French Phrase
Qui est‑ce que je mets comme référence ?
Meaning
The speaker is asking which person they should list as a reference, typically on a résumé, job application, or academic dossier. It implies the need to choose someone who can attest to the speaker’s abilities or character.
When to use
Use this question when you are filling out a CV, a cover letter, a scholarship form, or any document that asks for a professional reference. It is also appropriate in informal conversations when you need advice about who would be a good reference.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quiest‑cequejemetscommeréférence?
Qui (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask about a person; it functions as the subject of the clause.
Est‑ce que (question particle)
A neutral way to turn a statement into a yes‑no or wh‑question without changing word order.
Mets (mettre, présent 1ʳᵉ pers. sing.)
The verb ‘mettre’ means ‘to put, to place, to list’; conjugated here in the present indicative.
Comme (preposition)
Introduces a comparison or role, here meaning ‘as’.
Référence (noun)
In a professional context it refers to a person who can vouch for you.
🗨In Conversation
Qui est‑ce que je mets comme référence ?
Who should I list as a reference?
Tu peux mettre ton ancien manager ; il te connaît bien et pourra parler de tes compétences.
You can put your former manager; he knows you well and can speak about your skills.
✕Common Mistakes
Qui est‑ce que je met comme référence ?
The verb must agree with the subject ‘je’; use ‘mets’ not ‘met’.
Qui je mets comme référence ?
Dropping ‘est‑ce que’ makes the sentence sound informal and can be ambiguous.
Qui est‑ce que je mets comme référance ?
The correct spelling is ‘référence’ with an ‘e’ after the ‘f’.
↔Alternatives
Qui dois‑je mettre comme référence ?
Who should I list as a reference?
Quelle personne puis‑je citer comme référence ?
Which person can I cite as a reference?
À qui puis‑je faire appel comme référence ?
Who can I turn to as a reference?
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking workplaces it is polite to ask the person’s permission before naming them as a reference. Also, the term ‘référence’ can refer to both a person and a document; make sure the context is clear. In formal applications, you may be asked to provide the reference’s contact details, so keep their phone number and email up‑to‑date.