Faithr Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 Is saying 'referred back' ungrammatical? Should it just be the word 'referred'? Isn't kind of like saying 'where's the book at?' The preposition at the end being redundant? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I don't think so because when you say referred back to someone it would not be "referred back" that would be used if it was referred to someone else. Kwim? Ignore the grammar used in the above. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 (edited) It depends on the context, because sometimes it takes a different meaning: "I refer you to Dr. Smith" means you should go and consult Dr. Smith. "I refer you back to Dr. Smith" would mean you should go to Dr, Smith whom you previously consulted (Dr Smith sent you to me, I can't do anything for you, so you need to go BACK to him) OTOH, if there is no previous encounter with the source, "back" should be omitted. "Refer back to your dictionary" sounds redundant. Edited February 24, 2012 by regentrude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithr Posted February 24, 2012 Author Share Posted February 24, 2012 Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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