferred’ instead of ‘referred’ can also lead to confusion. ‘Deferred’ means to postpone or delay something, while ‘referred’ means to direct someone to a different person or source for help or information.
For instance, saying “I deferred my client to the customer service department” is incorrect usage. The correct sentence should be “I referred my client to the customer service department”.
Tips For Avoiding Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the difference between ‘referred’ and ‘deferred’. Here are some tips:
- Be mindful of the context in which you are using the words.
- Double-check the definition of the word before using it.
- Consider using a thesaurus to find alternative words if you are unsure of the correct usage.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “referred” and “deferred”, the context in which they are used can play a significant role in determining which word is most appropriate to use.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “referred” and “deferred” might change:
| Context | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Documents | In legal documents, the choice between “referred” and “deferred” can have specific legal implications. | For example, in a contract, the use of “referred” might indicate that a specific section of the contract is being referenced, while the use of “deferred” might indicate that a decision is being postponed. |
| Academic Writing | In academic writing, the choice between “referred” and “deferred” can affect the tone and formality of the writing. | For example, in a research paper, the use of “referred” might be more appropriate when citing specific sources, while the use of “deferred” might be more appropriate when discussing future research. |
| Business Communications | In business communications, the choice between “referred” and “deferred” can impact the clarity and professionalism of the message. | For example, in an email, the use of “referred” might be more appropriate when directing someone to a specific document or resource, while the use of “deferred” might be more appropriate when delaying a decision or action. |
As you can see, the choice between “referred” and “deferred” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. It is important to consider the legal, academic, or business implications of each word choice to ensure that the message is clear, professional, and appropriate for the intended audience.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using referred and deferred are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where these rules might not apply. It is important to understand these exceptions to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings in communication.
Exceptions For “Referred”
- When used in legal terms: In legal terms, “referred” can have a different meaning. For example, a case might be “referred” to a higher court, meaning that it has been passed on for further consideration or review.
- When used in medical terms: In medical terms, “referred” can refer to a patient being sent to a specialist or another healthcare provider for further evaluation or treatment.
- When used in academic settings: In academic settings, “referred” might refer to a student being recommended for a specific course or program based on their academic performance or interests.
Exceptions For “Deferred”
- When used in financial terms: In financial terms, “deferred” might refer to a payment or income that has been postponed to a later date. For example, a deferred payment plan might allow a customer to pay for a product or service over time.
- When used in legal terms: In legal terms, “deferred” might refer to a sentence or judgment that has been postponed or delayed. For example, a judge might defer a sentence to allow the defendant to complete a rehabilitation program.
- When used in academic settings: In academic settings, “deferred” might refer to an admission decision that has been postponed or delayed. For example, a student might receive a deferred admission decision, meaning that their application will be reviewed again at a later time.
It is important to note that these exceptions might not apply in all contexts and situations. It is always best to consider the specific context and usage of “referred” and “deferred” to ensure clear and effective communication.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of referred and deferred is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that will help you master the use of these two words:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either referred or deferred:
- The decision was ________ to a later date.
- The matter was ________ to the committee for further review.
- The customer was ________ to a different department for assistance.
- The lawyer ________ to a previous case to make his argument.
Answer Key:
- deferred
- referred
- referred
- referred
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- The employee’s request for a raise was ________ to the HR department.
- a) referred
- b) deferred
- a) referred
- b) deferred
- a) referred
- b) deferred
Answer Key:
- a) referred
- b) deferred
- a) referred
Practice exercises like these will help you become more comfortable with using referred and deferred in your writing and speaking. Keep practicing and you’ll soon master the use of these two words!
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between referred and deferred is crucial for effective communication. Referred is used when directing someone to another person or source, while deferred is used when delaying something to a later time or date.
It is important to note that the incorrect use of these words can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Therefore, taking the time to learn and master proper grammar and language use is essential for success in both personal and professional settings.
Key Takeaways
- Referred and deferred are two commonly confused words in the English language.
- Referred is used when directing someone to another person or source.
- Deferred is used when delaying something to a later time or date.
- Using these words correctly is important for effective communication.
Continuing Learning
If you are interested in continuing your education on grammar and language use, there are many resources available to you. Consider taking a course or workshop, reading books on the subject, or practicing with online exercises and quizzes. By investing in your language skills, you can improve your communication abilities and achieve greater success in your personal and professional life.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.