referring

The word “referring” means the act of directing attention to, or mentioning, something. In plain terms, the ongoing action of referring to or mentioning something.

Here is “referring” used in a sentence: “Referring to old grudges never helps resolve an argument.”

“Referring” is a noun.

“Referring” is a fairly common word in modern English.

"Referring" is almost always followed by "to," as in "referring to the earlier report" or "the article you were referring to." The pairing "refer to" is fixed, meaning to direct attention to or mention something. Leaving out "to" is a common error.

"Referring to" means directing attention to something, often something already known or previously introduced, as in "referring to the point you made." "Mentioning" means bringing something up, sometimes for the first time and often briefly. You refer to a topic already in discussion, whereas you mention something to introduce it.

"Referring" is spelled with a double "r" in the middle: r-e-f-e-r-r-i-n-g. The final "r" of "refer" doubles because the stress falls on the last syllable when the ending is added. The common misspelling "refering" with one "r" is incorrect.

"Referring" means directing attention to or mentioning something directly and openly. "Alluding" means hinting at something indirectly without naming it. If you refer to a person you name them, but if you allude to them you only suggest them.