Question

Let’s say that some function returns object reference. How one should properly spell:

• this function returns reference to an object
• this function returns reference of an object

?

Are both forms correct?

Answer 1

I agree with @Amadan: “reference to” is more clear than “reference of,” even if “reference of” is acceptable grammatically. But I think the most important thing is that you approach this consistently, and don’t mix and match different constructions to refer to the same concept or process.